Davi Cheng, USA

Bio

Davi works in a variety of media, from paintings, drawings, stained glass and glass arts to computer graphics, logo and web designs. Her art reflects the diverse aspects of her life and her unique perspective as a Chinese lesbian Jew. Born in Hong Kong, Davi immigrated to the United Stated with her family when she was fourteen. She earned a B.A. in Biological Sciences from U.C. Berkeley with the intention of pursuing a career in the medical field. But soon, rather than studying science and taking field notes, Davi found herself absorbed in making detailed sketches and drawings of wildlife. After graduating and working in business for a few years, she went back to school and studied art and computer graphic design. Davi now works as an in-house marketing creative for a scientific corporation and runs a graphic design studio out of her home in Los Angeles. Davi has designed, fabricated and installed an original large-scale stained glass window project at a Los Angeles synagogue. Her most recent installation includes a Ner Tamid (Eternal light fixture) made with 1,000+ one-inch glass squares, and a set of stained glass Ark doors. In addition to art, Davi also plays trumpet and French Horn in a Klezmer band she co-founded.

Reflections on Being a Jewish Woman Artist

“Are you really Jewish?” I am asked that over and over again by Jews and non-Jews alike.

I was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to the United States with my family when I was fourteen. I am blessed with memories of Chinese culture, ancient legends, stories of dragons, divine beings, and the Monkey King. Later I embarked on a journey toward Judaism, and today both my childhood memories and my adventurous Jewish journey continue to fuel my creativity as an artist. My busy life revolves around the Jewish calendar. I play trumpet in a klezmer band, have served as president of my synagogue, and am involved with numerous other Jewish non-profits organizations. Every week for the last fourteen years I have studied Jewish texts with joy. I love Torah and Midrash: Quite often, the pages and stories come alive to me in pictures that take hold in my imagination. When I learned of this “Women of the Book” project, my heart skipped a beat with excitement.

Judaism opens my heart and mind. Jewish values guide my actions and my intentions. Being Jewish emboldens me to be me. I may not “look” Jewish, but no one ever questions whether my art‌ — stained glass windows and a Ner Tamid integrated into the design of our new synagogue — is Jewish.

I am Jewish, I am also Chinese. And when I create art, the many pieces of me — the Jew, the Chinese, the lesbian — come together and become one.