One of Bermuda's most gifted young artists opens a one-man show in the Edinburgh Gallery of the Bermuda Society of Arts this weekend.

Entitled `Mechanics and Abstractions', Graham Foster's third solo exhibition consists of around 30 acrylic paintings.

"A third of them follow a mechanical theme -- bizarre machines with blades, gears and chains, which are all flying, floating and rolling,'' he explains.

"The others are more figurative and abstract, some experimenting with layering paint, creating a semi-holographic effect, some combining script with images, while others are expressions of inner thoughts and mental images influenced by religion and by myth.'' Foster's work has been fascinating viewers ever since he began showing regularly with the Society while still a student at Saltus Grammar School.

A graduate of the prestigious Museum School of Fine Art in Boston, he says he experimented in "all kinds of art'' there, ranging from photography, jewellery, welding, sculpture and, of course, painting.

His work, highly original in style, is often realised in surrealistic terms.

Since his return, Mr. Foster, now a full-time artist, has been awarded numerous private and corporate commissions, including the Bank of Bermuda, ACE Insurance and Bermuda Commercial Bank.

His memorable `Fishing the Atlantean Caves' was one of his works selected for the Bermuda National Gallery's 1996 Biennial Show.

While Mr. Foster maintains that art should "stand on its own'' without benefit of detailed descriptions and analysis, he admits to varying influences in his work to date.

"Right now, I'm following two main paths, and both draw heavily on my imagination! One of these is Bermuda-themed with a surreal twist, concentrating on the Island's architecture, waters, flora and fauna.

"The other direction is more expressionistic and experimental, drawing more on the subconscious. Yes,'' he concedes, "this is the work which I consider most personal and which gives me the most pleasure and satisfaction.'' `Mechanics and Abstractions' opens to the public in the Edinburgh Gallery on Saturday, November 8, along with `Growing 9', a group exhibition which will be shown in the main gallery. Artists featured in this show include Judith Faram, Judith Vance Gardner, Betsi Griffith, Sheilagh Head, Kris Jensen, Elmer Midgett and Marion Watlington Vorley.

GOING SOLO -- Graham Foster's one-man show opens at the Edinburgh Gallery on Saturday