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

Art Bay Gallery, Queenstown

The Art Shed Gallery, Napier

Athol Gallery, Southland

Raukura Gallery, Picton

Nissarana Gallery, Noosa, NSW

The Little Gallery, Whangamata & Tairua

Heritage Gallery, Cambridge

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.