An Artist’s Life 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 métier is making art. He relates to the art stars while berating himself for lacking their talent and discipline. Yet his antennae are always alert. Despite terrifying mood swings, he is a keen observer of human nature which he documents with drawings and words. Life’s travails bedevil Carlton. 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 sobriety and recovery. Self-portraits grace every chapter of An Artist’s Life, covering 50 years. At first glance, there appear to be a dozen sitters rather than one, but this shows the essence of Carl’s harrowing unrest. An Artist’s Life 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, and the pleasure of success. Carlton Davis Art Dock (2024) ISBN: 979-8991174800 Reviewed by Jordan Waterwash for Reader Views (09/2025) Many know artists live life on the cutting edge, but few understand what that existence can do to a person. An Artist's Life by Carlton Davis introduces readers to what it means to be an artist in our world today, and how that life can lead to danger, excitement, and deep despair. At the end of the day, though, we learn through Davis' eyes that living as an artist can open so many doors one might not have thought possible. The book starts in the year 1970 and ends in 2024. We follow Davis through his life as he recounts his days as a professor of architecture, a husband and father, and a struggling artist with intense emotional distress. In his early years, Davis spends much of his life hoping to begin his journey as an artist, but finds himself stuck teaching and practicing architecture with his first wife, Johanna, in Wyoming. As his dissatisfaction with his profession grows, life with Johanna also becomes more tumultuous. Ultimately, soon after the birth of their daughter, Davis leaves Wyoming for California, where he truly begins his life as a starving artist. Throughout the book, Davis weaves his own life with snippets of art history. We learn more about Davis through his passion for Warhol, van Gogh, Rembrandt, Picasso, Goya, Kahlo, and more—particularly through their self-portraits, which is the main focus of Davis's own work. Along the way, Davis delves into his mental health struggles and how he relates to his predecessors through their respective struggles. We hear about Davis's alter ego—a saucy woman named Carlotta—and how her presence in his life leads to both profound realizations about his personhood and deeply dangerous behavior. Ultimately, the reader gets to experience the full spectrum of Davis' life as he has lived it; we see some of his highest highs and his lowest lows. I found myself captivated by Davis's fortitude and momentum as he pulled himself from the cliff's edge time and time again. By the end, I felt really connected to Davis and his struggles. I believe anyone who enjoys memoir-esque reads will enjoy this book. Be aware: There are multiple mentions of drug use, sexual situations, abuse, and things of that nature throughout the book. However, if you are looking for a read that will teach you about what it means to be an artist in our society, you won't be disappointed. Carlton Davis is an author, artist, and architect. In 2024, Davis published a book that recounts 50 years of self-portraits. He wrote for LA Architect and was their design critic. In 2009, He published a book entitled Bipolar Bare, which documents his 40-year struggle with Bipolar Disorder. In September 2012, he published The Art Dockuments, the story of the Art Dock, the drive-by art gallery. In 2011 Davis had a one-man exhibition in the District Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles. He had writing residencies at Montalvo in Saratoga, CA and at the Dorland Mountain Arts Colony in Temecula, CA. Mr. Davis considers himself a draftsman, and sculptor as well as a writer. In his architectural practice he designed the North Hollywood Subway Station for Los Angeles' MTA Red Line, and the headquarters of the Los Angeles Mission for the homeless. He is known for incorporating artist's work in his projects. Carlton Davis was a lecturer in Architecture at UCLA, Woodbury University, and an assistant professor at the University of Wyoming. He taught drawing at Otis Art Institute. He graduated from Yale University and the University of London's Bartlett School of ArchitectureCarlton Davis is an author, ar