Is Art in your DNA? Is there anyone else in your family who is an artist? 

I know that we tend to think that an artistic bent is something that's inherited, like blue eyes or a long nose, but in my case it really isn't the case.  

My father died when I was nine but I do remember him calling me his Picasso which, coming to think of it, is strange as I had never thought of him as being artistically aware or knowledgeable.

My mother's side on the other hand, were medical wizards and accurate scientific technicians. So, no artists in my immediate DNA.

A remote ancestor however was Andrea Imbroll, a sculptor who created the statue of our Lady of Mount Carmel in Mdina and St Catherine in Zejtun.

 At what age did you start taking art seriously?

Being a career artist was not something remotely considered when I was at school. Art was for dilettantes. I always painted and dabbled for fun till the '80s when my cousins, the late Peter Apap Bologna and Nicholas De Piro, persuaded me otherwise. Onwards and upwards I illustrated a book called Lost Letters for Nicholas while Peter arranged for two solo exhibitions at Melitensia Art Gallery which were epoch- making and much to my astonishment they were total sellouts. The rest is history.

 

What is your ideal work environment?

Early morning in my cluttery studio listening to my beloved Baroque music.

 

When not painting or organising the Baroque Festival what do you like doing best?

Reading, reading and more reading.

 

Do you have a favourite piece of art you made yourself and which you would never sell or give away?

Yes: an interior painting of my grandmother's drawing room with her green and red velvet sausage curtains, the credenza interzjata, with Maltese silver bits and bobs surrounding the tantalus which we were not allowed to touch and Granny Vola herself, and I, with her Perpetua, Censa, in her flip flops and round glasses, during the daily visit of Aunty Irene (no relation but in those far off days one called all family friends Aunty and Uncle). This painting dates back to 1996 and I'll never sell it as its too personal.

 

How do you feel internet, Facebook and other platforms have impacted the world of art?

To me, having all the information available at the touch of a button is a marvellous miracle. I simply cannot imagine living without it.

Art is so available and we are all on a fascinating voyage of discovery.

 

Now FOR SOME QUESTIONS UNRELATED TO ART:

 

What is the best advice you have been given when it comes to Art?

I used to be disconcerted whenever asked how long it took to complete a painting, till Nicholas De Piro gave me a standard reply which in Italian can only be called geniale.

One replies 'All my life!'

Every time one is faced with a tabula rasa, it is the summation of one's entire life experience and gained expertise that go into the realization of every painting one produces.

  

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Watching opera.

 

What is your favourite journey?

Only one?

Milan for opera at the Scala or any city with a reputable opera house where I can combine enjoyment of my favourite musical genre with visits to museums and exhibitions with a couple of gourmet meals thrown in.

 

What do you most dislike?

Difficult question as I am generally content. However there are instances (too many) when my very valid advice about art and music gained over decades of first hand experience is ignored.

In the yellow circle please.

'Mediterranean Gardens' is curated by Dr Charlene Vella and is open until 2 January 2024 in the Palm Court Lounge at The Phoenicia Malta.

 

Photos: LISA ATTARD