Hello there, I don't know how I got here, but I'm glad I did. I was googling 'ruby heart' as a means to finding out more about the 'theatre of change' after going to a lovely, local man's funeral. He was a part of the history of our village & makes me warm inside to think I knew him. I've got 10 mins to myself before the baby wakes up & how better to spend it than to look at your work & chat to you. Random Monday indeed :0)

Last Saturday (26 th may),my first visit to Margate in decades. Visited the Turner gallery and loved your exhibition,followed by accidentally hearing you were opening the sweetie shop. What a fun day out it was in the sun. Hope you enjoyed it? I,m slightly older than you,but as regards the menopause this book might help. Our age is like being teenagers again,and finding all those passions we want to get involved in. The book... The Woman's guide to second adulthood. Suzanne braun Levine.

Love the highlights!

Hi Tracey i basically just wanted to write and say Hi. Im writing an Essay about how much of a legend you are and how inspired I am by you. Canny wait for your exhibition. My fav'. Keep happy. Love, Georgina x LIWYW

To Tracey Emin. I am a young person from Northern Ireland and I think your fantastic. Iv just finished writing an essay on 'Automatic Orgasm' and thats how I stumbled across this website. I am saving up my money to go Margate for a number of reasons. First because of my uncontrollable love to be near the sea. Second because of its unforgettable Only Fools and Horses mention and ofcorse to visit the gallery. I know you have many a million fans and it will be of little consequence to your life to know that I'm one of them, but I would like to say that you are an inspiration to me as an artist and as a femail. So cheers. P.S: If you replied to me id like wet myself with joy but its ok if you don't because your probably like sooooper busy. P.S.S: Sorry about my spelling

hi Tracey, I think I will probably miss this exhibition, as won't get to London until August, by then the show will have finished. I am sure it will be a resounding success and look forward to the time I can actually get to see your work in Exhibition. Happy Times and Love xxx

Hi Tracey There's quite a lot of serious stuff here, asking you to help elucidate on what is the meaning of life etc. On a smilier note, I haven't seen Docket in any of your work recently (unless he features in the Margate show, which I will be visting soon). I know there are Docket treats in your shop, but are there any plans to make any more Docket work? Best wishes from a cat fan x

I saw 'I've Got it All' in a book at Huddersfield University Library in 2002. I thought to myself how powerful and weak a woman like me can be. In Wellington new Zealand in 2004 I saw Fear War and the Scream. I had to go asleep for three days after because I felt so upset it was so true. Now I am making my own art and curating a show in Tallinn, Estonia for my MA course at AUCB. I hope that someday I will do the same for others what you have done for us.

when they come at night your stuck in flight how do you stop them eating your soul you want it to be true all the dreams in you but they just get eaten up deprviedless sucked and how do you stand in a world with no grand just a grand to bullshit and petticoats planned. the flowers they grow but to man just no and where do you stay in a world with no pay to escape the tattered n torn of my mental health reborn when the art world is so fake do u just sit and wait tll death as any encoragment draws your last breath. till you dont want to do ne more cause you dont know what is left reality is borning compared to pyshcosis when you think logically flow form break flow bullshit How do you hold ur ground against bullshit and set backs ? how did you support yourself while creating your work ? with love

What do you think happens when you die?

i dont get it people like you have the bravery to show your own emotions nd life experineces to the world and people only look at you as a weird person that is sexually fustrated but i dont give a shit , to let you know im doing my last assigment for my stupid art diploma and your goin to be my main artist i admire your work im sorry i cant spell properly but thats who i am. thank you angelo

Hello, my name's Saffron, i'm 18 and am in my second year of an art and design diploma, i'm currently doing an essay and have decided to write about both yourself and Egon Schiele. Within my essay I need to discuss the processes of which you used within your artwork, it would be a great help if you could give me any information on what your favourite process is etc. It would also help if you could include a general opinion regarding your work and why it makes you happy. I hope to hear off you and I would like to conclude with saying I admire your work and your enthusiasm. Thank you, Saffron xx

Hi Tracey This is probably a very random thing to send you but I remember that David Skingle was also your printmaking tutor (as well as mine) and I thought the absolute world of him. I've been given some very sad news that he has passed away. I thought you would like to know? He was a brilliantly quirky man with a great sense of humour and he always understood me, even when a lot of people didn't :( x

I would like to ask if you are planning or have considered making work to reflect on the role of aging in a woman's life? The press seems to mention your age constantly as you approach 50. Julia

Dear Tracey, I went to see you art exhibition " Love is what you want" and I thought it was so moving , funny and very emotional. I really enjoyed most of the work, like the blankets and neon writing because most of your work I could relate to completely on the relationship side and feelings of fraustration, depression, hatred , hormones and it really got to me. Also I enjoyed the short films, but the one that standed out to me was " Why I never became a dancer" because at the end my friend and I were cheering going " Good for you Tracey, show those guys what you can do!" So Well done Tracey and your a really inspiration! Also I know this is a bit to much to ask, but at the moment, I'm doing a GCSE art project on your art work and I would really appreciate if you can give me some good advice on your work and how to get good marks. I would really love that if you did, but if you have to much going it's okay, I understand. But, well done for your success cause you deserve it. : )

I met the WIELS' curator here in Brussels who told me we have sthg. in common. I didn't even know who you are. But I bought your 1000 drawings and read your "strangeland". We do have something. I'm 52. And I write. You can see one of my drawing on "fabienne francotte early morning with all my respect" adressed to all these men we went one day early morning! I'd love to enter in contact with you. Maybe this is crazy but I feel like doing it. Deep inside. thanks.

