ROCK hunting has become one of the most popular outdoor activities for families in Nelson Mandela Bay. One of the rock painters whose rock art became sought after , was that of #BlakeUth. Thus, the UD Express went on a “hunt” to find out who is this rock painter from Uitenhage!
After a photo of one of #BlakeUth’s rocks, found at the Sacramento Trail near Schoenmakerskop, was published in the UD Express, Blake’s aunt, Candice, contacted the UD Express and made it possible to meet the rock painter/hunter. The surprise was that Blake Fisher is only six years old and the real painter was his mother, Clarisa Fischer.
“Out of desperation about how to keep Blake occupied during weekends, a colleague mentioned PE Rocks. I thought “What was that?” She told me it is like a mini treasure hunt. You go out in nature and hide rocks and find rocks and the kids love it,” said Clarisa.
The Fischer family then visited Norm Hudlin Trails in KraggaKamma, one of the popular sites where rock painters and rock hunters operate. “We were amazed. It is such a lovely lay-out, open and in the fresh air. Blake loved the trails, running to find rocks hidden in the trees.”
And so the Fisher family got hooked on rock hunting.
“Although I would not describe myself as artistic, I find rock painting very therapeutic. Most evenings I sit on the patio and paint for an hour.
“I use Blake’s name, as he is so enthusiastic in hiding the rocks and finding rocks to rehide.”
Clarisa, an attorney by profession, has her own unique painting style. The #BlakeUth rocks always portray a positive, feel- good message.
“I always think to myself … I would love to find something like that. Therefore, I paint rocks that someone would love to find. Like rainbows. Blake loves rainbows.”
Blake also paints, but he enjoys the hunting far more.
“He now tells other kids not to keep rocks for themselves, but to hide them again. You know, it is only natural for a child to want to keep a beautiful rock that they have found. But, through this initiative, one can teach one’s child that sometimes you need to give away things that are nice to you for somebody else to enjoy,” said Clarisa.
Clarisa and her husband Everton now would like to get the rock hunting craze off the ground in Uitenhage and several rocks have already been circulated at Strelitzia Dam.
“It gives you so much pleasure when you see your rock travelling to other places. Something small like that, just a little rock, can bring so much joy because sharing is caring.”
- For more information about PE Rocks visit their Facebook page and see how the joy is being spread in Nelson Mandela Bay.
