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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From Humble beginnings to International Status

Greg Natale has spent nearly three decades shaping the world of interior design, both in Australia and abroad. Since launching Greg Natale Design in 2001, he has built a brand known for its fearless approach to pattern, color, and form. His career, rooted in tenacity and constant evolution, reflects his deep understanding of an industry driven by trends but anchored in timeless design.

Formal education played a pivotal role in shaping Natale’s approach. Studying interior design and architecture at UTS gave him the ability to think critically and develop a structured creative process. While he believes on-the-job experience teaches essential skills, he credits his academic background with laying the foundation for his career.

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From a young age, Joss Knight knew he wanted to create. It wasn’t just about design—it was about the way spaces shape emotions, influence behavior, and tell a story. That early fascination led him to study interior design at Billy Blue College of Design, where he quickly made a name for himself.

His understanding of space was deeply personal. Growing up, home was a refuge, a place where emotions could be safely contained. This perspective shaped his approach to design, where he prioritized environments that felt both beautiful and deeply personal. He recognized the power of sensory design, an idea that resonated with industry mentor John Eussen, who emphasized the importance of touch, sight, and scent in shaping the way people experience spaces.

Joss’s talent was undeniable, and it was recognized early. Winning the 2019 eussen student design Competition, this gave him the confidence and industry exposure that set his career in motion.

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Abstract Artist, Antonia Perricone Mrljak

Growing up in a migrant Sicilian family in Australia, Antonia Perricone Mrljak was surrounded by creativity long before she recognized its significance. Her family, driven by necessity, made everything by hand—sewing, cooking, farming—instinctively crafting a world of survival and self-sufficiency. Without formal education, she relied on intuition to navigate her path, shaping a career that was anything but conventional.

Abstract art became her language, a way to communicate emotions that words could not. For Antonia, abstraction was an extension of her upbringing—where everything was made from nothing, where survival was instinctual. In a world where some dismiss abstract work as simple, she embraced the challenge, understanding that true expression is layered with complexity.

An Artist is born.

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Maria Papantoniou is an interior designer / stylist who has worked on design projects both locally and abroad.

Maria's style can be defined as edgy sophistication with the appropriate touch of elegance.

Her adaptability to meet client needs is what has led her into design media which is why she is now one of Australia's top design influencers.

This episode is a snapshot into Maria's design journey, highlighting some her inspirational projects.

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