Classroom Drawing

Mini Davis is a Winnipeg-based artist whose primary passion has been drawing since childhood. With formal training from the University of Manitoba (1980-83) and earlier commercial art studies at Kildonan East Regional Secondary (1972-76), Davis has developed a remarkable skill in draftsmanship while maintaining an exploratory approach to various mediums and materials. His work spans diverse themes including cars, pop culture, landscapes, people, and music, often incorporating elements of irony and duality. Initially influenced by American artists like Basquiat, Herring, R. Kitja, and Larry Rivers, Davis has more recently drawn inspiration from Old World masters.

Davis's artistic philosophy balances disciplined technical skill with expressive creativity. His work has gained significant recognition, with pieces held in prestigious collections including the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Canada Council Art Bank, the Manitoba Arts Council Art Bank, the University of Winnipeg, and the Province of Manitoba's Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. For Davis, creating art represents both a serious discipline and a joyful exercise in imagination, with drawing remaining at the core of his artistic expression.