Anthony Pieters

Q. What motivated you to start creating art?
A. I can’t pinpoint an exact moment, but the spark was definitely there from childhood. I was captivated by Disney animators and inspired to capture the world around me. Even though pursuing art as a career wasn’t always straightforward, it just felt like the path I was meant to take, and I was blessed to have a lot of encouragement along the way.

Q. What led you to develop your signature heavily
textured approach?
A. In recent years, especially around 2020, I started feeling
a connection to the landscapes around me, particularly
the natural beauty of the Gold Coast.

I began experimenting with thick layers and textures,
and it just clicked. I love how it adds depth and gives each piece a different character depending on the lighting.
It’s become a core part of my style, and it’s always
exciting to see how people respond to it.

Q. How do you choose the colors and textures for each of
your pieces?
A. My choices are really influenced by nature—the ocean, beaches, rainforest, bush, and sky. Living on the Gold Coast, these elements are always around me, so they naturally find their way into my work.

Q. How does your use of materials like acrylic paint, calcite grit, and gypsum contribute to the overall feel of your work?
A. These materials bring a three-dimensional effect to my work that feels tangible and alive. It’s like bringing a piece of nature into the space where the artwork lives, making it more than just something to look at.

Q. What role does the Australian landscape play in your
creative process?
A. The Australian landscape, especially the coastal and hinterland areas of the Gold Coast, is a massive influence on my work. My paintings are a direct response to these environments – they really shape how I create.

Q. What role does nature play in shaping the narratives
of your pieces?
A. Nature is at the heart of these artworks. The patterns,
textures, and forms I see around me every day are what drive my work. I’m always trying to capture that feeling
in my art.

Q. Lighting plays a significant role in your art. How do different lighting conditions influence the appearance
of your art?
A. Lighting can completely transform the look of my textured pieces. The way light hits the textures creates different effects, making the art feel dynamic and alive.
It’s something I think about a lot when I’m creating.

Q. You also perform as a speed artist, creating black and white figurative pen drawings in front of live audiences. How does the energy of a live performance influence your work?
A. Performing live is all about energy for me. I feed off the crowd’s reactions, and it pushes me to be more expressive and bold than when I’m working in the studio. It’s a fun contrast to my quieter, more detailed work, and both extremes really complement and influence each other.

Q. How do you balance the quiet of your studio work
with the energy of performing live?
A. If I only did quiet work, I’d probably get bored, and if
I only did energetic work, I’d feel chaotic. So doing both naturally brings balance.

My studio work is where I can be calm and methodical, while my live performances are all about letting loose and embracing the moment. Both sides are important to me and keep me creatively fulfilled.

Q. Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into the creative mindset?
A. I don’t have any strict rituals, but I do need a calm and private space to work, and playing music definitely helps. My studio time is when I can really focus and get into the flow of creating detailed pieces.

Q. What specific landscapes or locations have influenced your work the most?
A. The beaches and hinterlands of the Gold Coast have had the biggest impact on my work. Living here, these places inspired me.

Q. As an artist who also has a background in dance, how
do music and dance contribute to your creative process?
A. When I’m working on my art, music helps set the mood
and brings out the feeling of nature I want to convey. My dance background influences the motion and rhythm I try to capture in the textures of my paintings.

Q. Can you share more about your vision for merging
your fine art and live performances in future exhibitions?
A. I’d love to create exhibitions where my fine art pieces and live performances come together. I imagine a space where the two interact and enhance each other, creating
a unique experience for the audience. It’s something I’m working towards when the timing feels right.

Q. How do you stay inspired and motivated?
A. I’m really fortunate to have interest in my work, which keeps me creating and improving. Being able to support my family through art is a blessing, and it takes away
the stress of paying the bills, allowing me to focus on
my craft. Nature is a constant source of inspiration, and

the positive response to my work keeps me motivated.
Plus, the excitement of performing live always gives me
a creative boost.

Q. What do you enjoy most about living and working
on the Gold Coast?
A. The Gold Coast has everything I need – beautiful landscapes, a bit of city life, and it’s all within driving distance. It’s the perfect place for me to live and create.

Q. When you’re not creating art or performing, how
do you like to spend your free time?
A. I love spending time with my wife and two young daughters, whether we’re at the beach, exploring the
city, or catching up with friends.

Q. What advice would you give to your younger self
when you were just starting out in the art world?
A. I’d tell my younger self to be patient and keep at it.
It’s going to take longer than you think, but consistency
is key. Just keep creating, and the results will come.