Building a Life from Wood, Family, and Vision

In Marks words.

"From the moment I could hold a hammer, the path was set. I was raised in a world of artisans, with a tailor for a father, an artist for a mother, and a family where creativity wasn’t optional—it was how we survived. My grandfather’s handmade tools, carried with him when he migrated to Australia, are still with me. Those tools didn’t just build furniture—they built character. If we didn’t have something, we made it. That was the rule.

I was lucky to learn from master tradespeople who saw me not just as a pair of hands, but as someone worth investing in. Their philosophy became mine: give your best to others, and they’ll carry it forward. That principle shaped Freestyle Joinery, though it took me 15 years and Kelly’s unwavering belief in me to believe I could make it real. Leaving a steady job was terrifying. But staying still, afraid of failure, would’ve been worse"

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Title: Ana Vucic: Visual Artist.

In her practice as a visual artist, Ana strives to tell stories without a single word. It's a quiet language of brushstrokes, color, shading, and composition. Every canvas becomes a conversation—one that invites the viewer to feel rather than read. For Ana, art isn't just a visual; it's emotional, and that emotional connection is the heartbeat of her work.

One of the most profound experiences Ana had was painting a portrait for the Archibald Prize. It was her first entry, and the subject was someone she knew well—someone who entrusted her completely with capturing his essence. It was an intense process that involved many hours of in-person sittings, discussions, and moments of vulnerability. What resulted was more than a likeness—it was a reflection of adversity transformed into strength. When he finally saw the finished piece, his emotional reaction reminded Ana she paints

Each year, she returns to the Archibald with the same commitment. Choosing a subject who moves her is paramount. Ana dives deep into their world, gathering their stories and interpreting them visually. This year, she painted Dr. Patricia Jenkins, a woman devoted to humanitarian causes and environmental preservation. Her passion shaped the artwork—symbols of climate change, ocean conservation, and global responsibility are all subtly embedded within it. Her face floats above Bondi’s shoreline, with stormy skies and a sun-drenched globe casting light and shadow across the piece. Her determined expression says more than a thousand words ever could.

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The Art of Motion: Scott Petrie’s Ever-Evolving Creative Expression

Scott Petrie sees art as more than a final product—it is movement, transformation, and a reflection of personal evolution. His journey into contemporary art has been shaped by a relentless pursuit of creative expression, guided by intuition and a deep understanding of form, texture, and energy. Rather than adhering to a singular style, he embraces change, allowing his work to shift and adapt as he does.

For Petrie, movement is central to his artistic philosophy. He views each piece as a living entity, shaped by both intention and spontaneity. Whether through bold strokes, layered textures, or unexpected compositions, his work captures the essence of transition and growth. Art, in his eyes, is never static—it breathes, evolves, and invites interpretation.

Beyond the canvas, he believes creativity flourishes through discipline and routine. Inspiration, while important, is not something to wait for but something to cultivate through daily practice and self-reflection. Structure provides the foundation for innovation, ensuring that artistic expression remains sustainable rather than fleeting.

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