If you missed Kyle Simmons’s solo exhibit last year, don’t worry. He is still creating.

The Bermudian artist now works largely in digital media, turning everyday interactions — conversations at a doorway, late-night gatherings and quiet social rituals — into carefully constructed visual scenes.

“I focus mostly on digital work, whether that’s 3D modelling, photography or digital painting,” he said. “As far as subject matter goes, I try to steer clear of more traditional subject matters, such as Gombeys and beaches, and really try to dig into more intimate experiences, things that are a bit more social.”

Those ideas shaped Bermology: Celebrating A Culture in the Middle of Nowhere, which went on display at the Bermuda Society of Arts in November. Rather than landscapes or postcard imagery, the exhibition explored shared experiences and familiar moments.

One piece depicted what he described as a never-ending goodbye.

“It was the scene of someone having a talk with their auntie after being at their house — that conversation where you say goodbye and kind of get trapped in that conversation,” Mr Simmons said. “Simple, short experiences illustrated in a more grand way.”

He hopes viewers recognise themselves in his work.

“What I aim for in my work is for people to feel a familiarity looking at it. I want to hit on nostalgia and just open up conversation about what it is to be Bermudian, sometimes specifically a Black Bermudian because that was my experience.”

Although Bermology drew strong attention, it was not his first showing. Mr Simmons has regularly taken part in Bermuda Society of Arts members’ exhibitions and previously produced a short film for the Government’s Gold Bermudians series, which highlights notable Bermudians and their contributions.

His creative path began with drawing. He was originally interested in graphic design and discovered a natural eye for photography while studying at Bermuda College.

“Like a lot of creatives, I used to draw a lot,” he said. “I was attracted to anything that would allow me to express and show my own experiences in more creative ways.”

Photography soon became the foundation for the rest of his work. What he learnt about framing, lighting and composition through photography still shapes his digital paintings and 3D work.

He initially taught himself before moving to Toronto, Canada, to study at the Ontario College of Art and Design. There he developed a stronger understanding of how images are constructed and planned, including storytelling and visual themes, and connected with artists working in other disciplines.

For more than a decade Mr Simmons used a Canon 60D camera until it finally gave out, leading him to change to a Sony Alpha.

“I just wanted to switch it up and challenge myself to learn something new,” he said.

For beginners, his advice is simple.

“The best way to learn is just to go out and shoot. Just be active,” he said. “You can be book smart and watch as many tutorials as you want but at the end of the day you’re not able to apply any of that knowledge if you’re not getting your hands dirty.”

His influences include Bermudian artists Sharon Wilson and Calix Smith, as well as the cartoons and video games he grew up with in the 1990s.

“You can definitely see it in a lot of my digital work,” he said. “A lot of my inspiration comes up pretty clear.”

Mr Simmons believes digital art is becoming more common locally as younger artists grow comfortable creating on screens.

“When I was growing up, you had to go out of your way to get into digital art. Now these kids can get used to drawing on the screen from an early age,” he said.

While he has no immediate solo exhibition planned, his prints remain available through the Bermuda Society of Arts and he intends to continue to participate in members’ shows. He is also preparing to collaborate with Jahbarri Wilson on a mural for the next Bermuda Walls project, a public art initiative that places large-scale paintings on buildings around the island.

“I stick to digital, mostly,” he said. “So painting this mural will definitely be a learning experience.”

• Follow Kyle Simmons’s work on Instagram: @digitize.me.design