Daer Tracey , I'm a student from Thailand.I looking your work in book's name ' modern art ' .i'm sorry i don't good English.But i wanna ark you some a questions.I read about you life on web and i want to answer a questions. Are you a genius? So,why do you think? For me,i think you a genius^^ and i have many feel for your work and it make change one's idea. love you Tracey

you are simply an inspiration to me, your work has given me the courage to explore my 'self' more deeply and this has developed my practice. i admire you for your courage and spirit, and you have even helped me learn to swim!

hello tracey :)im in my first year of univerity studying fine art..im from hastings and grew up here in a way where art and creativity was laughed about family vurging me away but i couldnt help myself..i find you very honest and seen a few of your interviews and your humble and nice im looking forward to coming to london to see love is what you want your a inspiration :)

I'm taking art GCSE's and from the two topics that we just finished, well personally they were both shit i thought. But when we got the subjects for our exam, i knew i wanted to study your work and experience doing my own version. Thank fuck i got fit it in with one of the subjects, and i love it. I thought what got me into loving your work and ideas was it's complete different from anyones elses. That fact your dyslexic and so am i, made me love it even more. The swearing and your emotions going on the massive patch work, was a fucking classic idea. I loved the london exhibition, and thats what really got me into your work. All i wanted to really say, you have been a great influence to me, literally. LOVE YOU.

Dear Tracey, I find something that is very close to me in your work. Maybe because we had smilar experiences, for I believe nobody can be smilar. I just wanted to thank you for being the scream that I always wanted to give to this world.

Tracey, your art is like my poetry, with my legs spread wide and my heart on my sleeve, we make, and we are vulnerable, aggressively honest: calling out for anyone who’ll listen to love us, and to love us, deeply eternally honestly, even after the sex smell leaves the room and even after we close our legs.

My Dearest Tracey, Right at this moment I am studying art at college trying to stand out from the crowd. I look to your pieces to give me the courage i need to become who i am. I can feel who i am deep in my blood, in my veins. But i feel like i'm not ready to become that person yet. when i create Art i believe you are at your most vulnerable as an artist and as a human being because it is so personal. I'm constantly looking to your pieces for inspiration and most of all fearlessness. When i look at your art the thing that cries out to me most, is not the spectrum of colour used, or the delicate relationship between the piece and the art space, or even the quality of lines used in juxtaposing ways, but it is the aura of compete and wholesome fearlessness. That same bravery and limitless is what i aspire to master, like you. I'd like to thank you for your strength, because without you, my art would be different, and effectively, so would I. Thank you Tracey. All my love, Bradley.

Dear Tracey, I feel lost. I'm in love, so much in love but he lives 200 miles away, it can be so hard sometimes. I hate how whenever we're together it's so easy, it makes me think how wonderful everything would be if we always had that and distance wasn't in the equation. I guess this probably isn't true though. Your art reminds me of all my inner feelings, the ones that I'm sometimes scared to admit to. The ones that I think I shouldn't feel. They make it all seem okay. Plus I want to go get drunk with you. You look like fun. (In a totally non creepy/stalker way). Writing this has made me feel a lot better. Now I have to return to reality and write a 15 presentation. Joy. x

I love him, I love him, I love him. I really do. But then I think Maybe I don't. Then I doubt myself. He says the right things. Whispers. I melt. I hold back. Then time and distance comes between us. He's a player I am sure of it. But I fall for it. I fall for love. I love him, I love him, I love him. Maybe. Thank you for giving me the courage to express myself. Thank you for creating your art. Thank you for touching my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Tracey Emin, although apparently now i am writing to you, im not sure how true that is, but i think ive dreamt more than a few times about actually speaking to you, so if this is almost a shot at that, i suppose its worth it. im not going to say im a fan of your work, or ive loved you for however many years of my life. you inspire me, and you make me think that actually things are going to be ok. i think i have most books of yours i can get my hands on at a decent price. the way you write speaks to me, like no one else can. i dont know how weird all this sounds, it probably sounds way more 'fan like' that anyone else who has ever written to you. but. i dont like your work, it speaks to me. i dont like you, i connect with you. i've just always wanted to tell you that. so whether you actually ever see this or not, at least i said it to someone. im doing a fine art degree at the university of reading, and im feeling pretty lost right now, but im being faithful to my dreams. Fiona Mcdonald

Hello I have to confess to being a huge fan of yours and what admire your work so much...I wondered if you make personal appearance and how I would go about inviting you to see/open our new community gallery in Southport...we're working on a shoestring and local builders and the local community have built the space up from an empty shell...we're now running classes and have a meeting space, we've had three exhibitions since 22nd Oct with over 300 pieces of art from 150 local artists...our town art centre has been closed for over two years now and recently been mothballed for the foreseeable future and this is out alternative...I couldn't stand by and watch the arts die in the town - I'm selling my house so I can live by the gallery in town - I feel so strongly that we need this space - the sense of excitement, engagement and joy people are getting from it is wonderful...if you have anytime spare we are on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hubsters and you can see the way its developed form nothing, everything has been donated - even the toilet! and it has a wonderful atmosphere and following...if it would be possible for you to come along to be part of it even for an afternoon I know it would really underline what we are trying to achieve - a space for talented, enthusiastic, thoughtful people who love the arts in all its forms...sorry to go on but I hope this finds you well and you'll find the idea interesting - many thanks and best wishes, Ruthie Ainsworth, The Hub Arts Centre, Market Street, Southport xx

