The Central App shares a story of our region’s artists each month. If you know someone with creative talent to nominate contact: [email protected]

Marc Blake lives in Queenstown and his painting exhibition ‘Like Pleasures of the World’ is at Central Stories Museum until August 20. He is giving a free talk today about his art at 4-5pm on site.

Where do you live in Central Otago?

“I have lived in Frankton with my wife since the start of 2015. We also have a three-year-old son. I love this wider region and have worked tirelessly over the past few years to help create opportunities for the visual arts here and especially contemporary art. 

“With the right guidance, both Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago have a huge amount of potential to become significant rural art centres in the coming years.”

How did you get started as an artist?

“I have been painting since I was 20 years old, studying at Auckland University and have never stopped.

“I wake up every day wanting to make art and it is a major part of my life.

“I am driven to try and contribute something new to painting, something that reflects the times in which we are living, but also in terms of art history and concepts.”

Flower Painting (Horse) 2023 Inkjet, acrylic, oil on canvas 1000 x 806mm.

How have you ended up living and working here?

“Born and raised in Auckland, but after spending a ski season in Queenstown in my early twenties, this region never left my mind.

“After living overseas for 10 years, I was finally able to get a home here with my family. My mum and her partner also live in Cromwell, so we are always coming and going.”

What’s your favourite spot in Central?

“I enjoy walking around Bendigo and Bannockburn a lot. I think my favourite time of year is when it’s time to eat all this incredible fruit that grows across Central.”

What else are you involved in within the community?

“I have run two groundbreaking artist led galleries in Queenstown since 2019 and

helped show work by 300 artists, the vast majority of them from Queenstown and Central.

“I am constantly trying to work out new ways to shine a light on new concepts in art here and broaden everyone’s experience as much as possible. 

“A future with traditional and contemporary art ideas and practices thriving and progressing side by side is what I hope we can all achieve.”

Diamond Painting (Vase) 2023. Inkjet, Flashe on canvas, 910 x 728mm.

What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central?

“Obviously geographically it is fairly isolated and the population is small, but then that is also its charm. It is a very desirable place for families to live and this is increasing, which is great. 

“In terms of art, I hope that the region can focus on maintaining and nurturing its unique history and traditions, while at the same time increasing its connection and dialogue with the wider world.”

How can people find out more about your art?

“My website is marcblake.co.nz, instagram is @marcblake__, and the gallery is brokergalleries.com.”

How did you manage through the pandemic and what are you doing differently post Covid-19?

“During Covid-19 I rallied the local arts community and helped curate and stage some of the largest independent shows here ever, as well as enabling multiple solo shows for artists. 

“Our son was also born in 2020, which had its own unique challenges. Since then, I am just happy to be able to travel and see lots of new art again.”

Diamond Painting (Mist) 2023, inkjet, Flashe, acrylic, oil, inkjet collage, on canvas, 1500 x 1200mm. PHOTO: Marc Blake website

What does the future look like for you and your artistic work?

“To continue to push and challenge myself as much as possible and to strive to be original. I’ll be getting a new studio and gallery set up in Frankton soon, so watch this space.”