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As well as drawing inspiration from his own life\u2019s journey Mannen finds insights in his current employment working in disability care, as well as a number of artists who also struggled with their lives.<\/p>\n
Artists that have influenced Mannen include Pablo Picasso whose sheer reach of his art impacted positively on Mannen, the self-inflicted exile of Gustav Klimt and how that translated into his art, and Van Gogh persisting with his art while battling his own mental issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe artist who has had the greatest impact on me is Paul Gauguin who dedicated himself utterly and willingly, throwing himself into a life of struggle for his art,\u201d Mannen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis unique style, influenced by his profound spirituality, is reflected in his art.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach grappled with demons of their own and came close to losing everything and yet they persevered.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough expressing my fears, my disappointments, regrets and happiness through my art, my total outlook on life has changed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Every month Mannen attends the Bendigo Art Society and takes along about eight paintings he has completed.<\/p>\n
Other members are amazed at his prodigious output, and none in the same style.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am overwhelmed with ideas from my past life experiences and feel blessed that I can interpretate them for others to reflect on and enjoy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mannen\u2019s works are on show next year from 15 to 20 February at community gallery Dudley House located at 60 View Street Bendigo.<\/p>\n