Tracey Missed your exhibition @ South-bank,away on business Is there anywhere it can now be seen? Looks very cool what little I have seen Best Mike

i first come across your work at school when my art teacher showed it me. that was 7 years ago and still to this day i am always captivated by your work. i use both my own and your work to escape and go to completely diffrent world but its a world just as unknown and unsafe as the one we live in but i still use it to escape from similar things you went through. i have always been inspired by you, your determination and 'fuck you' attitude...its always made me believe that theres hope in the world for me yet. but on the way to being somebody theres alot of amazing art to be made. please keep making your work...as long as artisits like yourself are making amazing work it gives people like me hope! sarah.

Tracey - I am in my final year of school and have been studying your art and writing now for two years - despite the lack of my teacher's approval to be having your monoprints pinned all over the studio! I am in complete awe of your work, and am now faced with writing an essay for the last bit of my coursework, its title "Can the act of personal expression extend beyond that of the artist to their audience?" pretty weighty, but it would make it if I could have a quote from you about whether Art is in a sense a release for you - once you've confronted your past trauma through art do you still feel the same emotional weight? or does the art itself embody that? and your thoughts on people's controversial attitudes over your art which is so personal to you? keep up the crazy, thank you!

Hi Tracey Just wondering how you now feel on the debate of not having kids now. I remember seeing your documentary a few years ago. I am in a similar situation . . . Do you regret it, or have you accepted it yet? Do you constantly think about it and worry - i do.

Hey Tracey, I'm currently studying A Level art and my theme is discovery, I chose to discover things about my past and childhood. Then i stumbled upon your work and automatically fell inlove with it and I have now decided on making a huge baby blanket in your style :) I also have to write and analyse your work as part of a written element and I've found it fascinating researching you and what your work is and what it portrays. Anyway, just wondering if you had any advice for my textile work? Keep up the utterly amazing work :) and thank you for inspiring me -Sarah :)

Hey Tracy i was stoked to see and hear yo were related to us Boswells ,just a note to say ,welcome to the clan ha ,im a musician by the way ,and record for loads of different lebels internationaly ,and to get a load of texts that night last week ,saying "hey your related to Tracy Enim " was wicked anyhow ,if your ever in sheffield popin for a cup of tea at my studio ,and learn a bit of Romany :-) David (One of theBoswells ) Sheffield x

I'm researching for my A-level project on the Female Form and was really struck by your "Love is what you want" work. Your whole life's work is fascinating - You push boundaries all the time and its so thought-provoking. Never have I come across an artist whose work made me question my outlook on personal privacy so much - neither have I ever been so awestruck by the amount of one's self that can be put into art, or any form for that matter. Looking at your work is like being invited into part of your life, and however "distasteful" or "graphic" some may find it; you make your audience feel very welcome.

My gt grandfather was Arthur hodgkins brother of your Henry. It would be great if you could let me have any info to help my research and I will send you more details of my line if you like. Kind regards June

Tracey hope you read this. First well done on Who do you think you are? More than this thank you for your art and narratives. I love your narrative about life, your nan, life. Narrative in both written word and pictures is so important. You have motivated me to carry on using narrative I use it within reflection. Just wanted to say thank you. Sally

Hi Tracey , I too am from the same gypsy Hodgkins family tree , my ggg grandfather bein Henry Hodgkins My grandfather was Claude Henry and my dad is Toni . If possible I'd like a copy of our family tree as I know relatively little compared to u now ? Regards Ashley Hodgkins

Hi Tracey We have just watched the Program relating to your Ancestry (which we found very interesting) one part took our attention, it was that you are related to the Boswell's, At the Parish Church at Selston, Nottinghamshire, there is the grave of 'Dan Boswell' the Gypsy King Born 1737 and Died 1827, it is said that Gypsy families from all over the country would take newborn babies to lay on the grave for luck. If you would like a photo of the grave we could take one and forward it to you, also we could try to find out more information if you would like us to.. Kind Regard Joyce

Hi Tracey, I would like to ask you a few questions if you don't mind, as you are one of the artists I am studying for my dissertation: 1. Have you experienced any of your work as cathartic and/or therapuetic in any way? 2. Do you feel as if you have achieved any closure, especially with the work you did around your rape and abortions? 3. Are you aware of your work starting a healing process in the lives of some of your viewers? 4. Lastly, were you ever aware on some level of the profound effect on others who suffered rapes and abortion?

I wondered where you sourced your fabrics for the blankets. Is it what you see when you are out and about or is there a special place that you go to.

I saw your exhibit and, when I tried to write a comment afterwards, the only words that came out are "you are". That's it. You are. And you are a very special human being. To read so much of your life in your art is unnerving but, it probably theraputic for you. However, I do worry. We all travel on this path, just not so publicly. When I saw your "unmade bed" years ago, I was captivated. And remain captivated.

