Maya Davis, an interdisciplinary artist hailing from Rochester, NY, has carved a unique niche in the art and design world.
Maya Davis, A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textile/Surface Design and a minor in Art History, Maya has seamlessly integrated her educational background into her professional endeavors. Currently residing in Westchester, NY, she continues to make significant strides in the field of home textile design.
Maya's artistic journey took a transformative turn in 2018 when she began to create art using techniques she cherished from her high school days, further refined during her college years. This evolution led to the birth of Udeen Designs, a brand that symbolizes the “brightness of faith,” inspired by a family name. Udeen Designs is more than just a brand; it is Maya’s homage to her family's investment in her, which she aims to honor and pay forward.
Specializing in fiber arts, pointillism, and mixed media, Maya's work stands out for its distinctive style. A notable feature of her art is the minimalistic portrayal of facial features in her figures.
While they might possess a nose, lips, or a pair of eyebrows and earrings, they lack detailed facial expressions. Initially, Maya would explain this choice as a means to allow viewers to identify with the figures more personally. However, she later revealed that this stylistic decision stemmed from her own insecurities about accurately capturing facial details, a challenge she hadn’t attempted to tackle since high school.
The inception of Udeen Designs was profoundly influenced by Maya’s experiences while working within the corporate sector of the textile industry. During her tenure, she was struck by the immense and often overlooked waste generated on a daily basis. This firsthand exposure to the environmental impact and inefficiencies of the industry ignited a desire within her to make a meaningful change. She felt a growing responsibility to address these issues and to contribute to a more sustainable and conscientious approach to design.
Driven by this newfound purpose, Maya founded Udeen Designs with a clear mission: to champion ethical design, foster creativity, and support community initiatives. She envisioned a brand that not only produces aesthetically pleasing and high-quality products but also prioritizes sustainability and social responsibility. Udeen Designs was created to offer thoughtfully designed products that would not only meet the functional and aesthetic needs of consumers but also contribute positively to their overall quality of life.
Maya’s belief in the significant impact that design has on our daily lives is at the core of Udeen Designs. She is committed to creating products that are not only beautiful and functional but also ethically produced and environmentally sustainable. Through her brand, Maya seeks to inspire a shift towards more mindful consumption and to demonstrate that it is possible to create and enjoy products that are both innovative and responsible. Udeen Designs stands as a testament to her dedication to transforming the textile industry and making a positive difference in the world.
Artist Q&A with OA
1. When did you start as an artist? Where did you start out? The artists that inspire me are Cristina Martinez, Uzo Art, Sean Brown, Kehinde Wiley & Bisa Butler
2. What inspired you the most to begin your journey as an artist?
My intentional journey with art began around 2017. I was working my first corporate job as a textile designer. I wanted to be more creative and my job was discarding fabric so I took home what I could and started creating with it.
3. Who are some artists you work with or inspire you ?
I have always been a creative. Art has always been my outlet and creating was always my strength. I started making art for myself again around 2016.
4. Would you say you have a specific style or theme, if so how would you describe that?
I’m an interdisciplinary artist. I work in multiple mediums because I love them all and for different reasons. Most of the techniques I use I learned in high school and strengthened in college. My fabric paintings speak to the ethical, textile enthusiast in me that wants to reduce my industries impact. The weaving is a therapeutic process for me and speak to my love of fibers and their possibilities. The pointillism work is also very calming for me and requires me to slow down. I can tell many different stories with each medium. I can also intersect them and that flexibility is fun for me.
5. Where can people find your work?
People can find my work on my website www.udeendesigns.com, as well as on socials @udeendesigns.
6. What have been some of your most recent exhibitions or shows?
My most recent show was the Black Art Matters Juneteenth Pop-Up Festival in Brooklyn NY.
7. What do you have coming up or that you are currently working on?
Currently I am focused on a few commission opportunities as well as finishing up some new artworks that I am excited about.
8. Where can we follow you or stay in the loop with your updates?
You can continue to follow me on socials as well as my website. I have a blog within my website where I highlight some of my experiences and processes. You can also add yourself to my email list for direct info & updates.
Maya’s commitment to ethical design and community engagement is evident in her participation in various art events and exhibitions. Most recently, she showcased her work at the Cannavita Art Gallery's event on June 14, 2024. This event highlighted her ongoing dedication to creative growth and her desire to connect with a broader audience.
Maya Davis continues to inspire with her unique blend of artistry and ethical design principles. Through Udeen Designs, she not only honors her family’s legacy but also contributes to a more thoughtful and sustainable design landscape.
Be sure to follow Marta Eliza on his social platforms and stay tuned for upcoming shows.