About

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Bio/Statement

I am constantly sketching using cuts from watercolour or a heavy weight paper. These sketches, which often become finished pieces in themselves, give me an idea of where I want to begin a painting. I often start with a colour I have in mind, and build from there using ideas(moves) in paint that I think would be engaging for both artist and viewer.

I am an abstract painter as I believe non-representational painting is quite an exciting thought exercise. There is a fulfilment parallel to the natural world, which inspires awe in an engaged viewer. I often think about the meaning that the viewer will bring to an object, and how my painting will become many forms of representation to many people. Painting is time encapsulated, allowing the viewer to access a period in time as well as a connection to another person, through the object.

BIO: Shawn Mankowske is a Canadian abstract painter of First Nations (Southern Tutchone) descent, currently practicing in Toronto. Shawn grew up in Whitehorse, Yukon later moving to Calgary, Alberta where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Painting (w/ Distinction) from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2007. Since graduating, Shawn co-founded, operated and co-directed a number of notable projects in Calgary, including; 809 Gallery, Wreck City (Epilogue for 809, Phantom Wing, Demo Tape), and Pith Gallery & Studios.