For the past nine years former Baptist minister Graham Fish has been living his dream as an artist in a remote South Hams village.

Graham has a small studio at Higher Aunemouth Farm in Bantham and the sea has been the inspiration for more than 500 pieces.

As a keen surfer, he is intrigued with the process of trying to reveal the sea in all its wonder, and somehow capture that on canvas.

Some of the canvases he produces are massive - seen in 2005 at Cube 3 Gallery, Peninsula Arts, Plymouth. However, he also paints large charismatic portraits and has recently developed new work based on the figure.

He says: "My studio overlooks Bantham Bay and everyday is ruled by the sea's rhythm, its colour, depth and character. The sea has touched my emotions. I think I'm obsessed with the sea and that's working itself out in my paintings."

Originally from Lancashire, Graham lives in Kingsbridge with his wife, Susan, and has three daughters. He worked as a printer and graphic designer before moving to the South Hams in 1986 and was a Baptist Minister in Kingsbridge for ten years.

But his love of painting prompted him to concentrate wholeheartedly on his artistic talents and take the studio in Bantham. "Painting is what I've always wanted to do and I probably spend more time in my studio than I do at home," Graham says.

His work is displayed in private collections in London and the USA, and he has exhibited all over the UK, receiving many private commissions, including, most recently, major works for P&O.

Hope Cove Gallery and Salcombe's Russell Court Gallery show off Graham's impressive work all year round.

Graham's next exhibition takes place at his Bantham studio between Saturday 31 May and Monday 2 June. This exhibition will also feature work from the other artists who have neighbouring studios at Higher Aunemouth Farm. These include sculptor Steve Baddeley, painter Mick Cartwright, craftsmen Pete Lawrence and painter/sculptor Jonathan Woolfenden.

Although working individually, all the artists are keen to raise awareness about the arts community in Bantham collectively and recently set up a new website, www.banthamarts.co.uk, aimed at promoting their very unique talents.

For more information about Graham, whose studio is open to the public between 10am and 4pm daily, visit www.grahamfish.com.