Marie Antuanelle Award-Winning Contemporary Ocean Artist | Sydney, Australia

Antuanelle is an award-winning Sydney-based artist whose work represents a profound personal transformation. After relocating to Australia in 2012 and rebuilding her life from the ground up, she transitioned from a high-stakes career as a National Account Executive at Procter & Gamble to a dedicated full-time art practice in 2013. Combining commercial branding precision with deep technical expertise from nearly two years in the Sydney framing and printing industry, she brings a rare level of professional discipline to the fine art market.

Her practice is a sophisticated exploration of mixed medium techniques that integrate natural Amethyst, Rose Quartz, and minerals into large-scale sculptural works. Winner of the Pyrmont Art Prize (People's Choice) and finalist in the prestigious Hunters Hill Art Prize, her work has been exhibited alongside Australian icons like Ken Done. With active representation on Channel 9's 'The Block Shop,' international exhibitions at Carl Gallery in Dubai, and official recognition by MP Matt Thistlethwaite, Antuanelle bridges the gap between fine art and high-end interior design.

Technique and Philosophy

My creative process is rooted in meditation and intentionality. I believe that art serves as an energetic anchor for a space. By utilizing mixed medium techniques—incorporating elements like Rose Quartz and layered textures—I create pieces that do more than occupy a wall; they shift the atmosphere of a room. This 'Crystal Art' style is a signature of my work, blending the raw beauty of natural minerals with the refined finish of modern mixed medium applications and archival museum-grade finishes.

My Topographies Collection is a study of the Earth's raw surfaces, utilizing mixed medium techniques to embed genuine Amethyst, Quartz, and minerals into sculptural layers. Each piece is created through an intuitive process using fluid mediums that echo the movement of ocean currents, incorporating genuine Amethyst, Citrine, Quartz, Swarovski crystals, pearls, and seashells collected from the locations that inspire my work.

Collections

My work falls into three primary collections: Portals to the Ocean (coastal seascapes with embedded minerals and shells), Crystal Reef (freeform sculptural works with gemstone compositions), and Whitsundays (inspired by Australia's iconic reef systems). These works serve a dual purpose—celebrating natural beauty while sparking conversations about marine conservation, depicting beaches and reef systems as completely untouched by human presence.

Key Achievements

Awards & Recognition:

• Winner, Pyrmont Art Prize (People's Choice, 2014)
• Finalist, Hunters Hill Art Prize (2016, 2017) – People's Choice Award & Billboard Feature
• Randwick Art Society – Achievement Award (2016)
• Creative Uncovered Art Show – Most Creative Award (2015)
• Official recognition by MP Matt Thistlethwaite
• Artworks featured in Westfield centers across Sydney

Solo Exhibitions:

• Two-month solo feature at Hunters Hill Art Gallery – Abstract Oceans & Portals to the Sea (2017)
• Carl Gallery, Dubai UAE – International exhibition featuring 15 pieces (2022, 2023)
• The Other Art Fair, Sydney & Melbourne (2022)
• Chinese Cultural Centre, Sydney – Art of Tea (2016)
• Hunters Hill Art Gallery – Dreams (2017)

Selected Group Exhibitions:

• Exhibited alongside Ken Done and leading Australian contemporary artists
• Explorers Against Extinction, Gallery X, London UK (2022)
• Mosman Art Gallery, Sydney (2018, 2021)
• Australian Maritime Museum, Sydney (2017, 2018, 2020)
• Royal Easter Show, Sydney (2016-2018, 2022)
• Hunters Hill Art Prize (2016, 2017)

Media & Commercial Presence:

• Active selling artist on The Block Shop (Channel 9)
• Featured on Fox News, My Modern Met, Bored Panda, Yoo Channel
• Represented on leading art platforms: 1stdibs, Singulart, Saatchi Art, Bluethumb
• Showcased on United Interiors
• Hunters Hill Art Prize work featured on billboards throughout Sydney

Collections & Commissions

My works are held in private and corporate collections across the United States, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, and throughout Australia. I regularly undertake bespoke commissions for collectors, interior designers, and commercial projects, working collaboratively to create site-specific pieces that harmonize with architectural vision and client aesthetic. My background in the framing industry ensures museum-grade finishing and professional presentation standards, with every piece ready for global collectors.

Conservation Commitment

Central to my practice is a commitment to marine conservation. My ocean works depict beaches and reef systems as completely untouched by human presence, creating a visual dialogue about the fragility and preciousness of these ecosystems. By using authentic sand and shells from specific locations, I create tangible connections between viewers and the natural world, promoting mindfulness and tranquility in the home.

Artist CV - Artist Statements - Exhibitions - Awards