"Opals: Nature's Artwork and a Continual Attraction.”

Opals have always held a special place in my heart, captivating me with their stunning colours and intricate natural patterns. In my eyes, opals are nothing short of nature's finest artwork. This enduring fascination began in my childhood, thanks to a cherished family heirloom: my mother's beautiful black opal ring, a gift to her from my grandfather. I would often find myself mesmerised by the enchanting play of colours within this precious gem. It's no wonder that opals are the rightful choice for Australia's national gemstone.
I was fortunate to have parents who ignited my passion for exploration, and as I grew up, we traversed
a large portion of the Australian landscape. I vividly remember our journeys to the 'opal towns' of Lightning Ridge in New South Wales and Coober Pedy in South Australia, each a treasure trove of these remarkable gemstones. Lightning Ridge, just over 700 kilometres from Sydney, and Coober Pedy, situated over 800 kilometres north of Adelaide, are both celebrated as opal havens, with Coober Pedy often earning the title of the 'opal capital of the world.' I still remember travelling through Lightening Ridge. When you first drive into the place it is like seeing lots of ant hills. Dry and dusty and full of interesting characters. Maybe it has changed since I was there?
As an individual who likes redecorating, redesigning, and painting, I often delve into researching my subject to gather inspiration. Opals have become a recurring muse, and I hope to ignite the same passion in others through my creations. Delving into the world of opals, I've uncovered fascinating aspects. Indigenous Australian myths frequently associate opals with rainbows. Were these legends inspired by the same awe-inspiring patterns and colours that captivate me?
Opals come in various captivating forms, such as the harlequin pattern, distinguished by a symmetrical arrangement of colored patches resembling a diamond-shaped harlequin costume.
There's also the rolling flash pattern, with waves of vibrant hues seemingly gliding across the opal's surface, and opals showcasing broad flashes of colour. Additionally, opals that resemble Chinese calligraphy, each piece a unique canvas of natural artistry.
With such a rich array of opal varieties, I'm never short of inspiration.
In the midst of my opal-inspired creative journey, I'd like to share a piece with you: the replica Louis Chair that I had the pleasure of painting. The chair had seen better days, with a well-worn timber surface that bore its history in the form of scratches and imperfections. In my redesign, I chose to preserve some of the undamaged timber, allowing its natural beauty to shine through the paint. Michelangelo intentionally left some of his sculptures with an unfinished appearance - I thought when I was painting it up, that it would be good to leave some of this timber appear and not paint it all out.
The seat cover, originally a faded burgundy
velvet, was lovingly reupholstered by my talented wife in a dark blue denim, breathing new life into this piece of furniture.
In conclusion, opals have been a consistent source of inspiration and fascination in my life, leading me on a journey to uncover the stories, myths, and mysteries that surround these captivating gemstones. Through my creative endeavours and exploration, I aim to share the enchantment of opals with others and continue to be inspired by their mesmerising beauty, colours, and patterns.

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