Kabuki: Sea of Love (Framed) (2013) Painting by Ziya Eris

Ziya was born in Bursa, the ancient capital of the Ottoman Empire, in 1944. Growing in a city steeped in history, art and architecture, Ziya was inspired to become an artist at a very young age. His dream came true when he was accepted at the Marmara Fine Arts Academy in Istanbul. There his talents were immediately recognised and he was invited to join the faculty as lecturer and tutor of fine art. Whilst working at the faculty he also established a creative studio where he applied his trade as a corporate illustrator, graphic artist, architect and interior designer for some of Turkey's multi-nationals.

In 1973, Ziya with his wife and two children, migrated half-way across the world to Brisbane, Australia where he continued working as a fine artist. During his time in Australia, Ziya won one gold and two silver awards for his artwork at the BAD (Brisbane Art Directors) Awards. He held several exhibitions in Brisbane, including World Expo 88 where he represented Queensland as a wildlife artists for royal visitors such as the King and Queen of Spain. The Brisbane Polo Club have two of his works hanging in their boardroom, Australia Post purchased his first and second series of limited editions prints for national distribution and Ziya has also appeared in national magazines, newspapers and also on Channel 7's the Sunrise Show.

In 1990, on invitation Ziya moved to Japan to work as a fine artist. He had several exhibitions in Japan, most notably Ginza and Shibuya, and many notable celebrities and media personalities, much like in Australia, collect his works. Ziya's painting was accepted by the Tulip Museum. For Australia's 200 year celebration, Ziya held an Australian wildlife exhibition in Mita, which was visited by the then prime minister of Australia, Paul Keating, with accompanying Japanese dignitaries. During his time in Japan, Ziya explored the Japanese culture and art, experiences that would later influence his style of painting when he returned home.

In 2000 Ziya returned back to Australia and rather than settling comfortably into retirement has been quite prolific; reflecting back on his travels, he has explored the myriad of styles and approaches to create an amazing series that chronicles his adventures. Starting in Turkey with the miniatures & ornaments, across the atlantic to the wildlife and unforgiving landscapes of Australia, the Japanese Geisha girls and Kabuki, and then back to Australia's lush tropical rain forests and fauna. It's a marvellous journey that truly represents the master craftsman that Ziya is.

• Nationality: AUSTRALIA
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Australian Artists