A profile of Tracy Cabble, local artist

Tracy Cabble graduated in 2005 with First Class Honours in Fine Art – Combined Media from Swansea Institue of Higher Education ( now Swansea Metropolitan University).

Tracy has exhibited in Porthcawl in 2005 in a group exhibition alongside Jean Floe and Mike Hopkins, whilst studying towards her PGCE in Art and Design. In 2008, Tracy became ill and developed Fibromyalgia, a condition which causes joint and muscle pain, anxiety and depression.

After teaching for 6 years, Tracy could no longer continue teaching due to her illness, and so returned to producing artwork. Tracy has used artwork to overcome depression and to refocus her mind away from her pain and anxiety.

Tracy says:

“I find painting very therapeutic and relaxing. I’ve also found that painting works as a form of meditation, helping me to develop and focus and inner calm. When I’m painting I just live in the moment.”

Tracy also uses craft to express herself, making quilts, scrapbooks and keeps sketchbooks of ideas for other artworks and even children’s books.

“I’m currently looking for ways to make my artwork more eco-friendly and I’ve started mixing my own oil paints using non toxic pigments which are better for my health and for the environment.”

This year (2012), Tracy exhibited 2 paintings in the Porthcawl Open Exhibition, has launched her website www.tracycabble.com , her Facebook page www.facebook.com/TracyCabbleArt and a blog www.tracycabble.blogspot.com.

Tracy paints in a photorealist style. She chooses objects which appeal visually and which she gets enjoyment from studying, as she scrutinises her subject matter in great detail. Tracy likes to set herself a challenge and immerse herself in her work.

She aspires to create paintings in great detail, so that they look as realistic as the original object, and so that the viewer can compare her painting to a photograph, but when inspected closely, they can still see evidence of the artist through the brushstrokes and markmaking. Tracy enjoys paintings that show how an artist has developed their skills and ideas, and is inspired by artists like Gerhard Richter.

She is currently working on a very detailed painting of a jar filled with buttons.

“Buttons can provoke memories, and the sensation of the tactile nature of the subject matter.

Buttons are also very trendy at the moment, and many people are using more brightly coloured buttons for jewellery and in crafting. The bright colours of the button jar painting have a positive impact on the viewer and people have been responding to this painting with a fun approach and child-like curiosity.”

Tracy creates paintings that anyone can get enjoyment from. There are no hidden meanings to Tracy’s work and you do not need to have any previous knowledge of Tracy to appreciate her paintings.

“There is too much chaos and anger in the World – painting, for me, needs to be a peaceful act.”tings that anyone can get enjoyment from. There are no hidden meanings to Tracy’s work and you do not need to have any previous knowledge of Tracy to appreciate her paintings.

Tracy has prints for sale of a cupcake painting which she completed in 2011, when she was battling with depression. Tracy used the process of painting the cheerful cupcake to lift her mood.

“When I had depression, painting was the only thing I was getting any enjoyment from. I chose to paint the cupcake as it is bright and cheerful, and has fun, quirky connotations.”

“When people see cupcakes they think of parties and celebrations. I’m going to continue painting fun subject matter, as it helps me to focus on the good times and the good things in life. My next painting is going to be a scene from the funfair!”