About Words by Tracey

Words by Tracey was started by me, Tracey McGuire. Feeling a need to fulfill my creative side, I decided to pick up my camera and try my hand at photographing the alphabet from objects and architecture in my hometown.  

I set some boundaries for the project: no manipulation of objects (I would not move or rearrange anything I photographed). I would photograph no logos and few, if any, actual letters. I would, however, allow myself to rotate an image to use it for a letter. (For example, I took a picture of a double parking meter and rotated it sideways to resemble a 'B'.) So, with boundaries in place and camera in hand I set out on my journey to create an alphabet from images of objects and architecture found in my hometown.  

One month and many hours later I had a complete alphabet of at least one photo for each letter. After I put a couple of words together and unveiled my new artwork to my friends and family, Words by Tracey was born. 

To keep the images for my alphabets fresh, I am continually taking new pictures for the collection. To accommodate any sized word, I decided to build my own frames. I also like the idea of recycling.  With that in mind, I use pop tabs for hangers on the back of the frames. 

I believe in affordable art and think everyone should be able to have at least one piece of art in their home that makes them smile. Words by Tracey makes a great gift for you or someone you know. Each piece is personal and I love hearing the story behind the each word or phrase people have chosen. 

A little Bio:
I'm optimistic by nature,
I am sporadic and impulsive and often change direction at a moments notice.
I live in a very cold place called Minnesota (But it’s home and I love it!).
I smile way more than I cry.
I'm happiest when I've got my camera in hand.
Negative people take way too much energy.
I love camping.
I love the smell of a campfire on my jean jacket.
I ache to be liked by everyone I meet.
I love the look of life through my camera. 
Every new letter I discover is my favorite.
I'm terrible at sending cards for birthdays.
I hate large crowds.
I love my family more than I thought possible.
I function best on lots of sleep.
I take my camera with me almost everywhere.
I am a firm believer in affordable art and believe that every single person should have at least one piece in their house that makes them smile.
I am new to selling photographs, but have been taking pictures forever.
I am self taught and continually learning.
Ideas flow in and out of my head like the wind.  (Sometimes I'm brave enough to act on them)
I love meeting new people.
Exploring the world large and small adds dimension to my world.
When I'm not taking pictures I'm teaching at an elementary school.
I love words and language and cultures.
Everyday I tell my students I love them, because I do.
People judge each other too much.
My husband balances me, my daughter makes me think and my son makes me smile.  (I love the perspective they bring to my life)
I'm inspired by personal stories.
I love thrift stores.
A favorite quote... "Life doesn't have to be perfect to be perfect."
Another favorite quote... "Whatever you are be a good one" A. Lincoln

Most importantly...I live to love.