You have been my favourite artist since I was fifteen and I have and always will be in love with your work. I study art at college and never feel like I can push the boundaries of my art as my tutors try talking me out of it and make me worry that people will take offence to it, but after visiting the exhibition, I swear I have never been so inspired in all my life. When I go back to college this month, I won't allow myself to be limited to what is seen as socially acceptable. I am truly in awe of your bravery, honestly and your ability to not give a fuck. Thank you Tracey. Love Vanessa-Catherine, 19.

I visited your exhibition at the Hayward on the 25th August and I simply loved it. Aside from the obvious skill involved, what really grabbed me was that nothing was held back. Lots of it made me smile (such as the video of the pony-ride and the beauty of the neons) but a lot of it did leave me emotionally drained. Why would I then say I enjoyed it, if that was the case? Because not only is it rare to get that affect from an exhibition, but its also a breath of fresh air for ANYBODY in this century to totally put themselves out into the world.. Emotionally. So thank you. You are fantastic.

Hi, Just wanted to say thank you for the days. Its because of you and your way. The world is less fucked up. I understand and love ya style. Thanks Tracey your and insperation, in art, life and love, Love Mole

I am going to see your work either tomorrow or the next day, depending on when I am able to get out of my own bed. Today is Friday, the 26th and I'm just going to be able to sneak in before your exhibition closes. I didn't think I'll ever to get to experience your expression of voice. But this will change in the next few days. I will document this and take pictures on my pentax for my future works. I feel a strong affinity of 'exposure' and I for one will not shy away from my bold voice too. I know this will change me, but I'm not sure exactly in what way . I do know it is based on a emotional response and connection. This moves people. It moves me. The ability to write to you, In Its Self, is the missing dialogue. I will write back after I have experienced your voice, yours Lucinda

and through the touch of your artist my truth behold overwhelmed by honesty and the hart was sold to see the light on blank canvas every word written in bold it left me no choice but to come out of the cold! thank you.....

Tracey, I may be a reverend but your exhibition showed me that we've all been there and still are: working out love, sex, what is to be a woman. Thank you for honest expression.

Hi Tracey, After admiring your work for a long time , I'm so happy to finally see so much of it in one place! I just want to tell you what an inspiration you are. I'm from (and still live in) Rochester and I'm trying to build up a career in art for myself. You really do inspire me to keep going, just keep making work with my heart and soul. I find a lot of your work quite moving and it was quite emotional to see certain pieces in the flesh. Keep working from your heart, I'm sure you will. I'm also glad to see most of the media have done a U turn in their opinion now they finally realise how talented you are! Thank you Tracey, Love Rosie xx

Loved the exhibition and a day later I've still got a buzz from it. My nan was May's (Tracey's nan) elder sister and she used to visit May, so I get a real buzz from some of the family related stuff. I love the thought of the chair which just sat in my great grandparents house in the East End of London being a chair now being a work of art! Thanks Tracey!

I went to see your exhibition in June, very early one morning. You just so happened to be there, giving a private tour of your work. I didn't want to intrude too much so I listened to you talk about some pieces from a distance. I just wanted to say it was a real pleasure to listen to you - I've loved your work for as long as I remember so to unexpectedly see you at your own exhibition was amazing! I wanted to say that in person but you left quite quickly afterwards. Your show is the best show I've seen in a very long time. I can't wait to see it again, next time I'm in London.

Hi there Really enjoyed your exhibition yesterday. I was particularly drawn to the white and grey blanket 'It always hurts' as I can relate to that. You are certainly a lady of passion and intensity, with a heart as big as the ocean - only someone very special and just as intense in their own way could match your fire. You compliment this longing with beautiful, girly delicacy and i was humoured by the little birds and socks and cute things and so on. You are clearly a girly girl and very feminine. i didnt find the tampons offensive either actually, i dont know anything about art but they were delicately and carefully presented and the words tempered any offence where you simply said you were amazed with the wonder of the human body and how our bodies create and we can cast such shapes - that really made sense. Finally, what i want to say is i think that you will find love. It is never going to be simple for a soul as big as yours but you will find it - or it will find you my love and best wishes miriam x

hi tracey! i'm not known as an admirer of your work, so it comes as a surprise to be writing to you like this. the jetty with the hut at the end is an object that feels as if it has been fiercely imagined and forced into existence, distilled and crystallised from the most aching and desolate loss. it is like an object that has emerged startlingly into the consensual world, on awaking from a dream of something being torn away… it reminds me of a dream where my dad was swimming away to sea and into the maw of something giant and metal. i woke to the sound of my own voice shouting for him… kind regards, steve

I eventually got to see this item last Sunday, & it was very moving. It was lovely to see Tracey so happy when she was dancing around in the final part- & she moves very nicely! Thanks to the artist & The Hayward for an excellent exhibition.

Just wanted to say I thought the exhibition was stunning. I didn't know much of your work before I went to the show on Wednesday. I am very very impressed, moved, touched - now I know what all the fuss is about. Take care Tracey and thanks. xxx

Dear Tracey Emin, I find your work deeply feminine that is liberating.

Kiaora Tracy... Have you ever gotten over your first love? i feel like I never will be able to get over mine. I best describe this feeling as "unresolved love" whats your thoughts? LOVE. Pia.

