Treffinger Daily: Jane Tracy- Art and Meaning

Monday, June 29, 2009

Jane Tracy- Art and Meaning

Desert Dreams' 30"x36" Acrylic/Mixed Media on canvas

"What is the meaning of doing art for you"?

I paint because I must....and when I don't - I'm miserable,
guilt-ridden and all 'round unhappy. I love the struggle and
the battle between me and the empty canvas. The highs
and lows experienced with nearly every brush stroke are
great. I'm most thrilled with the joy I feel the day or two
after I've declared a painting 'finished'.....that is the best-
provided I don't want to 'fix' anything. I then know I
MUST begin anew...

Janes website: www.janetracyartist.com
Her Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ablemabel/
Her email: janetracy@gmail.com

9 comments:

Blue Sky Dreaming said...: Well said and well done! I too enjoy the ups and downs in the process...it's all good!; June 29, 2009 at 9:22 AM
Jeane Myers said...: OMG! I'm mad for this work - I have been through Jane's whole photostream when I should have been mowing the lawn! thanks so much Katherine for introducing me to her amazing work!; June 29, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Sharon Barfoot said...: I agree with Jeane. I spent the most enjoyable time this afternoon viewing Jane's photostream. Love the work.; June 29, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Uta said...: Fabulous work and great words. A nice start to my day :); June 29, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Katherine said...: Blue Sky Mary Ann, I think it is best to enjoy the struggle because it is a vital part of the creative process. I love it sometimes other times I don't, I find it just plain stressful. :>}; June 30, 2009 at 7:56 AM
Katherine said...: Jeane LOL "when I should have been mowing the lawn!"
Glad you liked Jane's work so much. When I found her work I think I put 1/3 of it in my favorites on Flickr. Any how glad I could introduce her to you.; June 30, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Katherine said...: Zappha ditoo for what I said to Jeane (minus the lawn). Glad I could bring Jane's work to your attention.; June 30, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Katherine said...: Zappha that was supposed to say ditto.; June 30, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Katherine said...: Hi Uta! We hope to start your day right! Glad you enjoyed Jane.; June 30, 2009 at 8:01 AM

The Art And Meaning Project

The Art and meaning Project is a series of responses from various artists to the question: "What meaning does doing art have for you? In other words why do you show up in your studio, or wherever, and pick up your tools day after day?"

This is something I have thought of doing for a while as
a book, but now I have the blog and, who knows, maybe
it could become a book. I am very excited about this. I love hearing the answers. Showing up for their creations is
often an irresistible pull for artists. Many of us at any given
time ask ourselves why we are doing it. All the answers have a different response. Most of us can relate to at least some part of every response.

I want to hear the artists' answers. If you are an artist
and would like to contribute please email me. I will not guarantee that I will post everyone's answer, I need to
see what you have to say first and if it contributes more to the project.

THE ART OF KATHERINE TREFFINGER

ABOUT THE ARTIST
www.katherinetreffinger.com

I spent my childhood in Sausalito, California in the 50’s. It was a magical place, teeming with artists and creative expression. Across the street from our house was one of the coffeehouses where the “bohemians” came to listen to music, and writers such as Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder and Jack Kerouac read from their work.

It was a time when San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Sausalito were home to the abstract expressionist and Bay Area Figurative movements. My missing toys were found in the neighbor’s sculptures. I was often on tiptoes, peering into the windows of nearby studios and coffeehouses. I thrived in the wondrous mystery of this world.

Later, as an adult I had the good fortune to befriend Joseph Raffael and spend time in his studio. This was before I realized I wanted to be an artist myself. I was greatly influenced by his enthusiasm, dedication, and his ability to create beauty.

In hindsight, there was nothing else I really wanted to be than an artist. I paint and draw because I love to … and because I have to. I am primarily self taught.

When I stand before an empty canvas or piece of paper, I am lost, unaware of what to do. In fact, my most satisfying work comes from staying ‘lost’. Navigational confidence is seldom productive for me. Each piece becomes the recording of a unique introspective exploration.