OPAL MINING, LIGHTNING RIDGE, AUSTRALIA

Painter, born Christopher James Hamilton Blake, Shanghai, China. He attended Saint Martins School of Art, 1951-52, and also took lessons from family or those he met while traveling who were established artists. His use of colour and depth intensified as he developed his style and technique, while navigating through his journey through disability, illness and homelessness. Following an ischemic stroke in 1979, his style of work changed considerably, and adopted an increasingly religious theme, considered as dark and possibly even morose by some. When looking at his paintings closely, one can see symbols of calmness, hope, kindness and love in scenes of horror and terror. An avid traveller, gem seeker; a devout Christian and modern-day impressionist. From botanical illustrator to expressionist artist, he painted daily until his death at 56 years of age.