John Davidson was born in Danville, Ilinois. He served in the military, and then taught school around the world. When his twin sons were born in Nice, France, he and wife, Maryanne, brought them home to America. Davidson accepted a job at Northern Arizona University. He spent his last decade of life as a resident of Mountainair, New Mexico, where he shared a studio with long time companion and artist Dorothy Baker. Davidson was an accomplished artist whose work depicts respect for the Maya people - an ancient civilization whose persecution began with the arrival of Cortez in the 16th century and lasted through the recent series of Guatemalan military dictatorships.
Davidson had been an artist and an art teacher for more than 40 years when moved to Mountainair from Deming in 1991, making his home and studio in the old schoolhouse at 600 North Summit Road in Mountainair. For him, interest in Maya and meso-American art began while an undergraduate at the University of Illinois after World War II. His favorite ancient Maya piece was "Young Maize God," created in 775, which he described as "a portrait figure personifying maize with a sense of contemplation, ritualized gestures (offering) profound emotional appeal".
Among his own creations, his favorite was "Homage to the Mayan Artist" because, he said, "it's an opportunity to show serial images of Mayan culture."
Davidson pointed out that many contemporary artists and architects use Maya thinking (Henry Moore, Frank Lloyd Wright, etc.), and he mentioned the Maya temple on top of the Empire State Building.
Davidson's art has been exhibited in private collections and at Northern Arizona University. Currently there is a large relief created by Davidson on the facade of the Art Auditorium at Western New Mexico University in Silver City. His Maya art is available for exhibit through his sons (by appointment only). Contact Jesse Davidson through Cibola Art Gallery, Mountainair, New Mexico (505 847-0324).
John Davidson said that Maya art communicates "...religious beliefs, documents numerous historical events and renders (the Mayan's) deeply spiritual lives."
As for their architectural genius, he said, "The beauty and solidity of their ceremonial centers are highlights of human achievement along with the seven wonders of the ancient world."
Unknown to most who knew him, Davidson had much in common with Samuel Clemens AKA Mark Twain. His great grandmother was Twain's cousin. Talent certainly ran in the family.
John Davidson passed away at his home in Mountainair on December 31, 2001. His son Jesse was at his side. His companion, Dorothy Baker, was also with him. He is survived by sons Jesse F., John Jr., and grandson Brennan. Davidson's art is now available in high-quality limited number prints from Cibola Art Gallery, 217 West Broadway, Mountainair NM 87036. Telephone: (505) 847-0324. Prices start at $50.00 and exhibit the Davidson family seal on each print, with an official certificate of authenticity. Any print lacking these special markings should be considered fraudulent.
Examples of his art will appear on this site, and change about once per month. The extraordinary piece, Homage to the Mayan Artist, is currently on display at Cibola Art Gallery. You will pay studio prices through Cibola.
