Introduction

Hello, my name is Tracy Weil and welcome to my show at the Arvada Center, Unabashed. This series of new works was created in 2024 and 25 at my studio in Pine, Colorado, nestled in Jefferson County. The collections feature acrylic paintings on canvas alongside select plexiglass pieces and sketches. My work is often described as a mashup of Dr. Seuss and Van Gogh.

Over the last 30 years, I've developed a distinctive iconography of characters and objects that frequently appear in my art. To help you navigate this world, I've created a character guide available for you to explore nearly 50 of my archetypal symbols. While my iconography remains fluid, a few favorites always find their way into my work. I typically paint in a stream of consciousness style, allowing my creations to emerge freely and without constraints.

I come from a long line of farmers in Iowa and North Dakota. Though I resisted the rural life as a kid, spending most of my time in the city, I've gradually reconnected with agriculture, and it has become a significant inspiration for my art. In fact, I'm also a tomato farmer. As many artists do, I've had to find creative ways to sustain my practice. And for the past 18 years, one of the side hustles I've been growing and selling heirloom tomato plants.

As part of this exhibition, you'll find a small installation paying homage to my hobby farm. Thank you for being here and thanks to the Arvada Center for hosting my work. I hope you enjoyed the show.