AFTER spending close to two decades as an artist, Chai T is on the cusp of showcasing some of her finest work for private viewings.

Chai T has always enjoyed working from nature and those who are familiar with her work will notice the trademark feather that shows up in all of her paintings.

According to folklore, when a person is walking and a feather falls in his path, that individual will embark upon a journey, whether it is spiritual or physical. To date, it is no coincidence that many feathers have fallen in Chai T's path.

Her journeys have led the 34-year-old Bermuda artist as far afield as India. During a sabbatical there she wholeheartedly embraced, assimilated and eventually painted the visions she experienced.

"My work is intuitive and it is important that listen to my first voice," Chai T said matter-of-factly.

The name Chai T was in fact given to her by one of the elders during a trip to Rajistan. Chai in Hindi means tea, but it also means divinity.

The Hebrew word chai means life. Thus it is a symbol of life, and, not surprisingly, is frequently worn in the form of a pendant by both males and females. A word associated with religious and mystical meaning, it has many uses in the Bible and later tradition. The numerical value of chai is 18, a number that recurs frequently in Jewish legend.

A visit to Chai T's home studio reveals the Hindi influence in her work with the rich, vibrant colours often associated with female Indian apparel. One piece in particular, Emergence, clearly reflectsthe artist's mood and philosophy.

"This painting reflects the journey that I was meant to be on. The image of the tiger came to me while I was meditating. It is a two-part painting with figures in the doorways and a tiger emerging from one of the doors," Chai T explained.

"I'm also intrigued with the Buddhist monks and the ritualistic chants and as you see it reflects in my work."

Her paintings combine realism with surrealstic images from her visions. She also has a few locally inspired pieces, one of which was entitled Discovery, which shows a trio of children foraging among the rocks and discovering different things in the tidal pool. When you look closer at the painting you will see the reflections and shadow of the children.

Another scenic masterpiece is a landscape featuring the cove at Horseshoe Bay Beach, where you can see nature at its finest.

Chai T explained she works mainly with acrylics due to their versatility.

"I use natural light when I paint and I tend to paint for longer periods during the summers because of the longer days. I always generate positive energy when I'm working on a piece, otherwise I won't be happy and I'm just a vehicle and I try to spread happiness via my works", she said.

It has only been for the last year that Chai T has made being an artist a full-time profession. She credits diet and sufficient rest and the absence of caffeine as the keys for being able to work on such time-consuming works.

"Sometimes I would work on several pieces at a time depending upon my mood. I'm more of a spiritual person and when I feel the creative energy flow through me I can work on a piece, but if the creative spark isn't there, I will leave that piece and work on another," she said.

Chai T graduated with honours from the Fine Art Diploma Programme at the Bermuda College. Part proceeds from the sales of her paintings are donated to Agape House as a way of giving something back to the community.

You can make an appointment to view her works by calling 232-9193.