An Artist's Life

<p><strong><em>An Artist's Life</em></strong><em> </em>tells of artist author and architect Carlton Davis's relentless search for his soul's desire. With degrees in architecture he works with luminary architects but his<em> métier </em>is making art. He relates to the art stars <span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>while berating himself for lacking their talent and discipline. Yet his antennae</span> are always alert. Despite terrifying mood swings he is a keen observer of human nature which he documents with drawings and words.</p><p></p><p><strong>Life's travails bedevil Carlton.</strong> He attempts suicide has a failed marriage becomes addicted to crack cocaine and discovers he contains a female self he calls Carlotta because she's a whole lotta Carl. He struggles to sit in silent meditation but ends up at a mental hospital where a gifted psychiatrist proves to him that he is suffering from Bipolar I disorder and helps him initiate<span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> sobriety and recovery.</span></p><p></p><p>Self-portraits grace every chapter of <strong><em>An Artist's Life</em></strong><em> </em>covering 50 years. At first glance there appear to be a dozen sitters rather than one but this shows the essence of <span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Carl's harrowing unrest</span>. <em>An Artist's Life</em> pleases the eye and ear whether perused at random or read cover to cover. The book reflects a joyous collaboration between Davis and co-author Peter Lownds who bring this moving story that combines art history reminiscence<span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> and the pleasure of success.</span></p>