We recently connected with Tracy Murphy and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tracy, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Growing up with a brother and two loving parents gave me an example of an excellent work ethic. My father sacrificed and worked hard to be a great Dad and provider for us. My mother stayed home with us when we were young and then achieved an advanced graduate degree and a successful career using that education. They both worked hard to excel in their fields as well as balancing a great home life. My brother and I have chosen different career paths and timelines, but our parents have modeled an excellent work ethic for us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve always had a strong interest in Art. I was surrounded by creatives- my mother, grandmothers, and aunt. I believe they all had a hand in fostering my creative abilities. As a child, birthday gifts were “makers gifts”. It ranged from construction paper, paints, scissors, glue and of course that beautiful box of 64 Crayolas. I was fortunate to take lessons and classes in different mediums- drawing, wheel throwing/ceramics, oil painting. It only made sense to continue on to college with an Art degree. Although an artist is an artist with or without a “degree” this fed my thirst for knowledge in the arts.
I have shared my love for the arts with my 3 (now grown)) children, through volunteer work, being an art teacher, working at a paint studio and now my own art business.
My art business is Glass and Resin Art. I create a painting on a wood panel, then embellish it with hand cut, repurposed glass. Repurposed glass that I find at Thrift stores, colorful glass pieces that may have a crack or chip, and of course generous friends that are always on the lookout for treasures. I use anything from green Topo Chico bottles to a chipped “imperfect”vase to add to my art. Once I have cut & placed the glass on the painting, I pour liquid resin over it. I allow it to lay flat & cure for a day. The resin provides protection & shine,
I’m very inspired by my current home state of Texas. We have beautiful flora and fauna here. You’ll see many wildflowers, cacti, and bluebonnets in my work, along with birds and an occasional Long horn. I love painting, and now my love has grown to include the glass on a painting, and then resin poured over the art for protection and shine.
I share and sell my work online and in person at art shows/markets in S.Texas. I love when people realize that much of my art is repurposed pieces of glass. I believe it adds an extra element of interest.
Upcoming local markets-
Oct 21/22- Fall into Arts Festival, Columbus Hall, New Braunfels, TX
Nov 4- Bloom Market, St. Thomas Church, San Antonio, Texas
Hill Country Holiday Bazaar, Dry Comal Creek Vineyard/Winery, New Braunfels, TX
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Practice is essential, in anything you do, and “fails” are OK! There are so many pieces I’ve created that will not see the light of day. I keep making & practicing.
When I taught middle school art, some students jumped right in. Others said they “CAN’T do ART”.. I’d ask them something they CAN do well. It was Basketball, football, running, dance… Id remind them how they must’ve gone to many “practices” to be as good as they are today. Art is the same. Practice!
I am still learning and taking classes in ART to become better.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I am in a couple of online classes right now. We (students) share a lot of our work, ask questions to the instructors/mentors of the group as well as each other. One artist in particular that got me started with Glass & Resin is a Kentucky based artist- Elizabeth Rhodes. Her creativity, knowledge and encouragement is amazing. She has been so helpful in helping me find a medium I truly love!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ TracyMurphy_Studio
- Facebook: Tracy Murphy Studio
- Other: Etsy: https://tracymurphystudio.etsy.com/
