Debbie Caruana Dingli was born in Malta in 1962. She attended the government school of art between 1978 and 1980. She was awarded a Diploma in Cartooning in 1980 by the International Correspondence School in the UK.
Debbie has since worked mainly from home painting in watercolours and accepting portrait commissions.
She took part in numerous collective exhibitions between 1984 and 2001 and has also had five solo exhibitions namely: Watercolours/Oils/Cartoons at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta in 1985; Sculpture & Watercolours (with Andrew Diacono) at the Auberge de Provence, Valletta in 1989;
Watercolours at National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta in 1994; Games People Play which was such a success and which focused on comical revelations of third party relationships, at St James Cavalier, Valletta in 2001 and recently an exhibition with Andrew Diacono at the Casino Maltese in Valletta.
Debbie is currently showing 17 original oil paintings at Gallery G in Lija in which she uses colour with more dramatic effect. It promises to leave the viewers fascinated. It is open to the public between 9am and 5pm on weekdays and between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Saturday until the end of this month.
How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?
Forty-three, Pisces, 3 March 1962.
Significant other? Children?
Michael and I have three sons; Stephen, George and Bruce.
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
Definitely painting, hopefully still fit enough to enjoy sport and with some luck the joy of taking little grandchildren to rock-pools and re-discovering the world of bugs and creepy-crawlies in gardens.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To live in a beautiful quiet place in the countryside, not too far from the sea and to have a peaceful mind.
What is your favourite occupation?
Swimming and triathlon. And painting, of course.
What is your greatest fear?
That something bad would happen to one of my children… I’d go nuts!
What is it that you most value in your friends?
Genuine caring.
How would you like to die?
In my sleep. When my body is so old and
weary that the thought of just lying in a cemetery with beautiful trees and birds is an enticing
idea.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I’m taking the boys to Canada this summer. I also buy lots of bathing costumes.
n What is your greatest regret?
Can’t think of any. Wish I didn’t eat so much last night! I went to Zest with a group of school friends to celebrate Caroline’s birthday. It was lovely.
What is your most treasured possession?
Possessions do not mean much to me at all. I couldn’t care less about jewellery or ornaments but I
love my bicycle. It’s a racer, a red and yellow
Centurion.
Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?
I wouldn’t mind being a better swimmer, a better cyclist and a better runner! Mind you I’m quite happy as I am as there is no pressure on me. I just enjoy my sport.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
To hurt the ones you love.
Where would you like to live?
On a Pacific Island.
What is your most marked
characteristic?
My hard-headedness. Patsy, my dog, is the same.
Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?
Those people who really move the earth to make a difference to those who are suffering. And Bruce, he’s very admirable.
What is it that you most dislike?
The ignorance that continues to ruin our island, arrogance especially when it is backed by money, flashy cars and hunting. Wish they were both banned.
What is your motto?
You regret the things you don’t do!