This week in the spotlight, we meet Tracey Siedenburg!
Q: Tracey, Give us a day in your life! Where are you from and what else fills your days?
A: I live in beautiful Western Washington where I am a wife, mother (5 adult children, 3 of them married) and grandma (to 3). After retiring from homeschooling my children from K-12th grade, I now have more time for creative pursuits. A few years ago I found SBS and have enjoyed learning and creating through the courses.
Q: How did your creative journey start?
A: Since childhood I have loved creating things. Coloring/drawing as a young child, crafts and painting as a I grew older. My youth brought art classes in school, cooking, sewing, window painting, cake decorating, play backdrops, lettering, etc. Then homeschooling brought on many more creative endeavors.
Q: Are you involved in any other creative activities?
A: Presently I teach a weekly art class to 3 homeschool students. We just finished a block printing project. My students found carving and printing very satisfying! One of my sons-in-law is thinking of pursuing writing a children’s book and has asked if I might like to illustrate it for him. That will be a new adventure for sure! 
Q: Tell us about the moment your creative habit “clicked” for you. What made you want to draw or create art?
A: I believe we were created to reflect our Creator therefore creativity is built into us. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t being creative in some way. Almost every area of life offers an opportunity to be creative. Now that I have more free time I have pursued new materials and techniques.
Q: What has your creative practice taught you?
A: I have learned to take a given situation or piece of artwork and approach it with a “How can I make this work?” attitude. I look for positive solutions instead of pursuing negative thoughts of defeat.
Q: What is one artist or project inspiring you right now?
A: Planning lessons and projects for my students and passing on my love of creating to them.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a brand new artist or someone who’s just recently joined SBS, what would it be?
A: Perfection is an unnecessary pursuit. Relax and you will find joy in the process of creating!
