A SCUBA diver's keen interest in conservation is the inspiration behind an art exhibition currently being displayed at Bewdley Museum.

Rural Icons by Kidderminster artist Shaun Parrin consists of a host of digital images designed to challenge people's views of what makes a rural icon.

The man behind the camera aspires to become a full-time professional artist after being awarded Wyre Forest District Council's small business grant last year and is hoping his first exhibition in the district will pave the way for others.

The 44-year-old, who works as a policy officer at Birmingham City Council's housing department, moved to Kidderminster from Wolverhampton, last year, and has submitted an application to display his work at the town's plush library gallery.

Exhibitions are also lined up for next year at libraries in Redditch and Tenbury and Shaun's work is currently on display at Bantock House Museum in Wolverhampton.

Shaun said: "I'm a qualified scuba diver and therefore marine issues and conservation are quite important to me, hence my moving to Kidderminster with the Wyre Forest on my doorstep as it were."

He said he had done some photography during his degree and had returned to it as a hobby while scuba diving about six to seven years ago.

"I used to travel to places taking pictures under and above the water and while scuba diving and have had articles published with them in diving magazines," he said.

"I take a tree or boat or something and texturise it and challenge people with colour as well.

"For example, on one image, there is purple grass and yellow sky in a picture of a tree - I'm trying to get people to think about what a rural icon is and how we should look at the countryside."

More of Shaun's work can be seen on the American website, www.digitalconsciousness.com

Shaun, who sells limited edition framed and unframed prints of his work, can also be contacted on 01562 66837.