Interview

Written By Adelé Kotzé

Tracy Thomas

Tracy Thomas (b. Sydney, Australia) is an artist working in Lake Macquarie, Australia. Thomas’ family background has an influence of Dutch, Lithuanian and English with some tracing back to the very first Australian settlers. Thomas creates her works in a contemporary abstract impressionist style and enjoys the interplay of abstract elements intertwined with realism. Since graduating University with a Bachelor of Arts (Design), Thomas has built a reasonable following on multiple social media platforms of over 85k followers and has been recognised for her accomplishments in art and community contribution with mention in Parliament of New South Wales by Councillor MP Mr Greg Piper. Thomas has received several prestigious awards including winning the International Emerging Artist Award, Dubai; Lake Macquarie Artist Creator Award and AusMumprenuer Award. Her works have been exhibited with The Van Gogh Gallery Spain, Reddot Miami Art Fair, Art World Paris, The Other Art Fair Sydney and published in Amazing Australian Artists, International Emerging Artists, Contemporary Art of Excellence Vol II and featured in Magzoid Global U.A.E Leaders Magazine, Newcastle Herald for Lake Macquarie Creator Award and collaborations on multiple episodes of Bargain Mansions US TV Show on HGTV.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“Even though I was born in Australia, I had a very European upbringing with a Dutch mother and a Lithuanian stepfather. Growing up on acres, winning awards throughout school led to early acceptance into university. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Design and began my career in magazine and the graphic design industry. After having my first child, I returned to painting in 2013, sharing my work on social media and slowly building an international presence. Winning the International Emerging Artist Award in Dubai was a pivotal moment, affirming my direction. Life presented challenges with the loss of my husband, but my two children became my passion and my fire, motivating me to keep creating while building a sustainable career. Today, my work has expanded globally with exhibitions at the Van Gogh Gallery, Spain, Red Dot Art Fair, Miami, and Art World Paris. I focus on layered abstractions that explore memory, light, and transformation, creating refined, collectible pieces that offer collectors an intimate, luxurious experience.”

What inspires you?

“I’m inspired by memory, emotion, and the subtle beauty of everyday life. I love to play with the tension between realism and abstraction, exploring how light, shadow, and texture can transform a moment or a memory. Life’s contrasts—fragility and strength, concealment and revelation—shape my work, creating layered, refined pieces that invite collectors to pause, reflect, and experience art on a deeply personal level.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“I’m really drawn to themes of transformation and memory, and I love exploring the interplay of light and shadow in my work. I often play with dualities—fragility and strength, concealment and revelation—and how they shape the way we experience the world. There’s always a subtle message behind each piece: I want people to pause, reflect, and connect with their own experiences. My goal is to create layered, refined artworks that invite collectors into a personal, contemplative journey.”

How would you describe your work?

“My work is layered and evocative, sitting at the intersection of realism and abstraction. I explore memory, emotion, and transformation through light, shadow, and texture, often drawing inspiration from black-and-white photography. Each piece is designed to invite pause and reflection, offering collectors an intimate and contemplative experience. I aim to create art that feels both luminous and concealed—something that reveals new depth every time you engage with it.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I’ve always been drawn to artists who challenge perception and spark thought. From a young age, M.C. Escher fascinated me with his intricate patterns and impossible perspectives. I also love the boldness and cultural commentary of Banksy, the iconic pop sensibility of Warhol, and the raw energy of Jean-Michel Basquiat. I relate deeply to some of Vincent van Gogh’s views, particularly his emotional honesty and intensity. Combined with the contrast and composition I admire in black-and-white photography, these influences shape my approach—balancing subtlety, intensity, and a reflective, immersive experience in my own work.”

“My work is layered and evocative, sitting at the intersection of realism and abstraction. I explore memory, emotion, and transformation through light, shadow, and texture, often drawing inspiration from black-and-white photography.”

What is your creative process like?

“My process begins in a place of depth—often a void, a sense of loss, longing, or life’s experiences. I’m inspired by waves, beaches, the subtle beauty of flowers, and the journey from struggle to triumph. I look at photography, observe movement, and let my visions and dreams guide me. Over time, a clear vision emerges, which I sketch and then bring to life on the canvas. I work intuitively, layering paint, balancing realism and abstraction, and exploring light and shadow until the piece resonates both visually and emotionally.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“I feel an artist’s role is to blend the real world with emotional thought and feeling, revealing the tension between expectations and reality. In a life that can feel like a rehearsed play, art reminds us of what is truly human. People still crave human realism—the emotions, imperfections, and depth that create connection. While audiences now experience art globally and digitally, the core of an artist’s role remains: to evoke feeling, provoke reflection, and foster authentic connection.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“Yes, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have my work recognized both locally and internationally. I won the International Emerging Artist Award in Dubai, which was a pivotal moment in my career and gave me global exposure. I’ve exhibited at the Van Gogh Art Gallery in Spain, the Red Dot Miami Art Fair, and Art World Paris, connecting with collectors and galleries around the world. Closer to home, I was acknowledged in the NSW Parliament by Greg Piper MP for my contributions to the arts and community, which was very special. I’ve also been recognized with the Lake Macquarie Artist & Creator Award, and some of my work has reached broader audiences through features on HGTV’s ‘Bargain Mansions’. Each of these experiences has been an important milestone in sharing my art with the world.”

 
Adelé Kotzé
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