Personal profile
About
Tessa Davidson is an Associate Professor of Art and Design at Harding University. She graduated from Harding in 2006 with a Bachelor of Art in Art Education. She received a Master of Education at Harding, a Master of Art in Art History from UALR, and a Master of Fine Arts from the New Hampshire Institute of Art. Tessa and her husband, T.J., have two daughters, Eden and Hannah. Alongside her teaching career, she maintains a professional studio practice and enjoys biblical studies, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Artist Statement:
My work combines contemporary and traditional media including performance, video, sound, and representational oil painting. I am inspired by historic forms of the human figure, particularly when the figure is integrated into sacred and contemplative spaces. Symbolic gestures, objects, and approaches of Medieval and Renaissance devotional art heavily influence my approach. My paintings, performances, and videos are infused with poetic elements to provide space for reflection. By echoing historical themes in contemporary veils, I aim to highlight humanity’s ongoing existential quest for hope, meaning and belief.
Related documents
Education/Academic qualification
MFA, New Hampshire Institute of Art Manchester, NH
2015 → 2018
MA, University of Arkansas in Little Rock Little Rock, AR
2009 → 2014
M.Ed, Harding University
2007 → 2009
BA, Harding University
2003 → 2006
Disciplines
- Art and Design
-
Saints Re-Formed (Project Portfolio)
Davidson, T., 2019Research output: Non-textual form › Digital or Visual Products
-
Thomas Waterman Wood's Portrayal of Black Citizens During the Early Reconstruction Era
Davidson, T., May 2014Research output: Thesis › Doctoral Thesis
Open AccessFile -
Art & Altars: Reflections on Contemporary Art and Contemporary Christianity
Davidson, T., Jan 2018Research output: Thesis › Doctoral Thesis
Open AccessFile
-
Christians in the Visual Arts (External organization)
Davidson, T. (Member)
Jan 1 2016 → …Activity: Membership › Membership of network
-
Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Art (External organization)
Davidson, T. (Member)
Jan 1 2018 → Jan 1 2023Activity: Membership › Membership of committee
-
Association of Scholars of Christianity in the History of Art (External organization)
Davidson, T. (Member)
Jan 1 2018 → …Activity: Membership › Membership of network
-
Culture Shock Art Collective (External organization)
Davidson, T. (Member)
Jan 1 2018 → …Activity: Membership › Membership of network