Of Lines and Drawings is Victor Manduca’s third “one man show” following his “debut” at the Museum of Fine Arts in 1996 and Twelve at the Karmenu Mangion Gallery in 1999.

In his exhibition brochure Manduca writes thus: “Active ingredients: sixty-four micro pens. Forty-six boards, Three thousand two hundred and twelve lines. Two thousand eight hundred and one words. Several hours of drawing. Directions: look at drawing for two minutes. Enjoy. If there is no reaction pass on to the next. If symptoms persist consult your doctor. Warnings: Do not swallow. Store in a cool place.” He warns in his invitation that “the exhibition will be inaugurated by absolutely no one…”

Victor Manduca’s exhibition is open at St James Cavalier until 12 June and it exhibits 46 pen and ink drawings.

Victor worked for 10 years in the catering industry and has worked in the LPG industry for the last nine years. He is a certified LPG installer with an Acop Qualification (UK).

How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

36. Cancer for what it’s worth. 18 July 1969.

Significant other? Children?

In love with Lara, mother of our three children – Michela, Alexia and Ella. (‘beato fra le donne’)

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

I’ll be living in Gozo growing qarabaghli in my

centrally-heated home which runs on the main gas that is piped throughout Malta and Gozo... dream on.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I believe in being happy with what you have and who you are. That’s happy enough for me.

What is your favourite

occupation?

Eating drinking sleeping with people I like to eat drink and sleep with.

What is your greatest fear?

That the sky falls on my head.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Their ability to call a spade a spade especially when we are playing cards.

How would you like to die?

I’ll think about it when I get there.

What is your greatest extravagance?

If I was rich enough I’d buy loads of art – but I’m not.

What is your greatest regret?

That I did not keep up waterpolo and didn’t take up art as my only mission in life.

What is your most treasured possession?

My wife and children.

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

The talent to say the right thing at the right time to my wife.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Answering questions about the lowest depth of misery.

Where would you like to live?

In Gozo with my family and organic qarabaghli.

What is your most marked characteristic?

The burn on my foot, a chip on my shoulder and a vegetarian hard head.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real

life?

My mummy and daddy.

What is it that you most dislike?

Overcooked pasta, exploitation of any human or animal, people who shout and bad mannered

people

What is your motto?

Motto, otto, talk to me when I’m blotto…