Tracey McKane

I live and work in East Belfast and draw endless inspiration from the natural world. My artwork alternates between painting and assemblage. When I paint I prefer the immediacy of acrylics or emulsion paints. I have developed a drip and pour technique which allows me to create paintings without the use of a paintbrush, whereby I surrender some control in return for random paint effects. Previously my work has highlighted concerns surrounding the growing problem of pollution in the marine environment and its detrimental effect on wildlife worldwide. More recently however, I have turned my attention to the beauty to be found in nature which I hope will convey a positive message of respect for the natural environment, as a reminder that it is worthy of our care and preservation.

I personally collect all the driftwood, sea glass and pottery shards that I use in my assemblages. I like beachcombing the County Down coast whilst removing as much plastic rubbish as I can carry, as payment to the marine environment. In 2012 I completed a Higher National Diploma in Fine Art at the Belfast Metropolitan College.