Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey Williamson Davis
Hi Tracey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for the introduction and the opportunity to share my story. I’ve always been creative, but only recently started creating art. In 2021, I sold my Sandy Springs townhouse, married my husband, Edward, and moved into his house in Loganville. That was a tough change for me. I’m a city girl through and through, but my husband has a kid in school so I wasn’t winning that battle. As much as we’d wanted a fresh start in a new place, it didn’t make financial sense while housing prices were skyrocketing. We agreed to totally redecorate his house instead to make it ours. The goal was for everyone who walks into our home to feel peace and love. Especially its inhabitants. I started creating art to do just that.
My husband helped me turn our extra garage into an art studio. That studio became my sanctuary. It’s where I taught myself how to face my fears, how to give myself grace, how to turn my pain and anger into something beautiful. It’s where I taught myself how to paint. I thought I was creating just for the house. Turns out I had some healing to do and painting is cathartic.
As the paintings started piling up, my husband encouraged me to start selling them. I was reluctant at first. He only had to casually throw the “hoarder” word out there a few times before I gave in. I started an online store in 2022, Damsel Toad Creative. My first big purchase was a professional camera to capture quality photos of my artwork for the website. I joined the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts (MWCA) where I took a photography class taught by Gina Bramble. That’s when my photography obsession was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. But I have to admit, my biggest struggle so far has been me. I’m still learning to get out of my own way. I think once I accomplish that, I’ll soar to new heights. I’ll let y’all know how it turns out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work primarily in abstract acrylic painting and nature photography. I’ve also recently started doing more cityscape photography, starting with Pittsburgh, PA, my home for more than twenty years before I relocated to the Atlanta area. My work is exhibited in various shows at the MWCA gallery. You can also find my greeting cards and art coasters in the MWCA gift shop. Art coasters are my most popular item. I make a LOT of them, but they sell out fast. Please don’t judge me if you see them sold out on my website, I promise I’m making them as fast as I can.
As far as this journey is concerned, I’m most proud of myself for putting myself out there. I’ve participated as a vendor in various events around the Atlanta metropolitan area, entered local and regional shows, and connected with many amazing fellow creatives.
What sets me apart from others? Well, this may sound strange seeing as I have Damsel Toad Creative and all. But I don’t like to sell. Of course, I would like to be paid for my work. I’m just not comfortable with a sales pitch type of approach. I would rather have people naturally be drawn to my work.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Joining an artist collective has worked well for me. It’s a great place to meet new people and learn new things. I also do quite a bit of networking while participating in markets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://damseltoad.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damsel_toad/
Image Credits
Gina Bramble, Tracey Williamson Davis
