Creative Spotlight | Tracey Levett
Published on 18 July 2022
Tell us a bit about who you are and what kind of creative work you make.
I am Tracey Levett an artist who mostly paints, but also loves to draw and sculpt. In my younger years I was a singer and songwriter and in many ways being an artist involves the same intuitive process. Art and music both have feeling, rhythm, key and dynamics. Abstract art is like instrumental music. People have often said my paintings feel musical.
Where can we find out more about your work and get in touch?
My work is on display at Brenda Colahan Fine Art in Putney. Into the Quiet is my upcoming show, opening on 21 July. This suite of new paintings is intentionally contemplative and quiet, a direct response to the "noise" of our modern hi tech world. For this exhibition I aspired to create works that were beautiful and calming. An antidote to contemporary life. For more information visit www.brendacolahanfineart.com
Whereabouts do you look for creative ideas? Who or what inspires you?
A love of philosophy is what inspires me the most. The enduring theme of my work has been trying to make sense of this short burst of physicality we call life. The end result being to make the most of our time here on earth. Reading, films and extraordinary people all fill my cup, all of which gives me the material from which to create
What is your favourite part of working as an artist.
The best thing about working as an artist is it gives me permission to have time alone in the studio and to do what I love. The work I create requires silence and that's not always an easy thing to find. As I am also a people person, showing my work gives me an opportunity to engage with a wide variety of people, many of whom are on my wavelength.
What has been the highlight of your creative career so far.
Having a distinguished collector from New York acquire over 50 of my paintings has been very exciting and also validating. In 2012 I had a solo exhibition, Luminessence, at The Australian Consulate in New York City, which my family all made it to. It was a huge thrill! In 2019 I had a show, Essence, in Notting Hill, London that was quite magical and fortunately happened just before all the lockdowns hit the world.
What's the most challenging part of working as an artist.
Probably the hardest thing is to keep working and to maintain a belief in myself and what I'm doing, especially when there are long bouts of time between exhibitions. The impact of COVID-19 on creatives and galleries everywhere has been quite devastating. I am hope that is now coming to an end. Brenda Colahan has done well to keep her gallery doors open and to keep supporting the wonderful selection of artists she shows there. I think that's a reflection of how highly regarded she is in the Australian art world.
Upcoming Exhibition - Into the Quiet - 21 July - 3 August 2022 at Brenda Colahan Fine Art, 78 B Charles Street Putney.