A few inmates at the Westgate Correctional Facility have discovered or rediscovered art.

They are taking part in a show entitled Timely Reflections V, which opened at the Masterworks Foundation, in the Botanical Gardens, on Friday.

Their work is a range of paintings in oil, watercolour, pencil drawings, cedar work, ceramics, fabric art, and much more.

Their teacher and a few of the inmates took the time to speak to about their passion for art.

Sheldon Franks said art means everything to him. His medium is acrylics, watercolours, pastels, pencil and oils.

When asked about his inspiration he said: "It was the illusion of breathing life into them."

Franks, who began creating artwork whilst incarcerated seven years ago, said his favourite piece was called 'Suffer Dem Not'.

He plans to continue in the field when he is released and hopes to one day teach art.

Watercolours and oils are the medium used by new artist Bulla B, who has found that it is a positive way to express himself.

"It is how I see the world," he said, "And it is talking without words."

Passion is the name of the game said Michael Pitcher when asked what does art mean to him.

"I love to create or capture expressions in my work to make it come alive."

His work is of mixed media and he dabbles with pencils, pens, oils, pastels and watercolours. "My inspiration for these pieces is to bring out the love and passion that is within me."

Unlike some of the artistic inmates, he began painting when he was a child, and said out of all of the pieces he has completed for this exhibition, his favourite piece is called Daddy's Girl.

"It is because her expression tells the whole story of how she is feeling," he said.

His plan is to continue producing artwork on his release from Westgate and he is happy to have the opportunity to exhibit with Masterworks.

"It is an honour and a pleasure to have a foundation like Masterworks to view my art," he said. "But most of all, it is to have the positive feedback by the Foundation about my work."

Shane Proctor said creating his pieces gives him a wonderful feeling.

His inspiration comes from his teacher and he says pieces usually take about one hour to complete.

He sews items in African prints and he is exhibiting 12 items for this show, which he said, "is a way of showing my talent to Bermuda".

Their sewing teacher is Margo Jean Fraser who has worked in prisons for the majority of her career.

"I was a correctional officer for almost 18 years ? then retired," she said Mrs. Fraser.

"I taught at the Co-Ed Facility and started the sewing programme as an officer after I retired. Westgate called and I started is with the men and it's much more of a challenge, which I like."

When asked how she helped the budding artist, she said: "To make them look inside themselves and bring out what is there.

"It feels good that I have helped someone take a positive look at themselves."

She said many of the inmates were already artistic, but afraid to show it.

Mrs. Fraser's observations have led her to say that: "A man is often a better designer than a woman because he will take a chance, but a woman designs what she likes.

"Also they can help themselves instead of waiting for someone to help them. It gives them confidence, inspiration, self worth , and also patience that they don't think exists. I thank God for giving me this talent to teach other people."

The show remains up until July 29. For more information 236-2950.