MIXOLOGY, a showcase of works by photographer Amanda Temple continues at the Bermuda Society of Arts this week.

The display comes as Ms Temple celebrates 15 years as a professional and at a time when she has broadened the scope of her career - establishing an art consulting firm and including mixed media painting in her already extensive portfolio.

"I recently founded Eikona Gallery, an art consulting company, with the goal of varying the type of art displayed in local corporate settings," Ms Temple said in explaining the change in her work.

"It's led my career in new directions and has influenced the way I produce art, inspiring me to experiment with a new style and medium."

According to Ms Temple, Mixology is rooted in her experience as a Bermudian artist but is also fully conversant with contemporary currents of abstract art. Much of her experience as an art consultant is gained through the art fairs she visits with her associate, Helen Dudley and it is "this dialogue with the avant-garde art world that has guided me to a new form of expression".

However her love of Bermudian art and artists comes first and foremost. As such, she is an avid supporter of the local arts scene where possible.

"Eikona Gallery endeavours to showcase the best of local talent, allowing companies to develop strong ties to the community at the most fundamental level," she said. "Most of my clients agree that highlighting local art is a visible gesture of community support, and regularly request Bermudian art for their offices. However, given the enormous amount of commercial construction underway on the island, I'm often faced with the unfortunate fact that there is simply not enough Bermudian art to meet the needs of these large-scale projects."

Faced with a definite shortage of abstract art, the photographer began producing her own. Mixology is a result of that endeavour.

"While happy to support local artists, companies in Bermuda are looking for a fresh alternative to the prevalent office aesthetic of Bermudian landscapes," she stated. "They want an updated image that reflects their corporate ideals and values and are seeking sophisticated imagery with neutral subject matter. As such, Eikona Gallery is receiving more requests for abstract art.

"While ostensibly about texture, colour and composition these abstractions are fully grounded in the seascape. The ocean, in all its power and mystery, reveals itself, emerging from within layers of varnish, paint and plaster. The title of the show reflects my desire to mix it up¿to do something a little unconventional for Bermuda. I'd like to offer another perspective on something we see everyday, to see with different eyes, through an alternative stylistic model. Mixology refers to the act of experimentation of combining a variety of paints and chemicals to achieve different effects."

Each painting is titled with the name of a geographic location: a body of water or sea.

"Like many Bermudians, I am mesmerised by the sea. I'm sure that many who have lived on this island will concur with me - the sea has a powerful hold on the soul."

The photographer said she was unaware of the power of the ocean to reveal itself to her until she started painting but that a watery world of churning waves, swirling seaweed and tidal patterns reoccurs obsessively in her imagery even when she sets out to create something else entirely.

"I found that the more paint applied the more the water theme recurred, as if I was not finished with the theme, my sub-conscious kept bringing me back to it - as a force of nature. Understanding that all the earth's seas are threatened, due to pollution and global warming, I recognise the value of Bermuda's marine life, and fear for it. I feel empathy with sick seas all over the world."

Each canvas captures the characteristic qualities of a particular sea and the interaction of forces - erosion, biology, pollution, mineral content - that shape, colour, transform, and give life - or death - to its waters.

"Mixology illustrates how one's Bermudian sensibility can be filtered through varied experiences and transformed into an aesthetic vision that is both locally inspired and globally connected," she continued.

"As an art consultant I hope that more Bermudian artists will experiment in diverse media, themes and styles. The market will support new perspectives, in fact, corporations are asking for it. Why not give them a little bit more of what they want, while pushing the boundaries of art production in Bermuda? Mixing things up can have unexpected results."

Mixology will remain on exhibit at the Bermuda Society of Arts through December 12.