Louise Mantha

(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

Biography

Louise Mantha studied esthetics and received a Master’s in Education at Ottawa University, before taking art classes with private teachers in Ottawa and in Paris, and prior to graduating with a Certificate in Fine Arts from St Lawrence College. Among the artists who have influenced her are Cy Twombly and Lila Lewis Irving. She has lived in Tokyo and in Paris, travelled to over 60 countries, and worked for the Canada Council, for the National Museums Corporation of Canada and as an Executive for various Canadian government departments prior to launching her own consultancy in organizational development.

In her art career, Louise utilizes primarily acrylics and water-based oil to convey her emotions through abstract expressionism and vibrant colours. Louise has participated in numerous shows with the Rideau Lakes Artists Association, exhibited at St Lawrence College and had a solo show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque. Louise currently resides on the shores of the Rideau River in Ottawa where she continues to perfect her art

Statement

Over the years, my art has been eclectic in terms of subject matter and style, with the only constant being my love of vibrant colours.  Abstract expressionism corresponds best to my current approach.

The French writer René Huyghe said that “Of all the creative acts performed by the artist, the most directly legible is drawing {painting?}… it is the act that is most directly and spontaneously governed by his nervous and muscular system.”

In my paintings I hope to give my spin on life, to express what moves me via a mere glimpse of reality, not a photographic rendering.   In my recent works, I rely on my instinct informed by my knowledge of colour theory, leaving the figurative totally behind and letting emotions and my nervous system govern. There is movement and a spiritual thrust throughout. I look forward to future exploration of my artistic journey.