Born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England, Tracey has also lived in New Zealand and currently resides in Australia. A lover of animals and birds, when I asked Tracey about her creative side she replied, "I have always been artistic and basically grew up with a pencil in my mouth. I would draw, and draw and draw! When I was about 14, I started to make basic jewelry pieces, using beads and elastic. This only lasted a few years.
I got back into drawing first and started to do portraits of people and pets, on a commission basis. If I wasn't drawing, or painting I would find myself getting frustrated, as I knew I wanted to make, paint or do something, I just didn't know what. I realized that I needed to do something that was quick and that had almost instant gratification, as portraits take many, MANY hours to do.
So one day I bought some more beads and then I bought some wire and began playing around with jewelry making. This time I was hooked! I would source the Internet, and magazines on "how to." Once I got the basics I just wanted to know more. This was about 5 years ago now, and I haven't looked back.
I love working with wire, and with color. So now if I'm not drawing or painting, there is no chance of the artistic, internal frustration I previously experienced as I just pick up some wire, grab some beads, and let the creations flow!"
Tracey McKenzie has made Brisbane, Queensland, Australia her home where she, her supportive husband, and their two children enjoy their many family pets, both feathered and furry.