Today we’d like to introduce you to Manami Lingerfelt.
Hi Manami, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was born and raised in Japan, graduating from Tokyo Musashino Art College in 1985. I began my art career in Tokyo, Japan as a graphic designer and freelance illustrator. I became depressed and unhappy while busy working in a graphic design company in Tokyo, Japan.
I left Japan to travel across the globe for 10 years (1985-1995), then back to Japan for 7 years, teaching arts and crafts. I moved to GA in 2002 starting family life in Kennesaw GA, but it only lasted a few months, after the divorce, decide to become a professional artist who can live life doing what she loves.
I find my life started to bloom by doing art shows and exposing my artworks to the local community. In 2015, obtained BFA (Bachelor’s Fine Arts) at Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA. My work is inspired by the mystical aspects of the places I have visited and of the natural world. I love to try and capture the world into a dreamy aspiration, to where possible becomes vivid through the impossible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, it was a bumpy road with few flat tires. But I got a lot of help and support from the community and friends who supported my passion and made it possible to become a successful artist. I started to do art shows and festivals in 2004 most of the shows are outside, displaying rain or shine, sometimes hot, cold, and windy.
I started with the cheapest canopy tent and display fixture for the art shows and festivals, some show wind was so strong, they crashed and broke my display tent not only once. I eventually upgraded the better-quality canopy tent and display equipment.
I still deal with the harsh weather sometimes but makes me feel very grateful to connect with the people who appreciate local art and art community each time I participate in those art shows and festivals.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Most importantly why I paint, because it makes me happy to see people smile at my paintings. I want to make this world a brighter place with my art. I often asked where I get inspiration for my art.
During my travels, I stayed in a small village apartment. I met someone who made me do yoga every morning even when I didn’t want to. But I have been doing yoga daily ever since to help keep meditation and prayer in focus.
I usually create a little story of my own while the painting is in process. Many times I complete commissions for people with only a list of words to work from. My husband says I have strings attached to another world.
I love philosophy and analyzing. I love whimsy expression and want to learn more about metaphysical and spiritual stories. I am also interested in learning more riddles and fairy tales because these are great subjects for my painting as well.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The city of Nashville was completely unknown to me until I participated in Tomato Festival.
The sweet happy energy of the people of Nashville is amazing. Nashville is interesting with mysterious roads that lead to cool places. I usually try not to remember what I like least but when I think of Nashville, it is defiantly one the best cities I love to visit and be part of an art community.
Pricing:
- $20 /all my art with the mini canvas giclee prints (ready to display)
- $75/ size about 20″x6″-8″ gallery wrap giclee canvas prints ready to display, limited editions.
- $200~$500/ original 8″x10″ original canvas painting’
- $800-$1500/about 20″x16″ x 1.5″ original canvas painting’
- $40-$45 /11″x14″, matte with the 8″x10″ size giclee paper prints
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.manamiart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manami_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artist.Manami
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ManamiYL
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@manamilingerfelt6296/featured
- Other: https://manami.pixels.com
