About Maree

Maree Therese Menzel (1949-2004) was a remarkable artist whose life was a vibrant tapestry of creativity and community spirit. Born and raised on a wheat farm in northwestern Victoria, Maree was deeply influenced by her mother's instinctive panache for bold fashion, and the rich colors and textures of the Australian landscape that filled her early years. These elements profoundly shaped her artistic journey.

​

Maree's passion for art was evident from a young age. After studying Fashion Design at Prahran Tech, Maree became a notable figure in Melbourne's modeling scene, winning “Face of the Year” in 1970. Often compared to Audrey Hepburn, Maree’s modeling career also took her to the UK and Europe.

​

Maree always knew she was more interested in fashion design than being in front of the camera. Her design career took off when she joined Prue Acton, one of Australia’s most prestigious labels, at the height of the glittering 1980s scene.

​

Maree had already begun to diversify her design work in the late '70s, spending the next decade creating both set and costume designs for a number of well-received stage productions that played around the country.

​

Adding yet another string to her bow, Maree was also a prolific court artist from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. She was the artist for many major trials, including PM Hawke’s Royal Commission, mass murderer Julian Knight, and underworld crime boss Carl Williams, to name a few.

​

Ultimately, Maree’s work spanned many mediums, from printmaking to painting with pastels, oils, and chalks. She was known for her light, intuitive touch and her ability to capture the essence of everyday objects. Her series of pastel bird nests in the early 2000s was critically acclaimed.

​

Maree was also involved in interior design, creating beautiful residential interiors as well as bespoke retail fit-outs for specialist boutiques. Her work was featured in design books and magazines.

​

Beyond her artistic achievements, Maree was a beloved community member in Port Phillip, where she contributed to numerous local projects and festivals. Her vibrant personality and creative spirit left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

​

Maree passed away from breast cancer in 2004, however her legacy lives on through her art and the memories she created with her family, friends, and community. We invite you to explore her work and celebrate the life of a truly inspiring artist.