Tracey Elphick

Flowers on an easel, bluebells in a small, brightly painted jug, bright walls with canvasses, scenes from nature and the environment, easy to enjoy and ready to brighten any wall, Tracey is here, relishing her work and bringing vibrancy to the space she works within at the Brewery Arts Centre.

Tracey has her mother and her dog with her when I arrive. Her dark apron, splattered with silver, purple, green is a worn canvas, worn with memories of paintings that have left her space and taken life elsewhere. Seeing me for the second time, Tracey makes me welcome. Her mother leaves us and we begin to try taking pictures.

Conscious of the camera and not immediately at ease with its presence, we arrange set pieces. After cutting collage paper, she moves across the room to an area where finished work is displayed. We have spent some time talking, she lets her hair drop and suddenly, things begin to work. Tracey smiles, content. The final pictures are of an artist, satisfied, happy and at ease with her space, her work and facing the camera.

Tracey was a teacher. Now she makes pictures that are bold, bright, blue and white with accents of primary colours that make the world appear inviting, exciting and full of life. I would like to spend my life within those scenes. When the rain and cloud makes our towns gloomy, I’ll remember Elphick’s England and smile.