You may remember Rogene Manas as our featured artist from last year’s Tools of the Trade Show. If you missed her demos, don’t worry because she’s back this year!
Rogene is a mixed media artist who specializes in paper clay sculptures. “This means I can use anything to create my artwork.” Her long history in art started at a young age. She credits her older sister with teaching her how to draw but “my mother and brother were also artistic and inspired me.” She went on to take art classes in high school and then throughout her post-secondary education after moving to Eugene in 1973, starting with Maude Kerns Art Center where she also taught.
She later picked up a job at a local copy and print shop where she made connections with professionals in marketing and advertising which led to an eventual job as an illustrator at an ad agency. “I began taking classes at the U of O as I could afford them to expand my skills,” and participated in workshops from other professionals for the following 20 years.
After working at a few other agencies, Rogene decided to start her own company, along with two other partners. After 30 years at PhotoTidings, Inc., Rogene retired as the graphic designer and illustrator and now teaches numerous workshops as well as making pieces for art galleries across North America.
“Though I am not totally self-taught, I have invented my own ways of making art that are unique to me.” It’s not surprising that Rogene finds a lot of her inspiration from like-minded “self-taught artists and folk artists who make something out of nothing.”
Words of Wisdom from Rogene:
Make art every day in some way. Make small art if you don’t have time or funds to do larger work. Do something every day, even if it is a sketch or a doodle. Just do it. Keep challenging yourself with more complex work. Hone your drawing and painting skills by working from reality. This will help you make the kind of work that you want to make instead of limiting yourself. Don’t avoid drawing because you feel you cannot draw as well as others. Practice and get better! Most importantly, develop your own style through regular practice and stay true to yourself. Only YOU will ever be able to make YOUR ART or it will be lost for all time! If you want to be an artist, then make art every day!
Follow her on social!
Facebook: Rogene Manas Artist
Instagram: @rogenemanas
Pinterest: Rogene Manas
Header Image: Ferns Unfurling