Artwork copyright John Davis. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright John Davis. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Greg Lehman.

Artwork copyright John Davis. Photo courtesy of the artist, by Greg Lehman.

Artwork copyright John Davis. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright John Davis. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Harvest the Page, 2011

John Davis
(American, born 1956)

Location: Walla Walla Community College, Walla Walla

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Harvest the Page is a two-part installation by artist John Davis, located at Walla Walla Community College. Each sculpture includes two forms the artist refers to as a "book" and a "roller". The cylindrical roller appears to squeeze the curved planes of the book. Davis notes, “The manner in which the planes grow and expand up from the rollers is reminiscent of plants or crops. The gesture presented in this roller element could also be seen as evoking the farming activities (harvesting, threshing…) common in the Walla Walla Valley. The two elements interact and are joined in a dance. Their duality reflects the dual aspects of academics and vocational training at the college. They form an uplifting and playful tribute to the process of learning and betterment in the setting of the Walla Walla valley."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Walla Walla Community College and Department of Corrections.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Albuquerque, New Mexico-based artist John Davis creates sculptures that are strongly influenced by the American Southwest landscape, as well as by natural and man-made forms. His early studies in architecture were his introduction to art. Activities associated with connecting to the land – such as surveying, collecting natural materials, recording observations – are an important part of his artistic process.
Davis completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture at Northern Arizona University in 1979 and a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Arizona in 1987.