Artist V Mann

V Mann

About

It is a strange life, when I consider it, how I struggle to attain strength and clarity, to mold base materials into forms that will express me and my attitude, my joy and appreciation. I work alone, who cares if I produce anything or not, or if anyone appreciates it? Still I believe a good thing will not perish.

My paintings are landscapes for the viewer to enter and explore, decoding the meanings behind combinations of clippings and colors, challenging them to understand the association between juxtaposed elements and phrases. I am motivated by the challenge of defining areas of vast space, and the struggle to express my most inner thoughts and ideas to the viewer.

I collect printed materials gathered over a lifetime by myself and others; a newspaper clipping from the Moon Landing my grandmother saved, a flyer from a show I saw in Toronto, or a ticket stub from a movie with someone I loved. Materials layered like paint through a collage technique I have been developing over the years using acrylic paint and a variety of stains, glazes, and pigments made from dirt and ash on masonite canvases, or parts of barns and houses. These materials were taken from an old family farm on Gumlick Road in Roanoke, Kentucky, the objects I’ve found there, the buildings, and the land itself have provided a great deal of inspiration to me. Trying to understanding how this land and the lives of my ancestors has created the person I am today and working on the same ground as my fathers is very important to me.

My work is presented to you as a documentation of my attempts to express myself and my attitude, my joy and appreciation, my relationship to the past and others, and my purpose. … Read More

Location: Falmouth, KY, United States
Website: http://www.theartofmann.com

Work

Freelance Graphic Designer – July 2007 to Present - Designer / Artist
The idea to use my fine arts work in cooperation with graphic design had always been in the back of my mind. In 2008, I moved my studio to an old farmhouse in the country and began. While establishing a company, building its brand, as well as delivering high-caliber work is not an easy task, I am organized and efficient, and wasted little time in attaining just that.
Responsible for branding, web site development, print ads, packaging designs, screen printing, murals, sign painting and promotional pieces. Work included various projects for musicians Sarah Asher, Jo Serrapere, Hotel Eden, feature movie “Love and Other Drugs”, theartofmann.com

LD Management Co Inc. – January 1999 to July 2007 - Art Director
LD Management operates a nationwide chain of 50 plus video stores. The company approached me in 1999 when they had only 11 stores and no design or branding, contracting me to create a softer, more inviting atmosphere. Working closely with the client, I created a logo and a retail-branding package that greatly increased the profitability of the existing stores and grew the company to over fifty new sites.
Responsible for branding, web site development, store layout, signage packages, print ads, mural painting, sign construction and installation, and photography, I worked as a comprehensive brand manager, and carefully oversaw every creative aspect of the process of expansion.

KPI Design – October 1997 to December 1998 - Head Designer
This was a dream job for me, working in the Columbus, OH retail design market. I was brought on to generate retail design packages for numerous local and national clients. I also operated a large-scale digital printer and innovated new techniques and procedures for printing on unusual materials (canvas, burlap, rice paper, veneer).

Dougal D. Thornton Associates – March 1997 to October 1998 - Advertising Designer/Webmaster
This was my first big break: landing an amazing job in the British Virgin Islands. DDTA is a full-service international advertising firm that provides a large list of services, founded and run by internationally acclaimed photographer, Dougal D. Thornton. … Read More

Education