TRACY BURGESS
TRACY BURGESS
ABOUT
When we become still, breathe and soften, energy can move. In stillness there is much movement and as we meet the deeper layers of our being, clear impulses arise.
My approach to painting is spontaneous, sensual and intuitive. My work is not preconceived, I allow each painting to evolve, giving space for a freedom of expression to take place at each moment of connection with the canvas, through body and paint.
Mark making is primal and instinctive and for me is a direct means of expression, which holds in its boundless sensitivities and boldness, its hesitations and its knowing, a potency that is directly connected to the deeper parts of my being. I choose therefore to work mainly (but not exclusively) without reference to specific forms, in an abstract gestural mode. Dealing in essence with the creation of marks, the quality of marks, freed and layered to create a dialogue of emotional landscapes and visceral expressions.
I see mark making not only as a swathe of paint across canvas, a scribble of graphite, or a smudge of pastel. It is also the twist of the torso through space or the deep hollow sound of a cello.
The rhythmic motion of an elbow or flick of the wrist. It can come from a surge of emotion rising up in my throat to let out a yelp or wail. Or from a word that comes in from nowhere, prods in my ear and won’t let go. From a colour that seems right, even if it is not, wanting to have its say on the canvas, in that moment. I see and feel these qualities as interconnected. I trust them as my stimulus.
When I paint I am engaging in an embodied process, giving awareness and presence to the movement of my body, sounds, intuitive thoughts and impulses that arise and feelings and emotions that stir. Allowing the energy that is moving through all of those elements to find expression in paint.
My process is deeply anchored in Eastern meditative movement practices, mainly Spontaneous Qigong. As well as Taoism and other internal energy practices which I have immersed in over the past nineteen years. A fascination and necessity which came out of a long period of ill health, and subsequently has become firmly embedded in my artistic practice. Along with influences of Abstract Expressionism and Psychic Automatism, experimental music and an ongoing exploration of dance.
I love scribbling wildly in paint and moving it around with my fingers, and am excited not knowing where a painting may take me. Offered therefore, is a playfulness, a curiosity, an explorer, a warrior, a child, permeating through each mark on the painted surface. Pointing to and in intimate liaison with, the chaos, the unpredictability, changeability and possibilities of being.
My aim is to explore and impart a connectedness to my own human experience on a sensual, emotional and intuitive level, and bring into being, whilst being with paint, something which feels authentically alive. The paintings arrive out of my openness and receptivity to what arises in a connection with energy. An exploration of this and simply a desire to express. I invite the viewer to enter into their own response to these soulful, multi-dimensional layerings of moments and movements with equal presence.
My approach to painting is spontaneous, sensual and intuitive. My work is not preconceived, I allow each painting to evolve, giving space for a freedom of expression to take place at each moment of connection with the canvas, through body and paint.
Mark making is primal and instinctive and for me is a direct means of expression, which holds in its boundless sensitivities and boldness, its hesitations and its knowing, a potency that is directly connected to the deeper parts of my being. I choose therefore to work mainly (but not exclusively) without reference to specific forms, in an abstract gestural mode. Dealing in essence with the creation of marks, the quality of marks, freed and layered to create a dialogue of emotional landscapes and visceral expressions.
I see mark making not only as a swathe of paint across canvas, a scribble of graphite, or a smudge of pastel. It is also the twist of the torso through space or the deep hollow sound of a cello.
The rhythmic motion of an elbow or flick of the wrist. It can come from a surge of emotion rising up in my throat to let out a yelp or wail. Or from a word that comes in from nowhere, prods in my ear and won’t let go. From a colour that seems right, even if it is not, wanting to have its say on the canvas, in that moment. I see and feel these qualities as interconnected. I trust them as my stimulus.
When I paint I am engaging in an embodied process, giving awareness and presence to the movement of my body, sounds, intuitive thoughts and impulses that arise and feelings and emotions that stir. Allowing the energy that is moving through all of those elements to find expression in paint.
My process is deeply anchored in Eastern meditative movement practices, mainly Spontaneous Qigong. As well as Taoism and other internal energy practices which I have immersed in over the past nineteen years. A fascination and necessity which came out of a long period of ill health, and subsequently has become firmly embedded in my artistic practice. Along with influences of Abstract Expressionism and Psychic Automatism, experimental music and an ongoing exploration of dance.
