He oko nā Hine

Tracy Keith’s art practice reflects the long, evolving journey of human civilisation - physical, intellectual and spiritual, culminating in modernity.

‘When I build ceramic works I intentionally avoid the instantly recognisable and instead create abstracted forms that evoke something ancient and timeless,’ Tracy says.

These vessels are like talismans, containers of memories so old they can be sensed but not recalled. Yet, at the same time, their stripped-back, roughly-cast and embossed forms also seem surprisingly modern.

The surfaces of his vessels bring to mind industrial fabrications. With little or no glaze, their surfaces appear raw, rough and primal.

Tracy creates work in various art mediums but has developed a special relationship with clay that began 22 years ago at Waiariki Polytechnic under the tuition of George Andrews. Tracy has been making and exhibiting his work since then and is currently Senior Art Technician (part-time) at the Massey University College of Creative Arts Toi Rauwharangi, Wellington.