Vince Caruana has been an active painter since his early childhood. From a tender age, being covered with paint from head to toe in the studio of his uncle – the artist Anton Caruan – was an everyday experience. His love for the arts flourished through the years and Vince Caruana has now become one of the youngest generation established artists. Training at the Malta School of Arts under the mentorship of Anton Calleja and Luciano Micallef; Scranton College of Arts, Pennsylvania (USA) and at the Libera Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, where he obtained an M.A. in Visual Arts, has enriched the innate artistic skills of this artist. Presently, he lives and works in Gozo where he also teaches art at the Gozo Centre for Art & Crafts. With three solo exhibitions under his belt and numerous awards to his credit both locally and abroad, Vince Caruana is currently preparing to mount his fourth personal exhibition Diagnosis: decoding an islands’ identity which will run between 13 April and 4 May at Gallery G, Lija. This exhibition is being sponsored by Charts Investment Management Service Ltd, Bank of Valletta, Ghajnsielem local council and Attard & Co. www.vincecaruanart.com

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

27 years. The sign of the Twins (Gemini). 24 May 1979.

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

Still painting!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Well, my idea of perfect happiness is not about having expensive material things; for me perfect happiness comes from within – it’s how you appreciate the beauty of life, are thankful for everything you have and are contented for who you are... Sooner or later in life everyone discovers that perfect happiness is unrealisable, but there are few who consider the antithesis – that perfect unhappiness is equally unattainable!

What is your favourite occupation?

Obviously, an artist!

Significant other?

My ambitious, impulsive, enthusiastic, caring Arian… my fiancée Kirby.

What is your greatest fear?

The fear of heights… after all, we weren't exactly designed to fly!

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Loyalty… loyal friends who not only lend a hand when you're in need, they applaud your successes and cheer you on without envy when you prosper.

How would you like to die?

Sleep peacefully and die. This way at least I can die in a comfortable way, probably in my bed.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Travelling.

What is your greatest regret?

I cannot recall what that might have been, but whatever it was, I survived it. And I have no regrets about that.

What is your most treasured possession?

I am just superstitious enough not to name it.

Which talent would you most like to

have apart from the ones you already

have?

Writing and composing music for great bands. U2 or Pink Floyd will do.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Illness that does not allow one to take care of oneself.

Where would you like to live?

Under the Tuscan sun in an aging, charming villa surrounded by cherry trees.

What is your most marked

characteristic?

My cheerfulness.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

My mum and dad. My fiancée Kirby.

What is it that you most dislike?

Inanition. I detest it in others. A judge will never forgive a criminal for a crime he is capable of committing himself.

What is your motto?

The 3 Ls: Live, Love, Laugh!