Alexandria Davis – Michigan
My work is a conversation with the world, weaving threads of social and interpersonal commentary. I love offering prompts that invite viewers and participants to reflect before and after encountering my creations or joining a creative process. When our time together builds awareness of how we connect and share stories, I might spark a memory or association tied to a name or origin story. If I want to encourage deeper introspection about identity and belonging within shared spaces, cultures, or our own bodies, in nature or beyond, I might ask, “If your heart were a fruit, what would it be?” or “If I plant you, what will you grow?” Nature-connectedness holds many layers for me. I think about how our minds and bodies draw strength from the world around us, how sunlight, fresh air, and the quiet pulse of the earth nourish us. Beyond the physical, I am drawn to the subtle, vibrational ties that shape who we are, how we learn, unlearn, adapt, and move through ever-changing environments. Breathe deeply, stretch wide, shake loose, let out a scream, and listen for the echoes that answer. Wander near a body of water or sit quietly, letting nature wash over you. Watch the world from your window, mimic the rhythms of the wild, and rediscover how it feels to exist in your own skin. Journal your thoughts, trace how your experiences shape your habits, and notice how you can shift, shrink, or expand within the spaces you inhabit. Let your imagination roam, meditate, and tune in to every sensation. Whether fully immersed in nature or catching glimpses as you move through daily life, there are endless ways to connect. In moments of uncertainty, I find myself contemplating the facets of life and mortality. I became hyper-aware of this habit during the Covid-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders. Spending so much time alone in an apartment away from home, with the urge to follow the rising death tolls and performances of social unrest, created a need to be intentional in how I manifest freedom from screens, routines, and compromised regimes. I often want to dance naked on a beach and let my flesh ripple and roll to the sounds of cascading waves and seagulls. On most spring days, I settle for soaking my feet in the river as I float downstream in good company and conversation. As a Florida-grown dancer and daughter, I have a passion for the swamp, spongy moss, and pimped-out Donks. I invite my audiences to witness and process their impressions of being and often guide participants through reflective activities that encourage us to dance like everyone is watching and let it all hang out.