Memphis-area artist Michael Maness dies
He is remembered for charitable giving
One of the final decisions Memphisarea artist Michael Maness made in his life described him perfectly, said those who knew him best.
While in a hospital bed, Maness made amendments to his will earlier this week. One of those changes included donating his remaining paintings, more than 150 of them, to multiple charities, according to friends and family.
Maness died from congestive heart failure on Wednesday. He was 64.
In addition to his personal paintings, Maness’ colorful and vibrant work was featured on album covers for Warner Bros. and BNA Records,according to his personal website. Maness described himself as “drawing or writing something for somebody” since he was 8 years old.
Tracy Chism was one of several friends who stayed with Maness at the hospital during his final days. She said one of the last things he told her this week was, “That I have to give.”
“I think that summed up his life, he was always giving to people,” Chism said. “He just had a big heart.”
Beyond his charitable spirit, the inspiration behind Maness’ colorful work occurred after he was diagnosed with cancer in 1997 and later heart problems resulting from that in future years.
While he spent the remaining 24 years of his life battling various aliments and health problems, as he overcame each diagnosis, the Southavenbased artist’s philosophy on art underwent a permanent shift.
“I used to view the world in black and white,” Maness wrote on his personal website. “Now because of the changes in my life, I see the world through a kaleidoscope. I see the hues that make-up a color. I choose a subject to paint based on the mood I can create with my (palette). I try to pick a story to paint, rather than a moment passing through time.”
Rita Robinson, Maness’ sister, called him the best brother you could ever ask for and that those who knew him appreciated his “unique” and “great” personality.
“You wouldn’t have met a more interesting person,” Robinson said.
Maness received recognition from various organizations including the International Blues Foundation, one of many charities he donated to, said friend Jerry Williams. In 2010, Maness won the Keeping the Blues Alive award. Earlier that same year, the Orpheum named him a “Memphis hero”, according to his website.
Williams knew Maness for more than 40 years. He said Maness always made time for anyone who needed him, regardless of who it was.
“I’ve seen people that were less than nice to Michael or trivialized him,” he said. “Tomorrow, they could call him and he would give one of the shirts he had left. He was your shirt off your back kind of guy. I’ll miss him dearly. I already do.”
Arrangements for Maness were not set as of Thursday afternoon. There are plans for a future celebration of life party with a time and location to be determined.
Omer Yusuf covers the Ford project in Haywood County, residential real estate and tourism for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached via email Omer.yusuf@commercialappeal.com or followed on Twitter @Omerayusuf.