Sustainability is woven through Amber Countryman's art.  The Capricorn Coast artist creates sculptures, mosaics and mixed-media works using landfill contenders like broken crockery and bottle tops.

But it's a necklace fashioned from chunks of coal, fancily displayed with white satin gloves like something from a department store window, that's caught the art world's attention.  The piece, a commentary on what we find valuable and worth looking after, has been selected as a finalist in the 2018 Contemporary Art Awards.

Amber says she applied for the awards with "no anticipation" of being selected.

"In the art world there is quite a bit of rejection and when you are passionate, it hurts.

"Mid year, my concepts for a huge project weren't selected and although I tried so hard not get my hopes up, it really just floored me.

"A month or so ago I thought maybe I should enter a competition, send it off with no anticipation and steady myself for the rejection."

So much for that plan - Amber is one of 73 finalists who will get two free mentoring sessions, and inclusion in an online exhibition launching on January 11.