Carlos Santana Dill was living a comfortable life working in the hospitality industry, when he decided to shake things up and follow his passion in the arts.

The 28-year-old is now gearing up to host his first solo art exhibit called Passions, opening tonight at men’s clothing store The Edge, located in the Washington Mall.

He said: “I’ve been drawing all my life, but I was working at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess for about seven years and had worked my way up to being the head concierge.

“But as of last year I felt I needed to get back into my passion so I stopped working at the hotel and began devoting myself to drawing.”

Since last summer he has created 50 pieces for his art show, including portraits and lyrical portraits he’s made of icons like Bob Marley, Nelson Mandela and Beyoncé. He also has some traditional Bermuda pieces, surreal art and works inspired by Egyptian gods and goddesses.

“I actually like using canvas,” Mr Dill explained, “but instead of paint or charcoal I use black ink pens.

“When I was at Bermuda College I did a course in pointillism and basically it’s small, tiny dots that work together to create a big picture. It was just fascinating to me so I stuck with it and kept practicing until I got better and better.

“I also liked the finished product and now I can do everything from portraits, landscapes and still lifes in this style.”

Mr Dill said it hasn’t been all that easy leaving a steady job to do what he loves.

“It’s very scary,” he admitted. “I’m starting all over again so I have had some rough bumps and hard times, but I’ve found that when one door closes another opens. “That’s how I am looking at it. I’m just being patient with it and seeing how far my art can take me, but hopefully it takes me on to bigger and better things.”

Mr Dill said it was hard to get recognised for being an artist in Bermuda.

Many people would also rather buy a print or copy of a picture, instead of an original, which is more pricey.

His ultimate dream is to find a loyal support base here on the Island and to eventually travel with his talent and show at different exhibits overseas.

“I also want to be recognised for following my passion and bringing my craft to larger audiences and putting my all into my work,” he explained.

“I want to inspire others because Bermuda doesn’t really recognise arts in that aspect. It would usually be art like music, dance or theatre so I just want to have my work inspire others.”

Mr Dill first realised he had a knack for drawing while in primary school. He entered a City Hall Art Competition at ten-years-old and was excited when his work won second place and was highly recommended by the judges.

“That love for art really stuck with me throughout my entire schooling,” he said.

While at Bermuda College, he took an art and design course, but also took some hospitality classes and realised he enjoyed that as well.

He figured working in a hotel would be a “more realistic” job and wasn’t sure if art was a viable option long term.

“But then a few years ago I started to do some little doodles of tattoos for people and got some attention when other people would comment on my drawings.

“I kept hearing that the tattoo artists were really impressed with my work and I was starting to get recognised on that side of art.

“Then I said to myself ‘I really want to get back into my drawing’ and once I focus on something I just go straight for it.”

He said it would mean “a whole lot” for people to come out and see his show.

“I have worked really hard on this and I just want to show my work to residents and the Bermuda public,” he said.

“I hope that everyone can see the different types of art and learn something new because not a lot of people know about pointillism. Everyone has heard of [mediums like] charcoal or pencil, but I do something that’s quite unique and different so I would like for everyone to come out and see what I have to offer.”

‘Passions’ will be on display at The Edge for the next two weeks. People are encouraged to come out to tonight’s exhibit opening, where Beluga Bar will be offering special drink prices.

For more information on Mr Dill, visit www.carlosantanartistry.com.