Featured Artist Gail Mancuso

Artist Gail Mancuso creates unexpected and complex visuals through an intricate process of layering and collaging photographs. Learn more about her process by visiting her website.

 

 

As a fine art photographer, I use my camera to capture the energy, diversity and nuance of the urban landscape. By merging the traditional photographic method with digital editing, my work focuses on creating unanticipated representations of people and space through an intricate process of layering and collage.

 

 

For me, the creativity either starts with a specific idea or sometimes simply with a compulsion to begin the process. I believe inspiration can be subtle as it weaves its way into our psyche. It often goes unnoticed as it simmers below the surface, only to be revealed later through a spontaneous manifestation of self-expression.

 

 

My large scale “Synchronicity” photomontage series has been instrumental to my success as an artist and has been well-received in the art community, winning several awards. These involved projects generally take five to six months to complete. Seeing them emerge and come alive as I work is a very gratifying process.

 

 

The intricate detail of carving and layering over 300 images can be laborious, and I find the need to take necessary breaks along the way to cleanse my palate, so to speak. I can then begin again with fresh eyes.

 

 

My other area of focus is my layered abstracts. I often begin by layering several photographs that I intrinsically feel may blend well together, until the image takes on a life of its own.

 

 

My series are varied in subject, as I do not limit myself to favoring one genre. It’s not unusual for me to be asked if my work is photography or painting, as the end result often blurs the line between the two art forms.

 

 

The best advice I can give to any artist is summed up in one word—perseverance. The inevitable peaks and valleys are a critical part of the process, on the creative and the business side as well. Know that in the slump, there’s most often opportunity right around the corner.

 

 

Having faith in your abilities and a commitment to your passion always leads to success!

 

 

Through intended positivity and fresh thinking about our everyday world, it is my hope that viewers make a visceral connection to the universal fabric of city life as reflected by the sum of my work.

 

Artist Gail Mancuso invites you to follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

 

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