“The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.” – Carl Jung.

I am a curious being, I love artistic expression, I love to play, and I can’t help but be creative as my intuition builds even more creativity. I have a passion for all arts as well as deep curiosity for human nature and how the two affect each other. I was raised in Pittsburgh PA and performed with The Pittsburgh Youth Ballet through high school. It was through dance that I learned how the physical realm of human expression became intertwined into emotional experiences.

I studied psychology at Purdue University. It was at the time of practicing as a psychotherapist in my late 20’s that I got my first camera and started experimenting with photography in the dark room. After my first shoot, I realized that my true passion was still rooted in the arts and the study of how art form can evoke so much of another. I knew that in order to live authentically and honestly to myself, I must create. Trying out all forms of photography, I had won 3 Fuji Film awards within my first year of shooting. With success happening rather quickly I played with many genres within photography before deciding to settle on advertising photography for major international campaigns. All the while, I knew I would ultimately end up shooting fine art.

With twists and turns in life, a traumatic brain injury skiing halted my advertising career in a single moment and then my focus was on relearning balance, vision, memory, empathy amongst many other basic life skills most take for granted. I had lost my ability to see or think creativity as well as my ability to see or compose through the lens. Recovery was slow. In the next 3 years, I suffered 5 more concussions and more setbacks. It took years to regain my ability to be creative and from there a whole new world opened up to me. I believe it is from these challenges, life lessons, and experiences that my purpose is now to create art that can touch others in a spiritual and emotional way. It’s all about rebirth and seeing life’s simple treasures that are all around us. It may be a ray of light shining through the beautifully shaped trees or the soul emitting through the eyes of a wild mustang. These are things I want others to see and feel through my work.

C.S. Lewis stated, “You don’t have a soul, you are a soul. You have a body.” Since being back behind the camera I only shoot what evokes my soul. I am called by my subject’s authenticity and truths in their own state of energy and rawness. My art uniquely reflects emotion, energy, and introspection and life in its most organic state. I am inspired by nature, light, shadows, lines and the emotions and perceptions we have of them.

I believe in giving back, my family and I happily spend our time, earnings, and talents to numerous organizations and charities locally and internationally. "Photographing the wild mustangs has always been a dream for me. I have always been drawn to their organic and wild nature, their energy, and their innate passion which moves my soul. We have so much to learn from them. Their story and current inhumane treatment take my breath away. We must all do our part in preserving and helping these amazing animals - we owe it to them and our children and future generations."

I donate 10% of proceeds from every sale. I donate to Return to Freedom for all wild horse collections and other organizations as well. To find out more or become involved please contact me. I live and play in Big Sky Montana with my two teenage daughters, husband, and Doodle.

Tracie Spence