Artist: Lee Tracy

Artwork: "Overcast"

BIOGRAPHY
Tracy was born in Maine and raised outside of Boston in "Waldon Pond" territory. Early visits to her grandmother's home in the middle of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) made a big impression on her as a girl. After graduating from high school in the downeast coast of Maine, Tracy experienced different schools of thought. Concentrating on fine arts, drawing from observation and illustration, she attended The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and The Art Institute of Boston before receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1989. Ms. Tracy now lives in Chicago working closely with her woodworker husband, Joel. Tracy exhibits publicly and is in numerous collections.

PROCESS
My paintings respond to my current experiences, personal stories that make visible my feelings about the ambiguity and conflict I see in the world. The themes range from self explorations, to definitions of interrelationships, or concerns about nature, society and the political situation I am witnessing. My paintings have the sense of the familiar, yet are abstract enough for people to discover their own interpretations.

In 1999 I started my first project called Red Trees. My projects are loose plans, consisting of multiple stages, towards ambitious concepts that keep me alert. I take my time (years) and try to allow for nature to take its course in my decision making, stepping through open doors as they appear, trying to find the balance within my true self while remaining open to possibility. The result is a journey of emotion; from praise to annoyance, success to disappointment, confirmation of direction to an about face. In the end the journey makes perfect sense through the outcome of the art. My projects become a personal lesson in trust which confirms my mantra, I thank
the unknown help that is already on its way (Thank
you Jane).

In the long-term projects I create "objects" which accrue significance through "performance." Exposure to nature involves the uncontrollable performance of the elements. I often "perform" a ritual (of burial or washing for example) which also adds meaning. Ultimately, the projects become an act by which the objects and I are transformed together. Further, it is living the history of the "objects", embracing the stories, that effects my painting and drawing process.

Often my direction in the projects is influenced by a search for community, a longing to find a sense of unity and a need to connect to roots that feel lasting. It is a quest that has led to collaborations and exchanges with creative people in different fields.

ARTIST STATEMENT
My work responds to our interdependence with our fragile natural environment. My art is both an environmental statement as well as a broader metaphor of our vulnerability and connectedness to the natural order. It acknowledges the co-existence of humanity's destructive and creative energies. My art is filled with confrontation, acceptance and the hope of transformation and progress. My creative process reflects my approach to life.

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IF YOU CAN NOT ATTEND - YOU MAY BID BY PROXY.  SELECT ARTWORK WILL ALSO HAVE A "BUY IT NOW" OPTION.  CALL 312.255.9454 FOR DETAILS. 

If you have any questions about any of the pieces of art that will be featured in this auction or questions about the event in general, please call us at 312.255.9454 or email us HERE.

The Third Annual The Kids Are Alright Charity Auction will be held on Friday, March 3rd, 2006 at the Arts Club of Chicago, (201 E. Ontario) from 6 to 11 pm.  The event supports Youth Jam, Rock For Kids music education program for underprivileged children in Chicago.

If you can not attend and you wish to make a donation, you can do so HERE.