When observing the plumage of a bird, many of us witness nature’s artwork and how intricate details shape our fascinating world.
Tracy Johnson goes beyond this, creating her art on delicate feathers with an attention to detail that teaches her patience and nurtures an increased appreciation for the environment around her.
Tracy lives in Colville, situated in the northernmost part of our Coromandel Peninsula. She was born in Perth, WA, in 1970, and her parents were living in Meekatharra, WA, at that time. Returning to Colville in 1972, her family’s deep ties to the land became a foundational aspect of her upbringing. She attended school in Colville and later Coromandel Area School. Throughout her formative years, Tracy was fortunate to have one or two mentors, yet her artistic journey was primarily self-guided. She discovered an artistic connection within her family, notably with her great-great-grandfather, Joseph Mackenzie; a silversmith, landscape painter and one of the secretaries of the Huddersfield Art Society in the UK, Joseph Mackenzie’s legacy became an inspiring link to Tracy’s creative heritage.
Discovering the Artistic Alchemy
Tracy’s journey into feather art was a natural evolution from her crafty roots. She played with creative concrete statues, dreamcatchers, murals, pointillism painting and tattooing, but her true artistic haven was found in painting on feathers. “I thought I would give it a go and haven’t looked back,” she shares with enthusiasm.
Sourcing the Canvas and Inspiration
The process of collecting and preparing feathers for her artwork has evolved over the years. Initially sourcing feathers from her surroundings, Tracy now acquires them from a trusted supplier, Feather Girl. The delicate nature of her canvas poses challenges, resulting in some casualties. Still, after a decade of painting on feathers, Tracy continues to refine her craft.
The inspiration behind this particular style and subject matter lies in the pure souls of animals. For her, painting animals is less draining than portraying people, allowing her to tap into the natural joy of her subjects.
Nature’s Energy and Realism
Tracy’s portfolio showcases a remarkable realism, especially in her depictions of animals. But when asked about that approach, Tracy humbly confesses that she doesn’t consciously think about it; it flows naturally. Her portfolio encompasses a variety of bird species, driven more by her general interest in birds rather than a specific preference.
Painting on feathers is no conventional feat, and Tracy acknowledges the uniqueness of each feather. “Each feather has a unique energy, and not one feather is the same,” she notes. The feathers, much like crystals, dictate what is painted on them, and Tracy emphasises the importance of getting that connection right for the painting to come to life.
Nature, with its grounding force, plays a pivotal role in Tracy’s creative process. Her love for the natural world is evident in every stroke, capturing the details of animals with an intuitive finesse that comes naturally to her.
Tools and Techniques
Tracy’s process involves small detail paint brushes, a board for pinning the feathers, and jeweller’s glasses. Ensuring the longevity of her intricate artworks involves keeping them behind glass and away from direct sunlight.
Tracy challenges the boundaries of traditional art forms by using unconventional materials, and her feathered masterpieces convey a message of breaking free from the constraints of traditional thinking. “Art is a huge entity, and everyone is different,” she emphasises. Tracy encourages fellow artists to think outside the box and try new approaches, asserting that there is no right or wrong way to do art.
Care for the Environment
Environmental awareness is a massive part of Tracy’s artistic journey. She sees it as an integral part of life, a constant reminder that if we don’t care for the environment, we risk losing it. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” Tracy reflects, highlighting the urgency of preserving our natural world.
Collaborations with the Community
One day Tracy walked into the Crystal Ball Clinic in Thames and was asked if she would like to do some painting for an oracle card set. She loved the idea so the owners of the shop, Wendy and Pete, designed ‘The Sacred Oracle of Feathers’, a 44-card oracle deck with beautiful hand-painted feathers, consisting mainly of New Zealand native birds.
words by Leonardo Magri
You can find more details about it https://www.thecrystalball.co.nz
If you want to get in touch with Tracy or see more of her incredible work, visit her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OldWorldTattoosArtStudio
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