Meet Deanna Mance | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deanna Mance and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deanna, why did you pursue a creative career?

With good fortune I was introduced to an art practice in my teens through the guidance of dedicated art educators in my high school. Their encouragement inspired me to think creatively about my future and pursue my own unique path as a practicing artist. At this time I had found my calling as an artist and understood art and life as inseparable. Born into a working class family, there was little expectation or urge for me to go to college and so naturally, after graduating from highschool, I followed in the footsteps of my family and took up positions in the foodservice industry. I maintained a daily art practice in a home studio and participated in exhibitions, but my art career was in the periphery while I juggled different jobs. Being a self-taught artist with no college degree was challenging and I found that I had to work really hard to find creative solutions to build a career that I enjoyed, supported me financially and aligned with my interests.

I eventually gained positions in education as an early childhood educator, an arts educator for museums and galleries, and eventually administrative roles such as a program coordinator. A few years ago, I became a mother and felt a great desire to leave my role as a program coordinator and care for my child full time. I saw this as an opportunity to deeply connect with my daughter while also taking time to reimagine a new future for myself. In that first year of parenting I was able to explore new ways of fitting my art practice into daily activities and found the drive to give my art practice the attention it deserved. Becoming a mother gave me the space, inspiration and time to bring my art practice to the forefront and to pursue a creative career that holistically supports me and my family.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Similar to the creative process, life should be approached with curiosity, playfulness and receptivity. I believe there is an opportunity to create meaningful artwork with that attitude in mind. I’m passionate about creating beautiful objects that transcend and illuminate everyday life and are affordable to everyone. Currently I’m working on a mural commission for a hotel in Pittsburgh, and in my studio I’m developing a body of work that primarily focuses on spirituality, sex, the body and mother/womanhood. I’m proud to share that I’ve been able to nurture and develop my artistic career through opportunities such as regional and international exhibitions, artist residencies, public art, private commissions, and significant collaborative work with established artists. As a self taught artist with high school level education, everything I’ve learned in support of my art practice has come from my own personal research, the relationships I’ve built, support from mentors, personal development programs and spontaneous encounters.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anyone who visits Pittsburgh has to check out the beautiful scenic grand view of the city from the Duquesne Incline! From there we would take a ride down the hill on the incline, a historical funicular from 1880’s, and head to one of the oldest bridges in Pittsburgh, Smithfield Street Bridge. We’d walk across the bridge and head downtown for a small bite at Bae Bae’s Kitchen. Work our way to the Strip District, a vibrant mix of old style grocers, gourmet foods, boutique shops and upbeat bars to shop around and grab a drink. From there I would take a friend to visit some of the contemporary art spaces such as Silver Eye Center for Photography, Bunker Projects, Mattress Factory, Boom Concepts, Small Mall, Here Gallery and Boxheart Gallery. There’s too many awesome gallery’s to name but with a whole weekend ahead, we’d do it all!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have immense gratitude to my art teacher Edith Mellon who helped nurture my creative spark and encouraged me to persevere, A big thanks to everyone who ever hired me for past jobs and believed in me during those humble beginnings. And big love to my family and muses David Oresick and Violet Petie.

Website: DeannaMance.com

Instagram: Deanna.Mance