traceytomtenephoto

During the last semester of my biz degree in 2002, I took a b/w darkroom course which radically changed the way I saw the world...in a whole new fantastic, passionate, soul nourishing light! So I coupled photography with my wanderlust, I travelled to England, Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Hawaii and New York.

This all came to a screeching halt in late 2008 after returning from SE Asia. My health started to deteriorate slowly but surely that year to a point where I would become zombie like and completely useless most days. Herbals gave me brief respites lasting anywhere from a day to a few months. But as time went on, they became less and less effective and my down days were multitudinous..becoming unbearable both physically and emotionally. I couldn't work. I couldn't commit to any future plans. I couldn't get financial assistance because I couldn't label what was wrong with me. On top of this, I was seeing all kinds of practitioners and taking all kinds of supplements to try and get better..plunging me deep into debt.

Hence, I had to support myself somehow and it had to be flexible and from home. I already had my very own photo library, so on my good days, I sourced supplies online to see what I could make and tested the finished pieces out on friends/family...they seemed to like them! My love for the ocean, photography and makin' stuff all rolled into one!

In the spring of 2012 (3 years later), I finally found an elixir that has made my days much healthier, brighter and happier since. If I told you what it was, you wouldn't believe me.

I count every day of feeling well as the BEST DAY EVER! And never take it for granted. I have a lot of living to catch up on. But had I not gone on this journey, I may never have taken the plunge to be an artist full time.

Everything I use to make, sell and ship my products is done with the environment in mind; i.e.: using recycled paper for promo cards, recyclable shipping supplies, water based finishing etc. I care very much about the ocean and all its inhabitants and want to be part of the solution to current environmental issues whether it be monetary or by action and volunteering my time. 

Success in the affairs of life often serves to hide one's abilities, whereas adversity frequently gives one an opportunity to discover them.

Horace

Check out my portfolio and blog at www.traceytomtene.com.