Poetic designer Tracy  Porter took over our Instagram account last week, sharing glimpses into her inspiration and process. We chatted with Tracy behind the scenes as well – read on for a deeper look at her studio, story and artistic practice.

Camelot Fabrics: Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do!

Tracy Porter: Hello and thank you for having me! I’m Tracy Porter, designer and artist of globally-inspired, emotionally-engaging designs that capture a spirited blend of modernity + soul.  From home decor to fashion, I like to think of my goods as enchanting attainable fantasy.  I love exuberant color + pattern combinations that offer an element of surprise as they are layered with whimsical flirty touches, vintage + folkloric elements all kissed with a bit of bohemian elegance.  I’m also a mom to four sweet boys and a wife to my love and business partner of 27 years.

CF: What inspired you to design your first collection with Camelot – “Poetic”?

Tracy: I suppose envisioning the way people might use my fabrics was the initial inspiration for the collection. Poetic has layers of goodness that can be used in oodles of ways.

CF: Can you tell us a bit about your creative process?  What do you most enjoy?

Tracy: Creating is something I do every single day and my process is an ever evolving one since I’ve been an artist my whole life. Sometimes I begin with paper and paint. Other times I’ll photograph nature elements and play around with them digitally. I also have an archive of my work that spans over twenty-five years. I love digging through it and recreating something; it’s a fun challenge. Creating is a high for me, just like running or riding a horse on a beach. It’s the ultimate freedom if you allow yourself to be fearless and are willing to explore knowing that where you start is not where you will end.

CF: What is your creative workspace / studio like?

Tracy: I work from home along with my husband in a lovely light-filled space that we are constantly re-creating. I can work from anywhere, though, with the way I utilize technology. I find it very freeing that I don’t have to be tied to one spot every single day as I felt I did years ago.

CF: Colour is a key part of your creative signature.  How does colour play inform your work and inspire you?

Tracy: Color is everything in art. It’s the driver of emotion.  I often start with colors in mind, then play with pattern as my next layer. If something is right in color, then it’s right. My heart always sees color first. And that’s really saying a lot considering pattern is my other love and runs a close second!

CF: Let’s talk about wanderlust!  What is your favourite place to travel and why?

Tracy: I’m not sure I could pick one place as there are details about every place I’ve been to that tickle me.  I’ve been travelling around the world since I was eighteen, so I’ve visited so many places. I  think when you visit a place at one age then go back when you are older you see things with a fresh eye and heart. I lived in Paris, France for a few years after high school, so it does hold a special place in my heart. I think it’s a good part of why I do what I do too. You really end up educating yourself about art and history when you wander around that gorgeous city discovering delicious nooks and crannies along with your own sensibilities.

If you make something with the Poetic fabric collection, please tag Tracy @tracyporter_poeticwanderlust #tracyporter and Camelot @camelot_fabrics #camelotfabrics on Instagram. We’re always amazed by what you create and love to see your projects!
Heather can be found online at:
Website: poeticwanderlust.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tracyporter_poeticwanderlust/
Pinterest: www.pinterest.ca/poeticwander/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tracyporterpoeticwanderlust
Twitter: twitter.com/WanderlustTracy

Poetic is Tracy’s inaugural cotton collection.