I love scribbling wildly in paint and moving it around with my fingers, and am excited not knowing where a painting may take me. Offered therefore, is a playfulness, a curiosity, an explorer, a warrior, a child, permeating through each mark on the painted surface. Pointing to and in intimate liaison with, the chaos, the unpredictability, changeability and possibilities of being.
My aim is to explore and impart a connectedness to my own human experience on a sensual, emotional and intuitive level, and bring into being, whilst being with paint, something which feels authentically alive. The paintings arrive out of my openness and receptivity to what arises in a connection with energy. An exploration of this and simply a desire to express. I invite the viewer to enter into their own response to these soulful, multi-dimensional layerings of moments and movements with equal presence.
Tracy Burgess was born in Macclesfield, UK in 1971. She gained an Honours Degree in Fine Art from Nottingham Trent University in 1993 and in 1998, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education qualifying her to teach in Further and Higher Education.
Her work is the embodiment of movement and spontaneity, using her whole body to apply paint. She harnesses a sensitivity and intensity through the rawness of mark making and awareness of energy, that for her holds a potent spiritual and mystical quality, a direct connection to her humanness.
Her vibrant energetic and emotive paintings capture a layering of moments. Visceral expressions juxtaposed and interacting. Impulses, emotions, thoughts and feelings are sensually delivered onto the canvas as swathes of colour, scribbles and daubs are applied, deeply connecting to herself and being present directly in the moment. Often painting directly with her hands, sometimes to music or from a flow of writing or drawing, she allows each painting to evolve. She trusts that through the visual tensions, harmonies, contradictions and chaos that might arrive, each painting will find its own direction and balance. It is this embodied and intuitive way of working that is important for the authenticity of the gestures and marks she creates.
The flow of energy through her working process allows a painting's own ‘aliveness’ to emerge. This process is deeply anchored in Eastern meditative movement practices, mainly Spontaneous Qigong. Tracy has immersed herself, over the past nineteen years, in Taoism and other internal energy practices, and she is also influenced by Abstract Expressionism and Psychic Automatism, experimental music and an ongoing exploration of dance.
She teaches visual art, working in collaboration with dancers, choreographers and musicians, exploring the interplay between these art forms. She currently lives and works in London.
Her work is the embodiment of movement and spontaneity, using her whole body to apply paint. She harnesses a sensitivity and intensity through the rawness of mark making and awareness of energy, that for her holds a potent spiritual and mystical quality, a direct connection to her humanness.
Her vibrant energetic and emotive paintings capture a layering of moments. Visceral expressions juxtaposed and interacting. Impulses, emotions, thoughts and feelings are sensually delivered onto the canvas as swathes of colour, scribbles and daubs are applied, deeply connecting to herself and being present directly in the moment. Often painting directly with her hands, sometimes to music or from a flow of writing or drawing, she allows each painting to evolve. She trusts that through the visual tensions, harmonies, contradictions and chaos that might arrive, each painting will find its own direction and balance. It is this embodied and intuitive way of working that is important for the authenticity of the gestures and marks she creates.
The flow of energy through her working process allows a painting's own ‘aliveness’ to emerge. This process is deeply anchored in Eastern meditative movement practices, mainly Spontaneous Qigong. Tracy has immersed herself, over the past nineteen years, in Taoism and other internal energy practices, and she is also influenced by Abstract Expressionism and Psychic Automatism, experimental music and an ongoing exploration of dance.
She teaches visual art, working in collaboration with dancers, choreographers and musicians, exploring the interplay between these art forms. She currently lives and works in London.
