Jackie Roberts, born in Castleford, West Yorkshire, England, spent most of her adult life living in Scotland. After obtaining a B.A. Degree in Communications Studies she worked in a cornucopia of jobs: teacher, barmaid, academic researcher, puppeteer, environmental educator, press officer, international development worker, photographer, home help and arts administrator.
She came to live on Gozo in 2001 and now creates art in metal full-time from a small workshop in Ghasri. Inspired to change her life seven years ago, after spending time working with artists in South Africa, she joined a group of women welders called the ‘Arcangels’ who learned artistic metalwork at Edinburgh’s Telford College in Scotland.
Jackie is inspired by the natural world, particularly the sea, and the fusion of different cultures and traditions. More of a “fish wife” than an angel; these days she is known for her realistic marine metalwork. Using the techniques of thermal cutting, welding, brazing, shaping, grinding, polishing and heating she brings out the exquisite natural properties and colours of mild steel and copper to make sculptural wall hangings, mirrors, masks, wind vanes, candle holders and interior fixtures and fittings.
Jackie shows her work in galleries, restaurants, bars and in group exhibitions throughout Malta and Gozo. She continues to exhibit in Scotland and also teaches artistic metalwork to adults, mostly women. Jackie returned to the UK in July to teach for the second year running at the prestigious Oxford Arts Summer School. She undertakes commissions, interior design projects and would like to collaborate on work with other artists, especially mixing metal, stone, glass and wood.
Jackie's most recent venture is a joint exhibition Mixed Blessings with her father Derek, a painter, at Artbox Gallery of Modern Art, St Joseph Square, Qala, Gozo. It ends today (3 September); open from 9am - 1pm. (She may be contacted on 7956 2753 and e.mail: [email protected].)
How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?
Taurus (Cancer rising), 27 April 1962.
What would you like to be doing in 10 years' time?
Just to keep on smiling.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Walking around the Gozo coastline, alone or in silent company, with the dog. Maybe a swim and other refreshment along the way.
What is your favourite
occupation?
Getting hot, sweaty and filthy while creating beautiful things from metal. When I'm not doing that; eating, drinking and dancing in good company come close.
What is your greatest fear?
Dying alone and unhappy.
What is it that you most value in your friends?
Their ability to laugh and talk freely. My close girlfriends are some of the funniest and most talented people. They are angels. I am lucky enough to have a few knights on my side too – men in a million.
How would you like to die?
Quickly, painlessly, with dignity.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Handbags, shoes and delicious drinks.
What is your greatest regret?
Not having travelled farther and wider. As yet.
What is your most treasured possession?
The love of my family and friends and my SPCA rescue dog Jill – an outrageously naughty bitch.
Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?
To be able to sing like Ella Fitzgerald.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being unable to indulge my essential pleasures.
Where would you like to live?
I'm happy where I am for the moment. I need to live close to the sea, enjoy solitude when I crave it and to breathe clean air.
What is your most marked characteristic?
The ability to bounce back, live passionately and accept my mistakes.
Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?
The men, women and children who are living with HIV/Aids, their families and carers; especially the millions also dealing with poverty, stigma and the unavailability of life-prolonging medication.
Audrey Hepburn for her timeless style and humanitarian compassion.
What is it that you most dislike?
Bigotry, prejudice and global economic greed.
What is your motto?
It's all part of life's rich tapestry.