Using art to get closer to God

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For artist Lydia Franks, painting is one way to help her get closer to her faith.

Since moving to the Island 20 years ago, she’s been inspired by Bermuda’s natural splendour.

Mrs Franks, the wife of Pastor Charly Franks of the First Baptist Church in Devonshire, is holding a solo show at the Bermuda Arts Centre in Dockyard through July 20.

She studied art in university and later became an art teacher in the United States.

“I don’t feel I can improve on what God has made so I enjoy trying to capture a glimpse of what inspires me,” she said. “It might be kids, coral, sunset, trees, water etc. Sometimes it is the little tiny things.”

She said she snorkels or walks on the beach with a digital camera to catch some of the beauty around her.

“Some paintings are started on location, but most are painted or finished in studio.

“Watercolour is my primary media, but using whatever it takes to show off the treasure is fine by me. I am not set on one style, but I like a realistic type approach.”

Once Mrs Franks feels the painting properly conveys what she wants it to, she stops adding more details.

“If some of the details are left up to the viewer, that person become more involved in the painting,” she explained.

A new show, Summer, opens at the Arts Centre on Sunday from 5.30pm to 7pm.

It’s a revolving show, meaning that any paintings that are sold are removed from the walls, and replaced by the artist with another painting.

The show runs through July 20.

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