Olivia Maney
to
Sherven-Smith Art Gallery 206 Bemister Ave East (Box 2230), Melfort, Saskatchewan S0E 1A0
I first developed a curiosity for the world around me and the drive to create as a very small child on the Sunshine Coast, BC. Being surrounded and mentored by artists both within my family and the community encouraged my early growth in the arts. My parents loved nature, art and music and allowed me many different opportunities for teaching and play with art. When I moved to the BC interior as a teen my senior high school art teacher, Mr. Law heavily influenced me. Challenging both my understanding and approach to art, and teaching me to develop my own processes by first gaining an understanding of the necessary foundations. It was during this time that I had my first commissions. I owe much to both him and my earlier high school art teacher Mr. Steves for the range of mediums and instruction they provided. I continued my studies on my own with no formal training as I moved to the prairies and started a family not long after graduating.
I love to explore new concepts and approaches and have always struggled with convention which means I often “bounce” between ideas and materials. Where I love to just work at what comes to mind and needs escaping, I have done a range of commissions. From portraits and business logos to custom cake making and tattoo design, and enjoy any opportunity I have to figure out and execute a concept. Acrylics, ink, watercolour and pastels feel the most “like home” for me though and I go back to them again and again. I work in a variety of materials, portraying subjects from my own perspective often with the use of intense colour or an unexpected viewpoint.
This is the first formal showing of my work on display for the public and I hope you enjoy something in it.
I presently reside in Naicam, SK with my husband and daughter and am enjoying the chances at this stage to more regularly pursue my work.