If you’ve ever admired the vibrant, pop-culture-savvy murals inside Charleston staple The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery, your eyes have feasted on the talent of local artist and muralist Jason Davis.
Davis, 45, describes his work as “bright, vibrant and illustrative” and has been creating art around Charleston for more than 20 years.
“Art was something that always came naturally,” he told Holy City Sinner of his upbringing in Connecticut. “I have always drawn, always painted. My earliest memories of art are of my uncle. He used to draw really cool Star Wars cartoons in the mid-’80s and Sports Illustrated covers. I thought it was really cool. I would sit and watch him draw stuff all night. Nobody else had any artistic skill [in my family].”
Davis didn’t realize he could turn art into a career until a high school counselor encouraged him to pursue it.
After studying studio art at the College of Charleston—where he also met his wife—he dove into the art world, landing work in galleries around town and on King Street.
“I started in advertising and graphic design,” he said.
Gifted in illustration, his artistic journey led him into TV production, where he served as art director on many network TV shows on ABC, NBC and CBS, including Seinfeld. He also brought his unique eye to the Broadway stage, working on productions including Hamilton.
But it’s Davis’ large-scale work where he truly excels, and he’s been working hard to grow his mural business. It’s a path that allows him to connect with strangers who often encounter him painting in public.
“I love talking to people,” he said. “Literally 50 people will come up and talk to me just from seeing the actual art taking place.”
In addition to restaurants (Davis also counts Paisano’s as a client), his work has expanded into private homes throughout the Lowcountry. While some clients give him “free rein,” most projects are collaborative, aiming to capture a specific style.
“I’ve got bold, dark lines and bright colors,” he explained. “But I can also replicate any style to be more realistic or abstract.”
Davis typically starts his mural concepts on his iPad, creating three to five proposals before settling on a final design. “Most murals take 10 to 14 days, depending on the size,” he said, with most measuring more than 12 feet by 12 feet. Recently, he completed a kitchen project that was 30 feet by 10 feet and took two weeks to finish.
These days, his biggest source of inspiration is his 4-year-old daughter.
“I see art through my daughter’s eyes. She’s a [freaking] awesome artist. It’s crazy to see. She wants to come paint and draw with Daddy,” he shared emotionally.
Of course, he also finds inspiration in everyday life—walks around town, local architecture and the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.
“Living in Charleston inspires my art,” Davis said. “When I need to get inspired, I take my three dogs out to Folly Beach to walk and clear my head. Walking downtown inspires me.”
Davis is proud to be a part of Charleston’s growing artistic community and is encouraged by how local creatives are increasingly embraced.
“The way this city has grown creatively in the last 10 years is unbelievable,” he said. “Ten years ago, a mural on the wall would have been considered graffiti. Now the city is really accepting of it. It’s so cool to see.”
