Tracey McKenzie – Contributing Wire Artist

By on December 2, 2010
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Those of you who are signed up to receive Free Wire Jewelry Patterns may be seeing some patterns from Tracey McKenzie soon…

Tracey McKenzie, Wire-Sculpture Contributing Artist

Born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England, Tracey has also lived in New Zealand and currently resides in Australia. A lover of animals and birds, when I asked Tracey about her creative side she replied, “I have always been artistic and basically grew up with a pencil in my mouth. I would draw, and draw and draw! When I was about 14, I started to make basic jewellery pieces, using beads and elastic. This only lasted a few years.

I got back into drawing first, and started to do portraits of people and pets, on a commission basis. If I wasn’t drawing, or painting I would find myself getting frustrated, as I knew I wanted to make, paint or do something, I just didn’t know what. I realized that I needed to do something that was quick and that had almost instant gratification, as portraits take many, MANY hours to do.

So one day I bought some more beads and then I bought some wire and began playing around with jewellery making. This time I was hooked! I would source the Internet, and magazines on “how to.” Once I got the basics I just wanted to know more. This was about 5 years ago now, and I haven’t looked back.

I love working with wire, and with colour. So now if I’m not drawing or painting, there is no chance of the artistic, internal frustration I previously experienced as I just pick up some wire, grab some beads, and let the creations flow!”

Tracey McKenzie has made Brisbane, Queensland, Australia her home where she, her supportive husband, and their two children enjoy their many family pets, both feathered and furry.

Click here to see other Contributing Guest Artists and Wire Faculty Members.

2 Comments

  1. avatar

    Jane Elizabeth

    January 28, 2011 at 10:54 am

    Tracey, I love your charm pattern! Obviously very talented it is a pleasure to see your work! FYI My youngest son, his wife and son also live in Australia! I look forward to traveling there to visit… keep twisting!

  2. avatar

    Bobbie

    February 26, 2012 at 6:59 pm

    Thank you!

    Probably the nicest, easiest to follow, tutorial I’ve seen.

    I just made the heart and it looks fabulous.

    This is a wonderful use for my homeless beads, that end up in a container. You know the beads that end up on the floor.

    Thanks again.

    I look forward to more, much more!