Tre cavalli (Three horses)

Asked about her painting technique, Manca says ‘I never mix colours. It happens by itself. Neither do I plan anything in advance. The work is born from my hands. I never force myself.’ She uses what is available: chalk, paint, flour, glue, even stones. Her equipment is just as basic. Sometimes she will draw with just one hair of a brush, sometimes she will use her fingers for want of a brush. She explains her creativity as follows: ‘I felt lonely after the death of my parents and brothers. When my husband left me I finally began to feel free. I felt happy with each new day and forgot about the previous day. I started painting. I have regained my freedom!’