Dear Tracey, I just watched the video. Wow. You are one of the most treasured living artists and you speak with such gratitude and humility. I'd like to interview you on whatwomenmake.com. Would that be possible? your fan, Chauncey

Hi Tracy, I enjoyed the video. I am particularly interested in the neon comments. Not many days left to view the actual show... but I am sure I will get there. Thankyou. Penny

what an amazing show. I am deeply moved by your work + how you filled that space, which is my fav gallery, with your stories. big up + much respect!

a few weeks ago i had 48 hours in london and no plans. i love love and when i saw a poster on a bus stop around waterloo, i knew i had to attend your exhibition. thank you for changing my life. love is what i want.

Tracey I went to your Hayward exhibition on 14th June and was so inspired your images and your work and memeories I understand what you are expressing and critics dont understand you. your are such a strong person and you will be remembered forever you remind me of Frida Kahlo and showing such a personal adaption in your work is such a couragous thing to do I love you for your work and read your strangeland book and think you are amazing person you dont get the respect you deserve you dont hurt no one in your work and you get critics write such horrible and untrue things I am 18 and maybe Nieve BUT I am not stupid when it comes to artists or art and keep up with who you are I think you are brilliant and dont believe any less THANKYOU !

Hi Tracey, I just listened to your recorded talk from Southbank Centre on May 23. Thank you for sharing so honestly. Right now I am in London, yet do not have the money for the tube or entry fee to your current exhibition at Hayward. Hearing your words about your art offer me the inspiration I believe your works may tangibly. In response to your final wish shared, I believe all true desires will come to be, as they are seeded in us by Creator, and nature seeks to evolve always in ways that support completion, the experience of all things. I have been following my heart the past 3 years to write a series of books dictated by spirit, and very recently received the absolute love you describe, that I did not believe I ever could or would. I trust the rest needed to fulfill my dreams will also come...at the perfect time. Love to you, Tamara www.thecrystalheart.com

Hello Tracey! Saw your exhibition. It was clear you were very fond of your Gran. Have you done any portraits of her, or Still Lifes of any of her objects, or scenes of her house, garden, etc to remind yourself of the good times? You've obviously had plenty of rough times which are depicted in your work. Felt sorry for the dog in the video, but, as you said, he was a DOG! Best wishes, Linda

Hi Tracey...I had the good fortune of being able to see your beautiful work last weekend when I was in London. I spent so long there that my feet were swollen and bloody with blisters and still I didn't even care. That's how I know that I love something enough; none of it can touch me when it's all I want. Thank you.

Thank you for being a survivor and not throwing yourself off a high building or dying young of some horrible disease as seems required of many in the female canon? Enjoy your success!

saw you here in 1997 and although i didn't understand your work then i now do. i particularly enjoyed reading strangelans. give my love to Docket.X

Hi Tracey Stephen

Hi saw your exhibition. It's the best show I have ever been to a lifetime of work to be proud of. I especially loved your films. I didn't really know much about your films. I have recently just made my first film it is about a autistic artist and how he fits into both the education system and the art world I would like u to see it not because I want a step up but because I think u would enjoy it. Dave Peel.

...make the jump between here, which is working in a supermarket making a wage to pay the bills to support the family, to getting my art into a gallery. I work my arse off at my job, and I work hard at home and I work hard for my art, painting everyday and writing my novel every day. I don't have any money to spare for galleries and galleries themselves don't want to listen if you don't have the cash, so Tracey, how do I step up? peace love serenity

I thought your exhibition at the Hayward is the best I have seen by quite some way. I went with my daughter, she is about to start art school, I finished art schools over 30 years ago and am a textile artist. We were both blown away. I love your drawings and videos, especially the riding into the sunset, but most of all I am inspired by your textile works. Thank you.

...that all at once he had lost sight of her, and a briar with one rose was growing on the spot. the worlds completly different now, thankyou. xxx

I'm very much looking forward to seeing the exhibition with a friend this Saturday. Over the past weeks, I've read Strangeland & acquainted myself with the works via art books, so now consider myself a fan & semi-expert! I notice that most postees here are women: as a bloke, I hope I will enjoy & understand Tracey in my own, not-invalid way, too. Thanks in advance!

Your beach house installation reminded me of my own, endangered by the rising tides. The exhibition was heartfelt. I exited through the gift shop, bought the postcard, shirt and tote bag. Thank you.

I remember you well from 1978 - watching punk bands at the Starlight- drinking on a bank holiday Monday at the Bali Hai - dancing down Atlantis- sitting on the clock tower green!! Well done and keep it up.

