article on Bermudian artist Robert Bassett.

Singling out his brightly coloured Gombey pictures for special mention, the magazine piece traces Mr. Bassett's rise in popularity since his first Bermuda show in 1991.

The article focuses on the Sandys Secondary School teacher's philosophy which, artistically speaking, avoids what he believes to be the negative attitudes of violence, drugs or explicit sex. Eager to reassure people of their heritage, Mr. Bassett is revealed as an artist who believes his responsibility is to influence others in a positive way.

Upscale's `Fine Arts' section also picks up on the musical theme that echoes through much of Mr. Bassett's work.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette , the painter, sculptor and mask maker says this article crowns what for him has been a busy and successful summer. "My work was featured at the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, and was also included in a group show, entitled `Creative Perception' at the Agora Gallery in SoHo, New York.'' Perhaps even more exciting is the news that Mr. Bassett's work has just been accepted by one of the best-known galleries in New Orleans.

As Mr. Bassett points out, "New Orleans is a city that's very strong in the arts -- both fine arts and music. As music is a constantly recurring theme in my work, I could hardly have asked for a better location in which to be represented!'' He says he is well aware that with New Orleans boasting some of the top galleries in the US, it will be a constant challenge for him to produce his best work: "There is so much competition out there, so you can't afford to produce mediocre work. And I would like to think that my subject matter will reflect the taste and unique interests of the buyers in that region.'' Far from feeling pressured with these new outlets, Mr. Bassett, who thinks nothing of painting throughout the night if he is working on a special picture, says that for him, "It's a labour of love!'' Besides his original oil paintings, Mr. Bassett has also been successful with his prints. His bold colours and ethnic themes translate well into posters and six of them are now being sold internationally as well as in Bermuda. With two new prints in the works as well as a series of greetings cards, Robert Bassett has had his busiest year yet as one of Bermuda's most prolific artists.

Asked if he had plans for another one-man show any time soon, he just smiles and replies, "Stay tuned!'' IN THE LIMELIGHT -- Bermudian artist Mr. Robert Bassett (centre) pictured at this year's National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta with fellow-artists Paul Goodnight (left) and Charles Bibbs (right).