In the spring of 1973, at the age of 30, Nik Hogen moved to this beautiful area to paint in the wilds. In 2000, He located a deposit of opal and was able to secure a government lease. He cut and polished the gemstones and made them into jewelry. His mineral lease is in a very rugged and remote location and is accessible only by foot or horseback. He also draws, paints, and makes block prints. In his work he tries to be a stylus of nature and he tries to reflect that energy through his jewelry and artwork.