A night of music and the visual arts is set to take place in an unexpected gallery – the serene settings of a spa.

Tonight's event will feature the work of debut artist Michael DeSilva and his son Aaron, who will provide the music for the evening at the Samadhi Spa, at the Newstead Resort.

Artist Mr. DeSilva rediscovered his artistic side two years ago after working as a pressman for 35 years.

His first painting was done on acid-free card, and on board after he had the idea one day at work. Since then he has created some amazing contemporary pieces with a simple printer's knife and printer's ink.

"I brought my tools home and just began experimenting," he said. "I would say it was more of an epiphany.

"I've always worked with the coloured inks, and one day I just looked at them and was curious to see if I was able to bring out my artistic side from the past.

"I liked what I was able to create and kept creating from that day forward."

During his time at school he excelled and won several competitions. "I loved to sketch and paint," Mr. DeSilva said.

"I had the opportunity to go to London College to pursue sign painting, however I wasn't ready to leave Bermuda, as I was still quite young."

After finishing high school, he joined American International as a press trainee in its print department and has continued on that career path.

Working as a pressman, he gained invaluable knowledge in blending inks to make specific colours using his printer's knife.

"At work, the knife is what I use to mix the ink colours together and transfer them from the mixing table to the ink fountain on the printing press.

"As an artist, it is used as my 'paint brush'. I transfer the colours from my own mixing table onto canvas and I am able to create what I feel."

Mr. DeSilva said he was inspired by nature. "I love being outside, whether it's going for a walk down by the beach, bike riding or even skiing. All the beauty and different colours speak to me and make me want to create more.

"My artwork is a blend of my life exposure to nature in different places."

The opportunity for showing at the Samadhi Spa came after someone viewed his work.

"They contacted me after seeing a piece of my artwork that was displayed in an office in Bermuda," he said. "They were eager to display my work throughout the spa, and chose many prints to be hung up throughout.

He added: "I would just like to give a big thank you to my co-workers, family and friends who have all encouraged me to continue down this artistic pathway. Without their inspiration and positive feedback, I would not be where I am today."

His son Aaron, who will be playing at the event, said his parents continuously exposed him to a variety of musical genres. "This gave me excellent ear to begin his life as a musician and songwriter," he said.

At the age of 13 he played the violin for two years and then took a break from playing altogether until his father presented him with an electric guitar when he was 17.

"This seemed to be the inspiration to learn how to play guitar, drum and bass. I believe that the best music is from the heart and not learned from reading a book."

He has played and recorded with vocalists including Joy Barnum and Mia Chambray and he has toured across Canada playing bass guitar in a band called DreamRadio.

He is currently involved in a music production programme, and has been writing songs and playing acoustic shows in Ottawa, Ontario.

The event takes place at the Samadhi Spa at the Newstead Resort from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Cover $5 includes a glass of wine and the show. For more information ring 249-7119 or e-mail info@samadhispas.bm. Or visit: http://web.me.com/michaeldesilva.