Blake Brownwell Ferris died April 26. He was 43.
Ferris was born Feb. 19, 1968 and grew up in Malibu, attending Carden and Webster Elementary schools. He went on to Cabrillo Junior High and Santa Monica High School before receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California Los Angeles. After receiving his degree, Ferris moved to France where he attended the University of Paris Sorbonne and received his master’s degree in history and political science from the School of High Studies and Social Science.
Ferris remained in Paris for nine years after graduation, working with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development as an editor and translator. He then moved to New York City with the Frankfurt Book Fair while working as an intern in the German book market in 1999. He continued working in New York City for local publishing houses for a couple of years.
In 2007, Ferris returned to Los Angeles and served as Assistant Director of Exhibition Management at the Museum of Contemporary Art. He particularly liked developing his own photography and working in the dark room.
Ferris, known as a skilled chef, enjoyed hosting meals for his friends and family. He also enjoyed cruising in his classic 1964 Plymouth Barracuda.
Ferris was also passionate about writing poetry. He frequently connected with other poets and artists all over the world using social media. Those who knew him called him “The Keeper of the Esoteric,” and a “true poet and alchemist raging with curiosity.” Ferris is also remembered by his friends and family for his offbeat, unique sense of humor.
Ferris is survived by his mother Denise, his father Jeremy, his stepmother Ida, his brother Calhoun and his wife Heidi.
A private ceremony will take place.