On this episode of The Life of Phys Podcast, I sit down with Sally Davies, a celebrated painter and photographer whose work has become part of New York’s cultural fabric.
Sally’s photographs are included in the permanent collection at the Museum of the City of New York and the NYC 9/11 Memorial Museum, cementing her place as a vital voice in American documentary photography. She is also the author of two acclaimed photo books, New Yorkers and California Dreamers and the mind behind the iconic McDonald’s Happy Meal Project, which just marked its 15th anniversary.
Her archive is preserved in the Downtown Collection of Fales Library at NYU, ensuring her legacy will inspire generations to come. Beyond that, her photographs have been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, UK Daily Mail, Huffington Post, PDN Online, Photolife Magazine, and The New York Post.
In this episode, we discuss:
Sally’s journey as both a painter and photographer
The stories and vision behind New Yorkers and California Dreamers
The cultural impact of the McDonald’s Happy Meal Project
Why preserving archives and legacies is essential to art and history
This is a powerful conversation with Sally Davies, whose work continues to capture the essence of everyday life with humor, depth, and authenticity.
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Music: C-Trox Kyrie Irving (Instrumental)
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