Artist in Focus - Manny Woodard
Manny has drawn since she was a child, for her it is an expression of her character, like her own hand writing. She sees it as a way of articulating unsaid thoughts and emotions through the tactile and immediate medium of charcoal or pencil.
Most of her drawings are of seemly ordinary people caught in a moment of time. She enjoys the random marks and mistakes, which is the nature of the medium, and treats them as part of the final work. These marks are welcomed rather than rubbed out or hidden. For her, the serendipity of the drawing process, with all its imperfections, adds an openness and honesty to the work.
Manny started sculpting in approximately 2006. In that year she won the ING Discerning Eye Sculpture Prize in London and also the Chelsea Art Society Sculpture Prize. Since then her sculptures have been exhibited in many galleries in the UK. She then largely stopped making new art while helping her husband, who is also an artist, to renovate houses.
What are your two biggest inspirations?
My husband Roy, I’ve seen him create art and support a family on his skills for all our time together. He is talented, but more than that he keeps trying, no matter the setbacks. Also, I admire the sculptures of Hanneke Beaumont.
What do you want people to think or feel when they see your work?
I hope they feel the emotion of a fleeting moment, a pause and a truthfulness.
Which art trends inspire your current work?
It has been pointed out to me that many of my images have a Japanese calligraphic feel.
When is your favourite time of the day to create?
I draw during the day but there is a magic time between 7pm to 9 pm when I have ‘nothing to lose’ and with that state of mind my artwork becomes looser, unencumbered by doubt.
How do you know when a piece of art is finished?
I feel that my best drawings are those that came easily. If I fuss over them, they tend to lose their spontaneity and energy in some way. My rule of thumb is that if I fiddle with them then I am in trouble and generally its best to leave them and start again.
Do you have a favourite Art Gallery?
The National Portrait Gallery
What is next for your art or what future projects would you like to try?
I plan to explore more subject matters and different techniques.