Meet Our May Fan Of The Month

Jo Eva Davis Interview

Every now and then we are lucky to meet fans who reach out to us on Facebook. A couple of months back we had the pleasure of chatting with Jo Eva Davis, or Granny Jo, as she likes to be called. Her story is unique and serves as a good source of inspiration. In 2010, her house burned down causing her to lose everything. Instead of letting this change her outlook on life, she remains positive and uses coloring as a healthy outlet. She has even turned coloring into a family affair by introducing her two grandsons to the fun hobby. We hope you enjoy meeting Granny Jo and learning about her coloring journey as much as we did!

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

I have loved coloring for as long as I can remember. I turned 72 on April 29th, and one of my earliest memories was wishing for a pencil box. When I taught, I would find as many ways possible to use art in the classroom. Each month students would write poems with drawings.

At the end of the year, students compiled their poems into a book for Mother's Day. Sadly, the book my son Tommy made for me didn't survive the fire where I lost everything. So, in short, I would say I have always loved coloring. I'm surprised every day that I can do it now!

I became interested in ColorIt when I saw an advertisement on Facebook. I fell last August and spent some time in the hospital. I just had to do something. Now I am fully recovered, able to  drive, and back working in the family nursery office. Yes, coloring goes there too!

Eli (7) holding his Calming Doodles Vol 1 coloring page

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

My perfect coloring atmosphere is in my living room. I have a table set up with my coloring books and different coloring tools for all ages. If anyone colors, I ask them to autograph their design and date it.

Tell us about your creative process when you get ready to color.

Usually, I choose what I want to color first. If I'm coloring with someone, we pick the design and medium together. My grandsons, Will, and Eli have had a coloring book all their lives. They like to look through our collection of books and remember what age they were when they received each book.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

When a fire destroyed my house in 2010, I had to be airlifted to safety and hospitalized for smoke and soot damage. As a result, I have been unable to do two of my favorite pastimes which are reading and cross stitch. The neurologist calls it trauma damage. He says I associate these activities with my home that I lost. The one activity that I have found I can do in my new home is coloring. I especially love to color when my grandsons come to visit.

 Will (11) holding his Wild Animals Vol 1 coloring page

What advice would you give someone who isn’t confident about their coloring technique?

There's no such thing as bad coloring. Express yourself and enjoy doing it.

What’s your favorite ColorIt book? What title would you like to see in the future?

My favorite ColorIt book is Calming Doodles. I would like to see a book for senior citizens with larger lines and less intricate designs. A book for middle aged children would also be nice.

Calming Doodles Vol 1, colored by Jo Eva Davis

Is there anything else you want to share about your love of coloring?

Coloring may not be for everyone. But I can see how you could enjoy it by yourself, with children, grandchildren, or anyone you know. There is one thing that I especially like about your books. You can take them wherever you go and color without a desk.

This is perfect for us older people. It gives us something to do while waiting for appointments. Also, the Colorit pencils are the best that I have ever seen. Believe me, in my 40 years teaching before retirement, I have seen a lot. Other teachers would say that if I did not have it, it was new. I keep journals for my grandsons and love those also.