With her passion for photographing Bermuda's flora and fauna, Bermudian Kelly Hunt could literally be called 'a budding artist'.

Miss Hunt's second art show 'Staying Alive' opens today at the Bermuda Society of Arts (BSoA) at City Hall in Hamilton.

In the show Mrs. Hunt has used a combination of people and Bermudian plant life to celebrate the Island's 400th anniversary.

In one shot, 'Lava', a red poinciana flower resembles a river of hot lava, a reminder of Bermuda's volcanic origins.

In other less twiggy photographs, Gombeys dance in a rainbow blur of colour.

"I used to think that I was boxing myself in sticking to flora and fauna," Mrs. Hunt said. "But I have found I feel comfortable with it now.

"It is a challenge to keep on presenting it in new and different ways."

But although she enjoys looking at gardens, she is not an avid gardener. "Unfortunately, I don't have a green thumb," she said.

Mrs. Hunt has been working as a professional photographer for four years.

"I started doing photography in high school," she said. "I continued in college at the University of South Carolina. I was a 'no digital' person. I didn't think I would do anything but darkroom photography, but I got sucked into digital photography."

Her first big show 'Alive' was held last year at City Hall. She sold all the work from that show.

'Staying Alive' is a continuation of the earlier show theme. The show features limited edition and one-of-a-kind photographs on stretched canvas.

"The title also reflects my own personal journey,' she said. "Finding unique and abstract ways to shoot the flora and fauna that can be found on the Island has become my passion, but Bermuda's people are also captivating."

She said Bermuda's dancing Gombeys made fabulous subjects for 'Staying Alive'.

"Without saying a word, they speak volumes for the passion and history behind Bermuda's culture," she said. "I think they are a great symbol of the struggle, festivity, triumph and longevity that make up Bermuda's journey."

Her goal for the show was to uncover the striking colours and vibrancy that make up life in Bermuda.

"I hope to offer inspiration, just as so many other artists have inspired me and I am honoured to have the opportunity to share my work with others," she said. She felt blessed to have grown up on an island saturated with beauty and artistic talent.

"I have been exposed to so many wonderful artists here in Bermuda and I am truly thankful to have had the chance to experience the diversity that can be found in both the environment and the people of this Country," she said.

"Ultimately, I hope that we can unite as people who love this place; to support the effort of preserving our surroundings and celebrating our differences.

"In this commemorative 400th year, we remember where we have come from and look forward to the growth and positive direction Bermuda will go in the future. I am proud to be a part of the celebration."

She said it was her "flowery" belief that anyone can find themselves through the arts.

"I believe that anyone can explore themselves through art," she said. "You don't have to be labelled as an artist to discover your own creativity.

"Since art is expression, there really is no right or wrong way to do it. The possibilities are endless."

In fact, the possibilities are so varied that art is taking Mrs. Hunt and her husband Donté into the restaurant business.

The Hunts recently purchased Bistro 12 in the Walker Arcade, in Hamilton.

"We started with it after Cup Match," said Mrs. Hunt. "It is going to remain a restaurant, but will also display my work and that of other artists. We are going to renovate it. I feel like we have found a gem in town. We are keeping the all-day breakfasts which are very popular."

'Staying Alive' opens today at the City Hall in the Edinburgh Gallery at the BSoA. It runs through September 2.