I’m First of all, thank you for this retrospective. For your energy, desire and commitment to your practice. I am a Peruvian artist and performance researcher who has been working with Latino children in South London over the last year. The Quipus project (Talking Knots) emerged as a creative attempt to encourage and develop Spanish literacy skills within early secondary school education in South London. Although most of the children I worked with are bilingual and learnt Spanish by ear from an early age, it was interesting to observe their resistance when it came to 'writing 'in Spanish. Talking Knots resulted from my desire to address the tensions behind this resistance creatively by exploring early Latin American practices. As you may know, Quipus are pre- Columbian knotting systems used by ancient Peruvians to record and administer population, crops and live stock. Recent studies suggest they were also intricate and complex three-dimensional mnemonic forms to record genealogies, messages, myths and chronicles. For the children I worked with, making Quipus by creating simple knotting patterns on braids of coloured wool proved to be a fun and exciting opportunity to play and explore alternative ways of inscribing stories in three dimensions. A knot on a string, perhaps one of the earliest graphic signs, became a unit in space with which to represent crucial moments of their individual and collective narratives: birth, the birth of family members, separation, deaths, difficult moments, love and migration in particular. For every important moment, a knot and a colour (or combination of colours). With London 2012 in mind, I am applying to the Arts Council and other funding bodies to create a giant Quipu, a monumental interactive structure made in collaboration with representatives of the two hundred or so countries taking part in the Olympics next year. If one were to imagine the final installation in a space as large as the Turbine Gallery at Tate Modern, the final structure would aim to represent a monumental double helix, as in a sequence of DNA. The impact of such an installation, which links the iconic image of the helix to the practice and reworking of an ancient craft is a unique opportunity to celebrate London as a dynamic hub of diversity within the context of 2012 and beyond. It would great to have an artists like you interested in the Talking Knots project. I am fully aware that making it happen will depend on my ability (and luck!!) to interest and bring together a strong team of artists, practitioners, textile students, researchers and participants. Love and best wishes, Mary Ann Vargas

Tracey, Thankyou for your beautiful work. I love the honesty you portray within your work. I have one of your books at home and I look through it trying to digest every detail you put into your wonderful works of art. You are so fearless and free and your such an inspiration to young girls. I love your work and I intend to visit your exhibition at the hayward gallery before it closes. I am so inspired by what you do Tracey, you creat sheer brilliance and your work never fails to leave me curious or emotional. I'll always be a fan X

I'm writing on behalf of my daughter Eve, she's a huge fan of your work. She's currently in an eating disorders place trying to recover from anorexia. Her wardrobe in her room is covered in your work. Just Before she became really ill, we took her to your exhibition with Louise borgois, she spent ages admiring your work. She's managed to complete her double art GCSE in the unit, a lot of her pieces inspired by you. It would mean so much to her if she could have a photo or note from you. She's hoping to recover enough to start her art A levels in september. I said hopefully if she is well enough we can take her to your exhibition in the Hayward gallery before it closes, she's aiming to do that.

Hi Tracy What pleasure your beautiful, sensitive work gives to me. This show “Love is what you want” has been the most enjoyable I have seen in a very long time, I so enjoyed it and am planning another look before it closes. I just want to take this opportunity to say that your room at The RA was by fare and away the best room not only that year but for many a year. I have always especially loved you paintings, your use of colour and the delicacy of spirit that comes from them are mesmerising Thank you

I am looking forward to getting to see your Hayward exhibition next week. I have followed your work from Sensation, shows at White Cube and then large exhibition at Moma Oxford when I met and spoke to you and your assistant.

Dear Tracey - I'd just like to say what a massive inspiration you are to the KS3 and 4 girls I've been teaching for the last 4 years. The honesty, personality and feeling in your work has never failed to spark debate and inspire inidivdual personal responses from the girls. Please come to our school and do a talk!!!!! Lucy Caddel Head of Art Haberdashers' Aske's Crayford Academy

I flew over from Spain to see your exhibition. I was so touched by it. It was so personal. I related to so much. You made me laugh, you made me cry, you made me feel so much. Thank you for not being scared to talk about all those feelings. Thank you for the dog slobber and your Dad jumping in the sea. Best wishes, Louisa Holecz

Hello Tracey, I just wanted to thank you immensely for your exceptional honesty in 'Love is all you want'. You are an inspiration- as cheesy as that may sound, I find comfort in knowing that there is someone in the world who is baring their soul so I don't have any excuse not to do the same. I also wanted to tell you that I AM OBSESSED with The Black Cat!!!! I was sadly informed at the gift shop that you only made 100 prints of various pieces. Is there any possibility of getting a Black Cat print? I am flying back to the States next week, but I am desperate to have a copy/print of that painting hanging in my living room! How do I make this happen? I'll do whatever it takes. I will pay whatever it costs! Thank you again for your honesty. -Molly

I thoroughly enjoyed your major survey exhibition since it has given me the opportunity to examine in depth your career as a celebrated female artist. My interest in your work, the YBA movement and women artists has evolved into a research project and I am presently in the process of creating a fictitious Welsh Young British Artist, Seren Rhys, as part of my practice based PhD. My intention is to exhibit a retrospective show and create a catalogue for the artist. The catalogue is a photography embedded fiction composed of fictitious accounts by invented artists/gallery owners/critics etc as well as genuine people of the art world which will legitimise my fictional artist since I want to see how far the fiction can extend beyond the artist to include an entire ecology of galleries, curators, critics. Equally multimodal media texts such as blogging, Facebook, Twitter etc are the perfect home for the fictional artist since these mediums naturally allow the created 'persona' to develop and be perceived as a real entity. This should allow me to examine the difficulties of success as an artist, question the problems faced by women artists and my interest of the cult of celebrity, subcultures and female identity. I am presently working on a blog for the artist: http://serenrhys.blogspot.com/ I plan to begin interviews this summer. I understand that you are extremely busy but if it was in any way possible to arrange an interview via telephone, email or in person I would be extremely grateful since it would really strengthen my research work.

