Shane Nobee Edwards was living out the purpose of his art even before beginning his photography company, NAYAMAN Photography. Born in George Town, Grand Cayman and living in East End, Edwards has long been guided by love for his home, a love that permeates his photography. From his time working in both the public and private sector as well as becoming an entrepreneur, Edwards’ focus has remained on highlighting and enriching the Caymanian community he cherishes, particularly the East End Community which is the inspiration for his work. The birth of his artistic career came shortly after creating his award-winning bicycle tour company, ECO Rides Cayman. Through this company, Edwards began the effort that would continue from out of the business world and into the art world — helping others feel inspired by the beauty in their surroundings. Unlike with cars, through bicycle tours, people can slow down just enough to immerse themselves in and enjoy the brilliance of the world around them and see the beauty of the "Sleepy Fishing Village" of East End. It was within his company that Edwards first began using not only bicycles, but the camera to expose the everyday beauty of his community, East End, Grand Cayman. Providing his guests with photos that captured the unique qualities of the remote and undeveloped part of Grand Cayman that they’d come to love, Edwards immediately became enthralled with the camera’s ability to expose and preserve the simple beauty of everyday life; Caymanian Life.
With his passion for photography electrified, Edwards began NAYAMAN Photography. His photography company allowed him to double-down on his mission to capture the beauty of nature and daily life in Grand Cayman, reminding anyone who sees his work that beauty is as close to you as you’re willing to look for it. With a name inspired by his grandfather, NAYAMAN Photography embodies the cultural spirit of the resilient residents of Grand Cayman who worked as fishermen and seamen, calling themselves “NAYAMAN.” It’s this tradition of appreciating culture and nature that Edwards imbues into his photography. In his work today, Shane Nobee Edwards continues to highlight the everyday beauty that we so often overlook with an ease that’s as natural as the nature scenes featured in photography. Artist Statement We often move so quickly through life that we miss the moments that bring us happiness and peace. We rush to drive home from work without noticing the setting sun; we rush by a playground without noticing the joyful play and laughter of children; we rush from place to place without seeing the blossoming flowers and floating bees by our feet. The camera is a powerful tool for preserving those moments to enjoy when we most need to feel inspired by them.In my photography, I seek out and capture the moments of beauty we easily miss. Unlike the artwork the hangs in a museum, the natural artwork that exists in our everyday world is there for the taking whenever we choose to see it. The fleeting moments of laughter, the breeze blowing through leaves, the sun sinking below the sea line — these everyday scenes that we take for granted are the same scenes we will one day cherish most. The unique life in Grand Cayman allows me to preserve the simple beauty I see and offer a reminder to seek beauty even in the most mundane of moments.