Casie Trace is no stranger to using art as a means of therapeutic healing and self-expression. As the owner of ArtSpace Macon, she focuses on providing spaces for people to get in touch with their creative side and explore different outlets of artistic expression. However, when she’s not helping others heal through art, she’s using her own art as a way to take back control of her emotions. Overgrown, Casie’s latest show at the Macon Arts Alliance, is just one of many ways she has used art as a therapeutic platform. In this interview, Casie discusses the concept behind Overgrown, how endometriosis has affected her life and her art, and how she stays motivated to keep creating.
Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Casie Trace. I’m an artist, educator, and the owner of ArtSpace Macon. I work in a range of mediums/techniques including painting, illustration, printmaking & mixed-media. I create because the process of making art feels good…it helps me process, reflect, and connect and I want to share that experience with others. I’m passionate about providing calm, welcoming spaces for people to explore their own creativity. I believe art supports mental health, builds community, and offers another way for us to communicate and connect.
How did Overgrown come to be? What made you first associate endometriosis with nature?
I’ve always been drawn to nature and have included organic elements in my work. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and going through failed IVF transfers, I turned to sketching and painting as a way to cope with depression and anxiety. What began in my sketchbook eventually grew into larger pieces, becoming Overgrown.
Has endometriosis affected other pieces you’ve done that weren’t a part of Overgrown?
Yes. I’ve created drawings of women with organic overgrowth engulfing them, and I had hoped to include more of these works in the show. I decided to focus mainly on paintings for this series, but I plan to continue developing it. My hope is to educate and raise awareness about endometriosis through future work.
Walk us through your artistic process for this show. What was an average day like while working on Overgrown?
My days are never the same since I’m also running the studio and teaching. In general, I begin in my art journal, then expand on ideas that stand out to me through larger works. I often have several pieces going at once, partly because I get excited and distracted by new ideas, and partly because my physical energy varies. On days I’m not feeling well, I’ll work small. When I have more time and energy, I love working on big canvases. I also return to my journal after finishing a piece to reflect, take notes, and explore what I want to build on in future works.
Do you have anything that you’re currently working on?
Yes, I plan to continue building on this series, including figure-based mixed media pieces in collaboration with my sister, photographer Corie Good. I’m also developing a new program called Creative Pathways, which supports artists with disabilities, neurodivergence, and autism. Our goal is to provide studio space, facilitation, and guidance as they grow as working artists. More information can be found at creativepathwaysstudio.com.
What keeps you motivated to create, and how do you stay inspired?
I’m motivated by the people I create with in our space, especially kids, who approach art with openness. Their curiosity reminds me to take risks and enjoy the process. Travel also inspires me; exploring new cities, spending time in nature, and learning from other cultures always spark fresh ideas. On days I feel uninspired, I turn to my art journal, sometimes just making marks or washes of ink is enough to get me creating again. Finishing a painting or series also motivates me to keep growing and exploring what’s next.