I just wanted to express my gratitude for your latest retrospective of work offered up to London. At times it was extremely challenging, and I had to leave one of your films talking of your botched abortion because I was going to vomit - but then that is the entire point of exposing these things that happen in life, and we women experience but men will never in the same way. Really impressive and ballsy, thank you...

By the time, I got to the Hayward Gallery after walking for an hour and half through Central London pushed and pulled by millions of tourists packed the streets of London, I thought I was going to collapse. My blistered fingers were asking me to sit down and relax. But my ticket slot was only an hour. A truly inspirational exhibition, amazing art works and of course created by an unique individual! All the way back to Leeds, I sat in a smelly bus (the toilet was the source of that smell) for four hours. I was just smiling quietly, thinking 'What I am willing to do...for Tracey". Wish you the best of luck in furthering your exploration about yourself.

Hello Tracey - I'm not sure if you'll ever read this, but wondered if you could help me. My daughter, Grace, who is 12, is doing a workshop with Dulwich Picture Gallery at the end of August which is focussed on patchwork, using yourself and Grayson Perry as a focus. I wanted to introduce Grace to your patchwork, but have no starting point. Could you help us ?? I know you've experienced a lot of hardship in your life and that you've worked that into something special, in your art. Well Grace has experienced really terrible bullying, at school, so much so that she hasn't been able to get up in the morning and has gone to bed straight from school, in the evenings and so I've been using art workshops as a sort of therapy. We would love to hear from you with regard to how you overcame your difficulties. I know you're hugely BUSY, but would be so grateful if you would reply. Many thanks. Judi Whitton

well, not literally. i'm truly inspired by you, Tracey. i'm a fashion design student and i had a lot to take back home from the exhibition as an artist. i feel like i'm not as creatively free as you and as life experienced as yourself. i feel like my work is always very one dimensional. looking at your work, i felt such emotions. thank you. please keep making art. and making people talk about your art. big love, melvin xx

Thoroughly enjoyed your show truly inspiring videos and drawings

Hi Tracey I was wondering why you support the Conservative party and why you think that "we've got the best government at the moment that we've ever had" (as quoted in the New Statesman)? Thanks. Ellie ps your show has kept me thinking for a long time

Hi Trtacey I have just completed year 2 of a Fine Art degree. My plan is to get to your exhibition during June and very excited at the prospect. I recently did an essay on the relevence or usefulness of theory in artistic practice. I located the Make magazine from 1998 and you featured heavily in your stand against theory. I am curious to know if more than a decade later you remain anti theory. Angie x

Dear Tracey, I'm about to go into my final year at University College Falmouth and am conducting a Theatre/Textual project with my friend that's based around the concept of Public Attention and my question to you is because of the explicity, language and personal elements embraced within your work, as an artist, is your art created specifically FOR the audience or for yourself?

Dear Tracy Emin I am in my first year as an undergraduate in fine Art and I have to write a dissertation on this subject could you give me your opinion please so that I could use it for my research. I have seen one of your exhibition in the Dean Galley when I was in Scotland and was very impressed. But isn't it difficult putting your whole life out there for everyone to see? I done know if I could do that.

Dear Tracey, I've ca. a week ago sent a letter for Your attention to Saatchi Gallery. Have You received it? Juris P.S. No doubt You do Great and You're Fantastic - LOVEISWHAT...DESERVE

I am looking forward to seeing your exhibition, with my whole heart. I can't get there till Thursday and it feels,like counting down to Christmas;-) I saw you in Margate and had so much to say, then couldn't. I admire you enormously.

Every time I hear about you I think of you huge loving heart and kindness you have for your cat. I believe you lost him/ her once I think I recall the name Docket? Would be great to hear how he/she is I love my cat too Great kind companions Love your work KInd regards Sue

Dear Tracey I have watched some of your interviews, I havent been to your exhibition yet but you look like fun. Sometimes. My life is not much fun right now. Love is definitely what I want and more.

Hi Tracey, Having seen your stunning show today I just wanted you to know how moving I found it, you articulate your life brilliantly. Do you still have Docket? I have 3 cats and know how preciuos that connection is. Thank you for your art, Claire.

Hi Tracey Just finished your book 'Strngnelands'. I loved the its accessibility and also all the local references. I went to school in Ramsgate but often went out in Margate when I was a teenager. The Rendezvous Club? The Go Go Rooms? The Gavroche? I'm 9 years older than you so those places might not ring a bell! Going to your exhibition on Sat. Would love to meet you some time Paul

Dear Tracey, I have just read what you once said about painting what you see in, around, about yourself- even tho it's painful sometimes and a bit scarifying. I try and do that, too! i love the way that you speak your truth, and other people's truths...thank you for sharing it with the rest of us and giving 'difficult stuff' a voice. With love (because love is what you want!) from Katy x

Hi Tracey, Just been listening to you on Woman's Hour - you are such an inspiration to women artists - all artists if they're brave enough! Was lucky enough to see your work in the Venice Biennale. I loved the large, beautiful paintings especially, and the neon poem. Your work is so brave and honest which makes it very moving. I have a big favour to ask! I am a final year art student at Moray College in Elgin. The college is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, an innovative concept which delivers higher education to people in remote areas. It is especially liberating for women who can't move to the cities to study because of - well life really! Their are fourteen of us - all women - who are about to have our degree show. We would really be thrilled if you would come and open our show for us. It is on the 17th of June at Elgin (near Inverness) I know it's a long shot and you are very busy, but we thought we'd ask! All the best with your show love Marnie x

