about danielle mcmanus – artist
dan’s art journey
Born in Sydney, Danielle McManus intertwines experiences from everyday life with her Maltese heritage to produce superbly whimsical artworks & ceramics.
Whether fictional or based on real-life family events, Danielle’s love of story telling is evident in her colourful, figurative offerings that provide viewers with thought-provoking images, frequently set against a backdrop of a landscape fusing both her Maltese heritage and passion for Australia.
Influenced by the artwork of 17th Century European manuscripts as well as the work of other prominent artists such as Gustav Klimt, Frida Kahlo, Margaret Woodward and Arthur Boyd, Danielle uses a rich colourful palette, expressing a deep love and kinship with the Australian landscape and it’s unique colours.
After completing a Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) at Newcastle University, Danielle worked as a graphic designer in Sydney, during which time she began painting ceramics. After nine years she made the move to more peaceful surroundings in the Hunter Valley where she now paints from her rural studio.
Following a very successful solo exhibition at Pokolbin Gallery situated in the grounds of Mistletoe Winery in 2007, Danielle now paints full-time creating a range of ceramic pieces, charcoals, pastels and acrylics all in her own individual and colourful style.
artist’s statement
“Relying on the beauty of the landscape as a constant backdrop, my inspiration at present is drawn from everyday life. My three children provide me with a constant stream of ideas and that along with the changing seasons of the Hunter Valley and the birds and fauna here, supply more than enough material! I like to evoke feelings in the viewer, hoping they can in fact relate to the work and imagine a story of their own.”
education
Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts)
Newcastle University 1990 – 1992