Art is a window into understanding human existence, according to artist Dougal McDonell who has a new 'Exploration' at the Edinburgh Gallery of the Bermuda Society of Arts.

In the show he wants people to share the common and personal meaning that each work contains. "For instance a father interacts with his sons, teenage girls show excitement about a charm bracelet, a mother holds her baby," he said.

"These interactions are common to all societies in all time periods. I want to identify and share these experiences in my own way."

His subject, material used and execution differ for each piece. "The subjects change, because there are so many phenomena to explore," said Mr. McDonell.

"Variation in materials and method can aid imagination, intensify focus and stimulate reflection. I created an image in charcoal and then repeated the same image in collage.

"The colour of Bermuda homes left a strong desire to paint them in a naïve style. A street person was depicted with honour through charcoal.

"A young girl was described combining collage and pastel techniques. A colour statement is made in a small and large format of Mexican maracas in a brilliant 'colour field'."

The creation of these works of art has been an adventure. "They provide meaning to my life," said the artist. "Over time I see phenomena that grab my attention and suggest new ways to create.

"I invite the viewer to consider the work and share the experience. I hope they will obtain pleasure and meaning from the encounter."

Other shows at the BSoA include: Onions Gallery: Culture Unwrapped Quick Draw Show sponsored by DCCA. 'Half Life' photographs by Ian Macdonald Smith. Studio A: Recent Watercolour paintings by Charles Knights. Studio B: Somewhere Along The Way - photographs by Trudie Ottolini. Studio C: Works in Clay by Dellwood Ceramics Club Students.