We recently connected with Tracy Poindexter-canton and have shared our conversation below.

Tracy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My journey as a mixed media artist began with a spark of creativity nurtured by my late grandmother, Alma. As a child, she gifted me a cardboard box filled with ribbons, buttons, and all sorts of commonly discarded scraps. This simple box became a treasure trove of possibilities, igniting my passion for creating. Over the years, I pursued formal education in English and Creative Writing at Seattle University, followed by a master’s in Communications and Leadership from Gonzaga University. While my academic background provided a strong foundation in storytelling and communication, my artistic journey has been a blend of traditional studies and self-directed exploration. I’ve taken various art classes in mixed media, acrylics, and graphite, but much of my learning has been intuitive, guided by my senses and a deep connection to my subject matter.

In retrospect, I realize that fully embracing the concept of “failing forward” could have accelerated my growth as an artist. Early on, I sometimes hesitated to take risks or experiment outside my comfort zone, fearing imperfection. If I had embraced the idea that mistakes are an essential part of the creative process, I might have developed my skills more rapidly.

The most essential skills in my journey have been adaptability and the ability to fuse diverse influences into a cohesive whole. My work blends literary imagery with visual art, and this requires a deep understanding of both storytelling and visual composition. Moreover, the ability to see beauty and potential in everyday materials—whether it’s bubble wrap, nylon cord, or feathers—has been crucial in developing my unique style. Intuition also plays a significant role; trusting my instincts allows me to create freely and fearlessly, translating the colorful imagery, memories, and emotions that resonate within me into my art.

One of the biggest obstacles has been the challenge of balancing the demands of life with the time and space needed for artistic exploration. As a self-taught artist working full-time in another field, finding the energy, determination, and discipline to pursue my art was often difficult. Staying motivated to create, despite these challenges, required a deep commitment to my craft and a passion that continually pushed me forward.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a mixed media artist based in Spokane, Washington. What sets my work apart is the combination of literary inspiration with diverse, often unexpected materials. I strive to create pieces that not only resonate on an emotional level but also provoke thought and conversation about the Black American experience. My work is a celebration of identity, resilience, and beauty, and I hope that it inspires others to see the world through a more vibrant and nuanced lens.

My creative process is highly intuitive, relying heavily on my senses and the right side of my brain. This approach allows me to create freely and fearlessly, with the goal of translating the colorful imagery, memories, and emotions that resonate within me into my artwork. I work with an eclectic assortment of media and materials, including acrylics, oil pastels, ink, feathers, beads, magazine clippings, bubble wrap, scrapbook paper, nylon cord, and found objects. Each piece I create is a reflection of the complexity and beauty of human experiences imbued with layers of meaning and texture.

My journey into the world of art has been somewhat unconventional. I am largely self-taught. While my passion for visual art was nurtured from a young age, it wasn’t until later in life that I fully embraced it as my professional path. Despite the challenges of balancing a full-time career in another field, I remained determined and disciplined, continually pushing myself to create and evolve as an artist.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to several public art projects, from designing signal boxes and billboards to a portable lending library in my hometown. I’m especially proud that four of my works have been acquired by the Washington Arts Commission and the Spokane Public Library for their permanent public art collections.

For those who are new to my work, I want them to know that my art is a labor of love, deeply connected to my personal experiences and the broader narratives of the Black community. Whether through public installations or personal commissions, my goal is to create art that speaks to the soul, challenges perceptions, and honors the rich cultural heritage that shapes us all.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, for me, is the freedom to explore and express the depths of my imagination without constraints. I particularly love working in mixed media because it embodies this sense of boundless creativity. In mixed media, there is no right or wrong way to create—it’s like a gate has been unlatched, allowing my imagination and visual voice to gallop wildly across the meadow. This freedom enables me to fuse a wide array of materials, from acrylic paints and oil pastels to found objects like feathers, beads, and magazine clippings, into something uniquely expressive and meaningful.

This medium allows me to delve deeply into the themes that resonate with me, particularly the blending of literary imagery with visual art. The process of layering different textures and materials to bring these concepts to life is incredibly fulfilling. Each piece I create is a journey of discovery, not just for me as the artist, but for the viewer as well. Knowing that my work can evoke emotions, spark conversations, and offer new perspectives is profoundly rewarding. It is this connection—between the art, the artist, and the audience—that makes the creative process so deeply satisfying for me.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Arts education should be prioritized to ensure that creativity is nurtured from a young age. Financial support through grants, fellowships, and public funding is essential to help artists focus on their craft without financial strain. Inclusive and accessible spaces where diverse voices can be heard are crucial, as is public engagement with the arts through events and community projects. Fair compensation for artists is necessary, moving away from the idea that exposure is enough. Finally, advocacy for the arts in policy-making will help sustain and grow the creative sector, enriching our communities and culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tracypoindexter-canton.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbytpc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbytpc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-poindexter-canton-m-a-209471183/

Image Credits

Tracy Poindexter-Canton
Carl Richardson