Many artists eagerly anticipate the silence and solitary confinement of their studios. It is in this place that they can concentrate and channel their creative talents into beautiful masterpieces. This is not the case, however, for interactive street painter Tracy Lee Stum. For her, the interaction and socializing is exciting. She tells me, “the performance aspect, and the fact that it’s ephemeral, it’s not going to last, is really precious.” Despite its fleeting aspect, Tracy’s art can be found all over the world. This “asphalt eccentric,” as she refers to herself on Facebook, and Pennsylvania native, keeps quite busy by producing images for advertisers, participates in non-profit art festivals (many of which help to fund children’s art programs), and is currently researching and developing a new way to redefine 3D art work.
A student of painting and drawing, Tracy graduated from the Temple University, Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia with a Bachelor’s degree and went on to study naturalism at the Florence School of Art in Italy. Referring to herself as an “eternal student,” I asked her how she came into street art. “Back when I first started doing this, in 1998/99, there was no one teaching it,” she tells me. “I started practicing and playing around with principals. Through all the failures that I experienced I really did learn a lot, and I actually wound up discovering and figuring out, some of the principals on my own—what the rules and laws were when you were making this work.” She acknowledges that some sacrifice has to be made when large images are drawn in 3D. Some beauty may be lost in particular areas in order for the entire piece to work. Obviously though, as anyone can see by looking at her art, the sacrifice is well worth it.
A lover of travel, Tracy has participated in festivals all over the United States, as well as in Mexico, China, and India. Discussing two particular festivals, Mood Indigo and Antaragni, located in Mumbai and Kanpur, India respectively, she can barely contain the excitement she felt conducting street painting workshops for these four day, annual, student cultural events. Acknowledging that street painting in India is not exactly a common occurrence, Tracy relates the enthusiasm she encountered and her joy that art unites and is a “common language.”As unique and breathtaking as this artist’s work may be, you won’t find it for sale. The reason: the images she creates at festivals are placed on products and t-shirts that generate revenue for non-profit organizations. For over fourteen years she has donated her work to over thirty organizations and festivals worldwide. These events have raised millions for various causes, including cancer research and art programs. Tracy displays her creations out in the open for all to see and enjoy. She donates her time and art to worthy causes and loves to educate others. She is the epitome of unselfishness. If you happen to be walking down the street and see her working, stop to admire it. Read More
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