The Intensity of Tracy Proctor
“A piece of art always starts with passion – delve deep into the spirit and conjure up images of the soul. The focal point of my own art is always dramatic texture. From there, form and colour take shape. I think a painting should draw you in, stir up your emotions, and carry you away.” My main inspirations come from the beauty of the land around us. I am a third generation Calgarian and believe that I live close to some of the most beautiful sights on earth. When I am not working, I love to jump in my car and take in the majestic countryside beyond Calgary’s crowded walls.
I have had a passion for art as long as I can remember. When I was young, I would watch in awe as my grandmother would sketch people in the room, I knew then, that I had to learn myself. When I was twelve, I painted murals on the walls of my bedroom and would draw whenever I could. After high school, I stopped painting for about ten years. On the day that I decided to stop and pick up some art supplies on my way home from work, my life changed forever. I fell in love with the process and continued painting until the sun came up the next morning. The very next day, I signed up for a workshop and read everything about art that I could get my hands on.
Ten years of experience in the Interior Design industry influenced my love for color and composition. My favorite part of visiting a client’s home was being able to take in all the beautiful artwork and see how their choices reflected their personality and style. I often remembered clients by picturing the art in their home. As a project manager for residential renovations, I found myself working long and tiresome days. I would spend the evenings painting as a form of meditation and was very private about my art. Most people I worked very closely with every day, had no idea that I was an artist. I secretly dreamed of selling my work or someday owning a little art gallery & antique store, but I was too afraid of the critiques that I would have to face in the process.
A good friend of mine finally convinced me to try to have a show for my work and to stop giving it away to family members for free. When I saw all the blank white spots on the walls of my show, I could not believe that I was selling. I realized then, that my dream could materialize into a reality if I set my mind to it.
I opened the gallery in June of 2006. When people ask me what I do, I tell them that I am living my dream. I love to share my passion of art and watch clients as they discover their perfect painting as it calls out to them. A person should be able to come home to a sanctuary that truly reflects their spirit. I find that there is no better joy then gazing upon a powerful painting and finding a home for it that truly reflects and delights the soul of its owner. I also love to find untapped talent and give artists a place to exhibit their work. One thing all of the artists that I represent have in common – their passion for their craft illuminates through in their work. I also get to come into a building everyday that is filled with people who have a love for art. There is a strong community of artists that share ideas and work together to make their dreams a reality. The sheer power of the creative spirit in Art Central makes it a great place to work.
Make sure to see Proctor’s exhbition this month
Intensity: new works by Tracy Proctor Swirl Fine Art
Wed November 14th to Mon December 31st, 2007
Opening Reception: November 29th 5:00pm – 9:00pm, live music by Shawn Baron
