Intuitive artist Shawn Cuddy (left) chats with custom designer and metalwork artist Sandy McGann (centre) and Katherine May at the Tryall Club on the opening night of the 'Island Expressions' exhibition in Hanover. - Photo by Denise Reid

Island Expressions is the theme that has been given to this year's art exhibition at Tryall Club in Hanover.

The exhibition features a multiplicity of art forms at the Tryall Club and will continue until Friday.

Of the myriad art forms being showcased, Shawn Cuddy's abstract artwork exudes an eerie peacefulness that easily captivates the interest of the onlooker.

Influences

A television producer for more than 15 years, Cuddy revealed that her family and her spirituality have particularly influenced her decision to delve into art. She said she has been strongly influenced by her two cousins, Caroline and Nicky, who are also artists.

"My cousins, Nicky and Caroline deLisser, do these Goddess retreat workshops in Jamaica and they really have to do with painting from the source, and I've done a few of those workshops and they've been really encouraging," she said.

Intuitive artist

Painting for about five to six years, Cuddy considers herself to be an intuitive artist. She paints with a desire to connect with a deeper source not just inside of herself, but also with the canvas, the paints and the moment. Cuddy considers painting to be a spiritual activity.

So, through her paintings and mixed-media work, one can enter the world of Shawn Cuddy; or, as she would prefer it, a world that is whatever the viewer imagines it to be.

Pieces such as 'Moon Dreaming Sea' and 'Opening in the Pineapple Dream', painted in serene aqua colours which are contrasted with shades and figures in white, seem to exude a sort of light which leaves viewers free to conjure up a world of meanings.

Cuddy is quite hesitant to explain the inspiration or meaning behind her work as she sees it as a sort of imposition on the viewer's connection and interpretation of the art.

Other forms on show

In addition to pieces from renowned artists such as Barrington Watson and Christopher Gonzalez, other forms of art being showcased include creative and beautiful metalwork by Sandy McGann, pottery by Alpha Art and paintings and drawings by fine artists Jeffrey Samuels and Damion Cunningham.

The exhibition is open to the public and requires that guests call before visiting to ensure security clearance at the gate.