My Creative Process
I wanted to share my story in art and literature, so I created “Eric Manning Book and Art Gallery.” I have been sketching and painting for over twenty years and this creative process has given me the language and courage to express the words written in the story of my books.
After finishing each of the pieces, I would wait days for them to dry and at times I noticed myself staring at my spiritual expressions for hours at a time contemplating the reality and relevance of them in my life. It was during these moments that I began to see a true spirituality and a greater purpose from the inside of me that I could not deny.
As I added more and more pieces to my collection, they acted as visual aids, to inspire me to finally attempt to “write from the heart” about what was truly going on inside me. Although very difficult at times, writing the books seemed to help me get through the many tragedies of the past that were brought up into the present moments through the artwork.
My sketches and paintings express how so much was going on inside my head and heart at the time I created them.
Pull Quotes from The Secret that Kills / The Spirit That Saves
What’s New
YouTube video introduction to my new book, “Tales from the Crib” (uploaded August 2024)
Tales from the Crib book (published August 2024)
YouTube video extract about a conversation after publishing “The Secret That Kills / Spirit That Saves” (uploaded May 2024)
Created a YouTube channel for future videos (April 2024)
2021 A.D. book (published January 2024)
What’s Up and Coming
I published my latest book in August 2024, “Tales from the Crib,” an illustrated poetry book, on Amazon and Ingram Spark This is my first attempt to combine my artwork with poetry. The stories are influenced by my own personal experiences and others I have known.
I now have a couple of pieces at the Fusion Gallery which just opened in Parkville (December 2024), MO. One is called Grace Under Pressure and the other New York Redemption.
I just finished a piece called “Doggy Boone” which you can view in my Gallery, and am working on another book based on the “Grace Under Pressure” piece currently on display.
Social Media
YouTube video extract about a conversation after publishing “The Secret That Kills / Spirit That Saves” (uploaded May 2024)