Dear Tracey, Do you find it ever increasingly more difficult to produce autobiographical work now that you have both expressed, and at times, come to terms with much of your previous struggles and life experiences in your youth. Life appears to be more comfortable and I wondered if,as a result, the new subject material is affected? I look forward to your reply and visiting the exhibition. Kindest Regards, Alexandra x

Hi Tracey, I wish you well with your new and exciting exhibition, I wish I could be there, but alas I live in Whitby, North Yorkshire and it would take too long on the bus (11hrs) and trains have too many station changes and I would probably end up disappearing never to be seen again, lol. I will have to be satisfied with the exhibition's publication which I have received today from the Southbank. All the very best, xmichellex Whitby Based Artist

you and your work exude an exhilarating and intoxicating blend of truth and beauty. there aren't many life experiences which have me so excited as seeing you and your work. will be going to the exhibition this coming monday, i dont think that i will be disappointed. Take no notice of sewer sorry sewell who embodies ugliness in voice, looks, words and demeanour and for some bizarre reason delights in a corrupt dishonesty born of an obsession to cleanse and gild himself at the same time resulting in the sad kitsch that he is. best wishes crunch

Hello Tracey Whenever I come across your embroidery and applique work, I have to admit I like them a lot. I can see you are strongly influenced by Louise Bourgeois' work, for example 'Cell 1' 1991. but you have taken the tools and made this medium your own. Bourgeois also displayed her emotions in her art, particularly in the piece aforementioned. The slogans on Cell 1 read as follows; 'Art is the guarantee of sanity' and 'Pain is the ransom of formalism'. Keep on sewing. Tracey J

hello Tracy, I've always been an admirer of your writings on chairs, tents and anything else you get your hands on. You are a visionary who keeps her own focus and aims, having read about you and heared you on television and radio since you broke onto the scene in the pre young brits days, I have taken great stock in doing my own thing regardless of what labels people want to put on my artworks and explorarations into subject matter. You frankness guides us to break away the labels and venture forward. You are fabulous as a fine artist in my early sixties have had to 'retire' from working due to health scenario; but thank fully the likes of you give us all encouragement. Yes you have youth, stamina and great aprtitude to drive art into a great contemporary period beyond sensational. What next Tracy, and please when will you have an exhibition up here in the Birmingham area maybe at the Birmingham Museum Art gallery, or The Ikon. Love you to bits Tracy, peace, love and hugs from Colin

Hope to see your exhibition at Southbank Centre this weekend.I first saw your work in Camberwell in the south London Art Gallery around 1997 . Still a big fan and loved your video in the Turner entry. I have just moved to Kent, Ramsgate and it was great to see you back being successful in Margate. A girl done good! You are a very inspiring person.

Hello, I'm travelling from Edinburgh down to London in June to come see your show. It's the first show of yours I will ever have seen and I'm sure I won't be disappointed. I was just wondering, in terms of what you had at your Edinburgh Retrospective in 2008 (which I unfortunately missed), how much of your new show is new work/never before exhibited work? Do you think that shows you do after the Hayward will focus more on your present and future works as opposed to showing a lot of your older art? Thanks! Hannah

Hi Tracey As a 75 year old art lover I am delighted that your show at the Hayward has got off to a great start. However now that you are an Academician and are getting 5 stars from The Times art critic plus applauding the Tories arts policies I hope that you are not becoming too much of a Grand Dame of the Establishment. When are you coming back to your roots and bringing some of your stuff to Turner Contemporary, Margate? Anyway keep shocking 'em! Peter

I wanted to tell you how moved I was by your exhibition in Edinburgh - it was the first time art moved me to tears. I admire your honesty. Stay high happy and healthy.

hi tracey, Really liked your piece in the quilt exhibition,V&A and foundry museum ( glass case), so happy that you got to do the work with Louise B. I live near you and am a p/t mature fine art student in Sir john Cass, my print tutor ( david Skingle) says he taught you in a print class( foundation, I think) he claims so were a 'ball of energy' any chance I could come and have a look at your studio and how you work!!??

Tracey, I think you are wonderful. Loved your stuff from the minute I saw your tent. Always interesting and full of life. Looking forward to the new exhibition x

Hi Tracey, I love your work, and feel drawn to the autobiographical nature of it. Which contempory artists have you been most inspired by?

What new artists would you recommend or think are worth looking at?

Why is it you come in for so much more stick than other artists? What prompts that response?

Q: Can you recommend a good pub in Margate? And what are your thoughts on @TCMargate ? A: #TraceyEmin replies 'absolutely delighted. 70,000 people in the first four weeks.'

Q: What was the last piece you saw by another artist that inspired you explore a new theme in your own work? A: #TraceyEmin says 'ancient egyptian artifacts in the brooklyn museum NY one of which was just some toes. Bronzed toes.'

Q: Loved Strangeland. Words important to yr art. Have you thought of branching out into fiction? A: Replies 'yes have thought about writing science fiction and ghost stories'.