EXHIBITIONS & GALLERIES
2021
August : Cheltenham Fresh Art Fair, UK with Darl-e and the Bear Gallery
Representation : Darl-e and the Bear, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
2019
October : Open House Group Show, Lane House Arts, Biddestone, Wiltshire
May - present : Darl-e and the Bear, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
2018
October - February 2019 : JP Art Gallery, Blackheath, London
September : BEAT, Open studios, Ealing, London
March - April : Spring Exhibition, JP Art Gallery, East Dulwich, London
2017
September : BEAT, Open studios, Ealing, London
2016
October : The Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, London, UK with JP Art Consultancy and Gallery
September : Decorex International, Syon Park, London, UK with JP Art Consultancy and Gallery
September BEAT : Open studios, Ealing, London
May : 'Insight' Group Exhibition . JP Art Gallery, Clapham, London
May : JP Art Gallery, Clapham, London
2014
November : JP Contemporary Art, Belgravia, London
September : Blackheath Contemporary Art Gallery, London
2013
August The Cockpit Theatre, London, Photographic work and Drawings as slideshow, with SpiralArts Dance Theatre - The Desert
2012
July : Open Ealing, London, Mixed Media Drawings (solo) in Collaboration with SpiralArts Dance Theatre Company - The Mountain
June : The Chelsea Gallery, London, with Victoria White 'Retrospective' and Elizabeth Duncan Mayer
March : Pitzhanger Manor Art Gallery, Ealing, London. Open Exhibition
2011
December : The Great western Studios, London
August : The Cockpit Theatre, London, Mixed Media Drawings (solo) in Collaboration with SpiralArts Dance Theatre - The Lake
COLLABORATIONS
2020
Ongoing During the lockdown : Continuation of ENVIRONMENTAL theme. Exploratory project with SpiralArts Dance Theatre Company
2017 - 2019
Experimental work with SpiralArts Dance Theatre Company
2014
SpiralArts Dance Theatre and West London University : War Poetry Project , Movement Drawing and Photographic Works
2013
December : M A D Music Art Dance exploratory project with Jennifer Bliss Bennet, Bryony Williams and David Home
August : SpiralArts Dance Theatre and Michael Ormiston and Candida Valentino : The Desert, Photographic Works
2012
July : SpiralArts Dance Theatre : The Mountain, Mixed Media Drawing and Photographic Works
2011
August : SpiralArts Dance Theatre - The Lake, Mixed Media Drawing and Photographic Works
2021
August : Cheltenham Fresh Art Fair, UK with Darl-e and the Bear Gallery
Representation : Darl-e and the Bear, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
2019
October : Open House Group Show, Lane House Arts, Biddestone, Wiltshire
May - present : Darl-e and the Bear, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
2018
October - February 2019 : JP Art Gallery, Blackheath, London
September : BEAT, Open studios, Ealing, London
March - April : Spring Exhibition, JP Art Gallery, East Dulwich, London
2017
September : BEAT, Open studios, Ealing, London
2016
October : The Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, London, UK with JP Art Consultancy and Gallery
September : Decorex International, Syon Park, London, UK with JP Art Consultancy and Gallery
September BEAT : Open studios, Ealing, London
May : 'Insight' Group Exhibition . JP Art Gallery, Clapham, London
May : JP Art Gallery, Clapham, London
2014
November : JP Contemporary Art, Belgravia, London
September : Blackheath Contemporary Art Gallery, London
2013
August The Cockpit Theatre, London, Photographic work and Drawings as slideshow, with SpiralArts Dance Theatre - The Desert
2012
July : Open Ealing, London, Mixed Media Drawings (solo) in Collaboration with SpiralArts Dance Theatre Company - The Mountain
June : The Chelsea Gallery, London, with Victoria White 'Retrospective' and Elizabeth Duncan Mayer
March : Pitzhanger Manor Art Gallery, Ealing, London. Open Exhibition
2011
December : The Great western Studios, London
August : The Cockpit Theatre, London, Mixed Media Drawings (solo) in Collaboration with SpiralArts Dance Theatre - The Lake
COLLABORATIONS
2020
Ongoing During the lockdown : Continuation of ENVIRONMENTAL theme. Exploratory project with SpiralArts Dance Theatre Company
2017 - 2019
Experimental work with SpiralArts Dance Theatre Company
2014
SpiralArts Dance Theatre and West London University : War Poetry Project , Movement Drawing and Photographic Works
2013
December : M A D Music Art Dance exploratory project with Jennifer Bliss Bennet, Bryony Williams and David Home
August : SpiralArts Dance Theatre and Michael Ormiston and Candida Valentino : The Desert, Photographic Works
2012
July : SpiralArts Dance Theatre : The Mountain, Mixed Media Drawing and Photographic Works
2011
August : SpiralArts Dance Theatre - The Lake, Mixed Media Drawing and Photographic Works
SELECTED ARTWORKS
PAST EXHIBITIONS AT LANE HOUSE ARTS (Click here for full details)
