Something Borrowed
Tracie Truscott
Mixed Media on Reclaimed Driftwood
19" x 8"
Something Borrowed is an extraordinary mixed-media sculpture by British Columbia artist Tracie Truscott, transforming a weathered piece of reclaimed driftwood into a captivating underwater encounter. A brilliantly coloured octopus appears to emerge from and embrace the wood, its flowing tentacles curling naturally around the irregular surface as though the driftwood has been reclaimed by the sea.
The natural character of the wood remains an essential part of the composition. Its cracks, grain, weathered edges and warm organic tones contrast beautifully with the vivid turquoise, aqua and soft pinks of the octopus. A river-like ribbon of blue travels through the centre of the driftwood, visually connecting the sculpture to water, while the textured, jewel-like elements surrounding the octopus add another dimension of colour, light and movement.
The remarkable detail in Something Borrowed reflects the unusually broad range of skills Truscott brings to her art. An accomplished tattoo artist, painter, automotive enthusiast and experienced diver, she draws from disciplines that might seem worlds apart. Her expertise with sculpting and bodywork materials such as Bondo allows her to build convincing three-dimensional forms, while the precision of tattoo artistry can be seen in the intricate patterns, fine markings and carefully controlled colour that cover the octopus.
Truscott's experience beneath the water adds another layer to the work. The octopus does not simply decorate the driftwood; it appears to inhabit it. Its tentacles follow the contours of the wood, wrapping, reaching and disappearing around its edges in a way that gives the sculpture an almost living presence.
Even the title, Something Borrowed, invites interpretation. The reclaimed driftwood has been borrowed from nature and given another life, while the imagery and textures of the underwater world are brought onto land and transformed through the artist's imagination. What might once have been overlooked or discarded becomes the foundation for something completely unexpected.
Something Borrowed is a wonderful example of what makes Tracie Truscott's work so distinctive: reclaimed materials, sculpture, painting, meticulous surface detail and a deep connection to the underwater world brought together in a single, unforgettable piece.
At Peachland Village Art Studio, we are proud to showcase original works that demonstrate exceptional creativity and craftsmanship. Something Borrowed embodies that philosophy beautifully—a one-of-a-kind work in which the material itself becomes part of the story.
