Art was one of Lisa Ty’s first loves. While work and other life obligations sometimes got in the way, she always returned to her creative pursuits.

The chartered accountant was named the winner of the Emerging Artist Category of the Charman Prize last autumn. You can see her latest works on display — beside other artists such as Alice Coutet, Rachael Antonition and Khalid Muhammad — in the 441 Exhibit at Masterworks, open from now until March 9.

Q: How did you first get interested in art?

A: I have been drawing off and on all my life. My best friend in elementary school (in Saskatchewan, Canada) lived next to a lady who taught art to children in her basement. I remember my sisters and I going there after school and drawing pictures from cards and calendars. We all inherited artistic talent from my mom but I guess it stuck more with me.

What made you decide to pursue it more seriously now?

I don’t think it was a conscious decision as much as it was timing and circumstances. I had just made a big decision regarding my work life and I had given myself some time to refocus and think about the path I need to take to achieve more balance and personal satisfaction in my every day life. I wanted to focus more on health, self-awareness and self-improvement and to get back into my art.

How would you describe your particular art style?

My style has evolved over the years. I’ve always preferred realism to abstract but especially in the last couple of years, I’ve been actively striving to achieve the hyperrealism style. I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be, but I’m encouraged by my recent pieces as I see huge improvement from my older works. Right now my preferred medium is graphite, mostly because it’s easy and clean. I use charcoal for different, darker textures. I’ve also worked with soft pastels, but don’t have any experience with the popular paint mediums such as acrylics and oils.

Is there anything or anyone in particular that inspires you as a creative?

I think creativity is all around us — in the design and construction of new buildings, in cars of the future and in the appliances and gadgets we use in our homes. I’m inspired by technological innovation as much as the traditional artistic creations. I love to watch [trends in] home renovations and home/fashion designs, to read about advances in science and to listen to new ideas in TED talks.

How are you feeling going into this upcoming 441 Exhibit?

I’m relieved I found the time to finish all the pieces I started — with work, studying and other commitments. For a while it seemed like I might have been too ambitious for the amount of time I had. I’m somewhat anxious no one will come to see the show. I’m nervous at how my work will be received. But I’m excited for it to finally be here.

What made you decide to start exhibiting on island?

A co-worker had mention the Charman Prize to me when it was first announced last year and I started a Bermuda Pride piece with that in the back of my mind. I was about a third of the way into it when I knew for sure that I would enter it. After submitting the piece, I was asked by Masterworks if I’d be interested in participating in one of the 441 Exhibits planned for 2016. The idea of doing a show to exhibit my art was not something I had ever considered. I thought it was something only professional artists did. But the format of the 441 — four artists, four styles, one show — is actually intended for artists just like myself who may not be in a position to do, or who may not want the pressure of doing, a solo show. I saw the opportunity and accepted. Then I won the Charman Prize for Emerging Artist category for the Bermuda Pride piece and with the opening of the 441 Exhibit days away, I suddenly find myself on an unexpected but fulfilling path.

What did that mean to you to win the Charman Prize?

The Charman Prize exhibit opened in October. I recall my first impression of the show at the artists’ reception was one of genuine pride at being part of their biggest and best show thus far. To be announced the winner of the Emerging Artist category in the presence of friends and family and to be publicly acknowledged for something I love to do was truly a gratifying and unforgettable life moment.

Is there a message behind your work? Something you hope people will get out of it?

To appreciate art is to appreciate a different perspective. One thing I’ve learnt through my art is that we all see and interpret things slightly different. My pieces are as much a reflection of me as they are of my subjects.

Viewers are acknowledging the artists’ perspective and for me there’s no greater compliment.

What advice would you give to any other young aspiring artists?

Take the time to research the type of art you wish to do and if possible, to learn from the best in that style. Learning the fundamentals will give you a solid base to nurture and develop your talent and facilitate creativity.