Sovereign Gaze

This piece was created in a season where everything felt uncertain.
There were moments I didn’t feel strong. Moments where stillness wasn’t peaceful — it was heavy. But in that space, I learned something important… strength doesn’t always look like movement. Sometimes it looks like holding your ground, quietly rebuilding, choosing to keep going without noise.
The lion became that symbol for me.
Not roaring. Not performing. Just present. Steady. Unshaken in his own power.
Layer by layer, I built this in charcoal — slowly, intentionally — much like the way I’ve had to rebuild parts of myself. Every shadow holds weight, every highlight a reminder that light returns.
“Sovereign Gaze” is about inner authority. The kind that doesn’t need validation. The kind that grows in silence.
And in a space — whether it’s a home, a gallery, or a quiet corner — this piece changes the energy. It grounds the room. It brings a sense of calm strength, a quiet confidence. A reminder that power can be gentle… and still be undeniable.
If you’re in a season of rebuilding, this one is for you.
Tracey x

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Tracey Prioste is a talented Australian artist renowned for her captivating charcoal drawings that masterfully capture the subtleties of light and shadow. Recently in 2025 Tracey's wildcat drawings were acknowledged by Sir David Attenborough himself, personally writing to Tracey praising her on her captivating drawings. With a background in black and white photography informing her drawing practice, Tracey skillfully creates photorealistic portraits and personifications of animals that transport viewers to a world of serenity and contemplation.

Her artistic journey has been marked by participation in various exhibitions, including the Camden Art Prize, RAS NSW, Thirroul Seaside Art Festival, and Campbelltown Arts Centre. As a core member of the Camden art scene, Tracey is dedicated to nurturing the artistic community through collaboration and shared passion.

Through her art, Tracey invites audiences to explore the intricate dance of emotions and the human experience, often drawing inspiration from her rural upbringing and connection to nature. With each delicate stroke of her charcoal, she weaves a narrative that is both personal and universal, resonating deeply with those who encounter her work.

Tracey's artistic process is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the play of light and shadow. Her work is a testament to her technical skill and emotional depth, inviting viewers to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the everyday.