Christopher Eccles wasn’t just an artist—he was a dreamer, and a man who saw the world in vibrant colours. Whether through his bold paintings, quirky sculptures, or sheer enthusiasm for life, he left an unforgettable mark on Nambour.
Now, his family and friends are learning to navigate a world without him.
A Life of Creativity and Connection
Christopher didn’t just create art—he lived it. He had an eye for turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. His work reflected his unique way of seeing the world.
His wife, Pia, describes him as “very colourful and bold.”
A tattoo across his chest read “small man, big mouth,” which reflects him as a person, Pia shared. At just 5 foot and 4, “he was larger than life.”
Christopher had a particular passion for sustainability, which influenced his art in unexpected ways. He collected vintage boomboxes and tapes, transforming them into creative displays. He repurposed single-use plastics into imaginative sculptures—robots, ray guns, flowers, and more.
Tragic Fall and Unfinished Recovery of Christopher Eccles
Life took a devastating turn for Christopher in April last year. While painting on a ladder, it suddenly collapsed beneath him. The impact shattered one of his kneecaps and chipped a bone, forcing him into a wheelchair for six months.
His recovery was slow, and just days before his death, doctors told him it would be another six months before he could drive again.
Then, on 27 December, at just 48 years old, Christopher suffered a fatal heart attack. His family later learned he had an undiagnosed genetic heart condition—something they never saw coming.
A Family’s Unimaginable Loss
Christopher’s sudden passing shattered his family. His wife Pia and their children, Enny, 18, and Dennis, 19, are still trying to come to terms with life without him.
Pia admitted she will not get passed the fact he’s gone. “He was my best mate,”she said.
Their love story began in Richmond, Victoria, when Pia was just 20. In 2019, they moved to Nambour, instantly falling in love with its artistic and community-driven atmosphere.
“He loved Nambour so much,” Pia said.
Christopher Eccles: A Community Champion
Christopher was about bringing people together. He formed deep friendships within the local creative scene.
His commitment to art and community earned him a place in The Keeper Project. A Sunshine Coast Council initiative where artists serve as observers, collectors and storytellers within their communities.
Now, in a powerful tribute, Pia and their children will continue his involvement in the project, carrying forward his passion and vision.
A Legacy That Won’t Fade
Christopher Eccles was a visionary. He saw the world differently, found inspiration in the discarded, and created works that challenged, inspired, and connected people.
Though his absence is deeply felt, his legacy remains woven into the fabric of Nambour. His family, friends, and the community he cherished will continue to celebrate his life.
Published 13-Feb-2025