TRACEY DEEP — Soul Safari

"Mother Nature has helped me to create my own path - a very inspiring journey."

A trained florist, Tracey Deep's work is a deeply personal expression of the profound inspiration she sources from ephemeral nature. Growing and gathering her creative spirit as she creates transportive artworks and installations, Tracey's work explores form, texture and color in the most ethereal way.

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Photo: My "paperbark" exhibition 2016

Tell us a little about your current work - what do you do, and what inspires you to do it?

Most recently I was working on my exhibition "Under the Sea", inspired by materials I collected and sourced that were washed up by the sea. For me, the materials always inspire the work. The whimsical, playful, unique world under the sea visually inspired my creative process. The incredible playground of rare unique nature inspired some very magical moments that made my heart sing.

Photo: All things "under the sea" - inspiration for my 2017 exhibition

How does your work enrich your life or the lives of others?

My work is food for my soul, it inspires me every day. The joyful process of art making, collecting materials, playing with ideas and transforming found objects and organic fibres into something new warms my heart. I find my work brings joy to others through its calming energy and vibrations, the sensitivity and meditative connection to nature and the "shadow" spirit of the pieces. I love that my work seems to bring so much happiness into people's lives.

Photo: My "She Chair"

Can you share a recent project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?

I worked on a project with the brief to "create the contemporary chair" and used the iconic Series 7 Chair and meters of raw cotton rope, knotting and wrapping, transforming the chair into the "she chair". The commission was acquired by the NGV International as part of a group exhibition of invited artists and designers from around the world, supported by Gordan Moffat AM, to coincide with Melbourne Art & Design Week. It is a huge honor having my "She Chair" in the NGV International permanent collection.

Photo: Me in my studio

What was the pivot point that set you on your current path?

Working with nature, creating my floral sculpture works inspired by Australian native flora, the unique sculptural shapes, graphic textures and whimsical patterns - all of these things over the years have inspired my current path as a sculptor and installation artist. I have regular exhibitions of new works at Saint Cloche Gallery and have been invited to exhibit at regional galleries, which pushes me to juggle my floral sculpture projects, creating new exhibition works and creating commissioned works for architects, designers and private clients.

Photo: "Coral Reef" part of my exhibition "Under the Sea"

What advice would you give to others to identify and embrace those moments of action?

Follow your journey with passion and be open to change, be sure to listen to your heart.

Photo: Visiting growers rambling greenhouses and farms

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s going through their own transformation?

Follow your heart, stay true to yourself, and let your passion give you wings to fly.

Photo: I had the opportunity to visit Janet Laurence studio & Tony Twigg studio, absolute heaven!

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in shaping your career? Are you creating your own path or being guided by a mentor?

Mother Nature is my source of inspiration, she has taught me how to compose works, using textures, patterns and shapes, unknowingly teaching me the art of seeing - my most important tool for creating my sculpture and installation artworks. Mother Nature has helped me to create my own path, a very inspiring journey.

Photo:Uluru and the Valley of the Winds

Where in the world would you describe as the place that speaks to you - your soul place?

My soul place is in nature. I can be anywhere in the world in nature and find peace and inspiration. I am very drawn to rare plants and prehistoric nature, which instill in me a sense of joy and happiness. Uluru and Kata Tjuta, the Valley of the Winds, are definitely my spirit place. In traveling there for an installation of art commissions, my spirit and soul lifted and changed forever.

Photo: Australian flora feeds my creative energy

If you could do anything, what in the world would you want to do next?

I am living my dream of creating art. I would like to create larger scale immersive installations that visitors can walk through, experience and be transported by.

Photo: Fiona Hall art love

All images used with permission from Tracey Deep.