Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Calandra Davis.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Art has been the energy behind my journey for more than 25 years. As an artist, designer, and entrepreneur, I’ve built my career around curiosity, creativity, and a constant search for the unexpected.
In 2020, I founded Findings Art in Lynchburg, Virginia, creating a space where art, design, and craftsmanship come together. Through the gallery and my studio practice, I work with collectors, designers, and architects to bring distinctive art into homes, businesses, and other spaces.
My own work continues to evolve as I experiment with color, texture, materials, and new ideas. I’ve been fortunate to have my original art featured by Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, represented by boutique galleries, and included in private collections across the country.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple idea: art should feel personal, spark curiosity, and bring something unexpected into the spaces—and lives—of the people who experience it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a gallery is something I’m incredibly grateful for, but it comes with challenges that aren’t always visible from the other side of the gallery door. Being in a smaller city means I’m constantly thinking about how to introduce new people to the gallery, reach collectors beyond our immediate area, and make sure the artists we represent are being seen.
One of my greatest responsibilities is selecting the right artists and artwork. I’m not simply choosing what I personally love; I’m thinking about our collectors, what will excite them, and how to continually make the gallery feel fresh and unexpected. At the same time, the artists I represent have entrusted me with their work, and I take seriously the responsibility of telling their stories and connecting their art with the right people.
There are slow days, difficult decisions, and plenty of behind-the-scenes work. But then someone walks in and falls in love with a piece, or an artist’s work finds the perfect home. Those moments remind me that owning a gallery isn’t simply about selling art. It’s about supporting artists, inspiring collectors, and creating that wonderful connection when the right piece finds the right person.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work spans several distinct collections, but each is connected by my love of color, pattern, texture, and a sense of the unexpected. I find inspiration everywhere—from beautifully layered tables and collected objects to flowers, architecture, insects, and forms found in nature.
My Tablescapes celebrate the beauty of gathering and the details that make everyday moments feel special. Other collections explore everything from Asian-inspired architecture and pattern to exuberant florals, winged creatures, and playful subjects that catch my eye. I also create sculptural and three-dimensional works, which allow me to experiment with materials, shape, and dimension in entirely different ways.
While the subject matter may change, I want my work to have a recognizable point of view—colorful, collected, sophisticated, and a little unexpected. I want each piece to feel at home in a beautiful interior, but never disappear into it. Ultimately, I hope my work brings personality, joy, and a sense of discovery to the spaces it inhabits.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Be patient with yourself and persistent about where you want to go. A creative career rarely follows a straight line, and a few setbacks don’t mean you’re headed in the wrong direction. Take chances, put yourself and your work out there, and don’t wait until everything feels perfect before you begin.
Do your research and learn from people you respect, but don’t underestimate your own instincts. Some of the best decisions I’ve made started with a gut feeling that something was worth exploring.
I also believe strongly in surrounding yourself with good people. Find mentors, collaborators, friends, and professionals who believe in what you’re building and bring strengths different from your own. You don’t have to—and shouldn’t try to—do everything yourself.
Most importantly, stay curious and keep moving forward. Try things. Some will work and some won’t, but both will teach you something. Success is often less about having the perfect plan and more about having the courage to start, the willingness to adapt, and the persistence to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.findingsart.com and www.amycalandraart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingsartstore/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Findingsartstore/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-davis-748a33402/
