NOTE TO SELF | Trent Davis

“I’ve never been one to journal. An odd, self-imposed pressure made me hesitate with each word, preventing me from just putting words onto paper. However, throughout the stresses of medical school, I knew I needed to try something new. By writing on top my own words, as in the background of this piece, I felt freed from self-critique and overthinking. “Note to Self” is part of a self-portrait series made after each semester of medical school. The series started as a way to see how I physically change, but I see its value comes from capturing how I felt, and how those feelings will inevitably change. Now, I look forward to stopping, reflecting and checking in with myself before moving forward again.”

Trent Davis is an artist and second-year medical student at Harvard Medical School. His art practice seeks to provide relief and reflection, in large part through the use of overlapping text and allegorical characters. He hopes to use art as a source of support and an outlet for self-expression as he pursues medicine. Davis received his BA in visual arts and neuroscience at the University of Chicago and completed an MSc in psychology of the arts, neuroaesthetics and creativity at Goldsmiths, University of London.