Contemporary art shaped by nature, texture and light. A different perspective with every view.
About Nancy
Nancy Tschetner is the artist behind LUX by Nancy Tschetner, a multi-award-winning contemporary artist based in New Zealand, known for creating original artworks from natural sand, crushed glass and gold leaf.
Raised in Thüringen, Germany - an area known as the Green Heart of Germany, Nancy’s connection to nature began early. After moving to New Zealand in 2003, an encounter with the country’s striking black iron sand sparked what would become a completely distinctive artistic practice.
Over more than two decades, Nancy has developed her own technique using over 150 natural shades of sand from New Zealand and around the world, building each artwork layer by layer and line by line. Crushed glass and gold leaf bring additional light, texture and reflection to selected works.
Her dynamic artworks change with the light, viewing angle and time of day, revealing different textures, details and reflections so they never look quite the same twice.
Inspired by the natural landscapes and raw elements of New Zealand, Nancy’s work explores nature, light, connection and the way our surroundings shape how we feel. Her artworks invite the viewer to pause, look closer and discover something new each time.
Artist Statement
Created by Nature. Revealed by Light.
I create to capture the quiet power of nature and the way light, place and memory can shape how we see and feel.
Natural sand is at the heart of my practice. I work with its raw colour, texture and history, combining it with crushed glass and gold leaf to create surfaces that feel both grounded and luminous. Each artwork is constructed slowly, layer by layer and line by line, allowing the natural character of the materials to become part of the story.
Light is an essential element of my work. As it shifts throughout the day, and as the viewer moves around the artwork, different textures, reflections and details emerge. The work is never entirely static. It continues to reveal itself over time.
I am drawn to the balance between strength and softness, earth and light, stillness and movement. Through my work, I explore our connection to nature, memory and the moments that stay with us.
My intention is not simply to create something beautiful, but something that continues to be experienced. A work that invites you to pause, look again and discover a different perspective each time.
Creating Nature with Nature is at the heart of everything I create.
Selected Galleries & Representation
The Little Gallery, Whangamata & Tairua
The Wallace Gallery Shop, Morrinsville
OBV Gallery, Omaha Vineyard, Omaha
Helena Bay Gallery
Nancy’s work is also exhibited through selected galleries, art shows and international exhibitions throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Collector Experiences
“We’re lucky to have three of Nancy’s artworks in our home. Our first was a commission, and the whole experience was easy, personal and enjoyable. We were blown away by the finished piece and later added another artwork we had fallen in love with. We love seeing Nancy’s work evolve, with every stage bringing its own beauty.”
“‘Wow” is all we can say as we look at our beautiful ,soulful sand art work that Nancy has created it “spoke to us.” We are so impressed with this forever changing artwork it is almost like Nancy knew us and created this with us in mind.We love it and every day we marvel at Nancy’s talent and our beautiful artwork.
Thank you ,thank you, thank you. ”
“My partner and I just fell in love with the piece once we saw in the art show. Now it is making our space sparking at all time. Makes me feel like living in paradise just like the title! Enjoying every moment of it♥️ Thank you Nancy”
Selected Milestones
2005 | First Solo Exhibition
Sandmaenchen, Taupō. The beginning of a professional practice centred around natural sand as an artistic medium. Nancy Tschetner
2013 | People’s Choice Award
Awarded at Milford Art Gallery, Auckland.
2017 | Searle Travel Art Award & People’s Choice Artist of the Year
Also awarded 2nd Place at the Royal Easter Show, Auckland, followed by the solo exhibition Natur Pur in Eisenach, Germany.
2018 | International Recognition in Dubai
Represented New Zealand at the International Women’s Art Exhibition in Dubai with Together, received recognition through the Global Art Awards, Dubai, and was also an Award Winner at the Royal Easter Show with Kowhai.
2019 | London & International Exhibitions
Presented a solo exhibition and charity art auction at the Royal Geographical Society, London, in collaboration with How Many Elephants, alongside participation in 32 Points – 32 Voices: A Compass of Peace in Toronto, Canada.
2021–2022 | Award & National Project Selection
Award Winner at the Dunedin Art Show in 2021, followed by being selected for WWF New Zealand’s Whale Tales in 2022.
2023 | Top 10 Artist, Christchurch Art Show
Named among the Top 10 Artists at the Christchurch Art Show and exhibited internationally at The Other Art Fair, Sydney.
2024 | People’s Choice Award, Christchurch Art Show
Recipient of the Lawson’s Dry Hills People’s Choice Award at the Christchurch Art Show.
2026 | A Year of Expansion
Exhibitions across New Zealand including the Christchurch Art Show, New Zealand Art Show, Auckland Art Show and Tauranga Art Show, alongside an entry in the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the Year and a two-person exhibition at Nissarana Gallery, Melbourne.
Today, more than two decades after first discovering sand as a medium, Nancy continues to evolve her practice through natural sand, crushed glass and gold leaf, creating dynamic artworks shaped by nature, texture and light.