About My Art

Artist Statement Renee Manford

As an artist my paintings, prints or 3D creations are most effective if they takes people to places that will promote: healing, a fun relaxed feeling, or stimulation to question. Whether it is the inherent beauty of nature, people, or an image/sculpture that moves individuals to thought, all are important employed artistic considerations. If my art can generate movement in others I have accomplished my purpose as an artist.

Regarding what others should see or feel about my art, I have no expectations. Even though my pieces are about myself and my viewpoints, I want it to be about others also. I enjoy watching individuals view my work and to hear their comments, especially when they do not know I am the artist. They are an inspiration to me, and they help me to appreciate my art on other levels.

Printmaking is a means to vary, layer and combine styles. The different areas of printmaking that are a part of my tools include, monoprint, collograph, etching, drypoint, silk screen and wood cut.

I have worked in oil, acrylic (on canvas and paper) water color, acrylic ink, and graphite, plus dabbled in photography, stone sculpting, weaving and pottery. In working with acrylics on canvas/paper, creations are endless and applications are fun and adventurous. I am a part of the Plein Air Group of Eugene, this has inspired on location painting. These varied paths has given me the privilege of experiencing the concept that by honoring the partnership between the medium/media used and experiences had, artistic life is allowed to present itself.

I currently work part time at Karin Clarke Gallery and have done free-lance graphic design. My formal training has been realized through Lane Community College, plus private art classes. I have studied under, Adam Growsosky, Craig Spilman, Satoko Motouji, Lee Imonen, Andy Salzman, JS Bird, Ellen Tykeson, Kristie Johnson, Lynn Wiley, Jerry Dame, and Bets Cole. My informal training came from friends and family who supported my efforts and rallied for me…many thanks to both groups.

By honoring the partnership between the medium/media used and experiences had, artistic life is allowed to present itself. If my art can generate movement in others I have accomplished my purpose as an artist.