Gayle Manfre

Watercolor and Acrylic Painting and Drawing

Artist’s Statement

I am a visual artist. I have been practicing the visual arts my entire adult life.  I believe that “art saves lives.”  When I am creating a piece whether, drawing or painting the act of creating becomes a healing source. In expressing mine and society’s joy, frustration or anguish I have created a channel for healing for myself and those who have felt the same as I.  

From years of teaching art to children I developed the philosophy that “there are no mistakes in art.”  I used this mantra to give my students permission to create instead of being immobilized by their own critiques.  I have come to realize that in liberating them, I also liberated myself. 

The Interview

NJM: Are you aa California native?
GM: Yes, I'm a paternal 4th generation California native. I spent my first thirty years growing up in San Francisco and moved to Sonoma in 1980

NJM: When was your first art exhibit?
GM: The Sonoma Plaza was the site of my first exhibit. The Valley of the Moon Art Association hosted that exhibit.

 NJM: What are the highlights of your artistic journey?
GM: I was a president and on the board of the Valley of the Moon Art Association, taking drawing classes at the Sonoma Community Center and taking an auxiliary JC art class at Sonoma Valley High School. My son's second grade teacher saw my work and asked if I would teach an art class at his school. That's how my saga of teaching art at all the Sonoma Valley elementary schools, including St. Francis, began. I painted 17 murals here in town with children and I am a founder of the Art Escape Art School. I was voted Treasure Artist of Sonoma Valley in 2010. Working with the kids taught me so much. I always assured them that there are no mistakes in art. I truly believe that art comes from your soul.

 NJM: What inspires your art and creativity?
GM: Everything! I find inspiration everywhere; in the shape of a tree, old bones, color and especially in kindness. At home I have little alters made of rocks, found objects and feathers.

 NJM: Is creating art an emotional, cathartic or therapeutic experience for you?
GM: Art saves lives! I make political art. I created 103 portraits of women who've inspired me.

 NJM: How has your work changed in recent years?
GM: Working consistently every day in creating that group of portraits significantly changed my work.

 NJM: How do you use color in your work?
GM: I am a colorful painter. I pump the colors, making them even brighter than they are and am good at mixing colors. Color means everything to me! I am happiest creating art.

 NJM: What is the last exhibit you saw?
GM: Ruth Asawa at the MOMA. It was phenomenal and beautiful. Also, the Paul McCartney up in Portland really moved me.

 Gayle’s work can be found on:
Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/gayle_manfre_arts/?hl=en
Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/gaylemanfrearts/

Interview conducted and edited by Nancy Martin http://nancyjmartinauthor.com