July Spotlight Artist-Tracy Babin-Art Teacher and Collage Artist

Welcome to summer and to July’s installment of The Artist Spotlight!

This month we will put the spotlight on Tracey Babin an art teacher and Medway resident. We’re excited to give Tracy a platform and recognition for her work as an artist and a teacher and during a pandemic! Thanks Tracy. Tracey Reminds us how important mothers are in giving direction and encouraging skills . Tracey would love to see more community art in Medway – her advice to artists: “Get out of your head, take a walk, and be inspired by nature. Try to observe sights, smells, sounds around you. Take workshops and classes. Talk to other artist’s and see what they do to stay actively working.” don’t forget to check out Tracey’s Studio Tour!

“Get out of your head, take a walk, and be inspired by nature. Try to observe sights, smells, sounds around you. Take workshops and classes. Talk to other artist’s and see what they do to stay actively working.”

1. Tell us about your art! 

My name is Tracey Babin. I am a painter and a collage artist.  The subject matter of my paintings has changed throughout the years, but I’ve always been interested in texture and atmospheric light. When I first started painting I focused mainly on people and portraiture. Throughout college and the beginning of my 20’s I studied the people around me, eventually transitioning into painting figures within certain spaces. At some point the figures disappeared and only the backgrounds were left. I started to study more landscapes in an abstract way, using acrylic paint, college, and found objects to tell the story of my work

2. What inspires you? 

I grew up on Cape Cod with an artist as a mother. She always taught me to observe nature and be inspired by the world around me. Being surrounded by such beauty has had an impact on the way in which I look at the effect of light, shape, and mood. Most recently I’ve been interested in how different textures play against each other in a painting.

3. How did you get started in making your art? What drew you into the field?

I always loved drawing, writing, and crafting. My mom being an artist was probably my biggest draw into the field. She would always set up tables for blank paper and coloring tools for my brother and I to create with. We were always allowed to explore new materials, and think outside the box. I grew up to be an artist, and my brother a writer. I believe my mother’s influence paid off.

4. How long have you lived in Medway? What drew you to this town? 

I have only lived in Medway for about a year and a half. I work as an elementary art teacher in a neighboring town. I loved the small town feel. The house we bought is from the 1800s, which I love!

5. How can people experience your work? Do you have a website/gallery? 

I do not currently have a website or artwork currently in a gallery space. I am a juried member of the Cape Cod Art Association, and occasionally have work displayed in their space. Being an art teacher has taken a lot of my time I would typically be promoting my art. However, I do continue to create, and I’m planning on making a website this summer.

6. How would you like to see your art change grow and benefit others?

Being an art teacher I get to see how art can help students on a daily basis. The process of making art makes kids happy, and boosts their confidence and creativity. I would like my work as an artist to be able to do the same, make someone happy just by looking at my work.

7. What would you like to do with your art in the future?

In the future I would like to create more art to show in gallery spaces. I would also like to have a mother/daughter art show with my mom. We have had one together so far, and it was great! I would love to be able to do another show.

8. What advice would you give aspiring artists or tips to help them in their desire to express themselves artistically?

Allow yourself to explore and make mistakes. Try new things, even if they seem scary or not worthwhile. Get out of your head, take a walk, and be inspired by nature. Try to observe sights, smells, sounds around you. Take workshops and classes. Talk to other artist’s and see what they do to stay actively working.

9. Where would you like to see art thrive in Medway and how could Medway support local artists in their pursuits?

I would love to see more community art in Medway. Perhaps in a park, or local library. I always love seeing the community work on the cape, and think artists could incorporate more outdoor community pieces throughout Medway.

10. What is it that you are trying to express in and through your artwork?

In my artwork I’m trying to convey a sense of mood and atmosphere. I often like using materials with lots of texture and movement. I also like to place natural materials in my work, like leaves, sticks, and rocks. I think these natural elements help express my love of nature and sense of atmospheric space in my paintings.

Check out Tracey’s Studio Tour!

We also had the privilege of seeing Tracey’s art through her photography when she submitted two of photos to the Spring Photo Competition. 

Article excerpted from Medway Cultural Council's Website, Artist Spotlight, published by Kim Blenkhorn