Noel Grima talks to artist JOSEPH CASAPINTA whose next solo exhibition will be held at the Hilton Malta Foyer between 12 and 26 June.

How do you describe your

paintings?

Well, each canvas has its own story and mood. Even though I would have made a study of what I am to paint, still at times the end result turns out slightly different from my initial thought. My palette is now made up of a number of colours that have set a standard on my mix. Each canvas shows a sense of serenity and peacefulness always depicting Malta and the Mediterranean climate of blues, red skies and a reflection of both on land.

How long have you been painting? Why did you begin?

I only took up painting seriously when I was way into my 20s. Pencil and charcoal drawings have always been my favourite and through the years have changed to pen and ink, which I must say is my forte.

Coming from a family with a good artistic knowledge, one could assume that art is in the Casapinta genes. From a very young age I showed a keen interest in art and drawing became part of my everyday life, sketching whatever came within my vision.

At school, Art would become my favourite subject trying out and experimenting in different mediums. I would say that this passion came naturally to me. Aunts and relatives visiting our home, soon became my critics and being the youngest, you know how it goes! Sunday would end up, showing my week’s work and getting these criticised by everyone around. I must say that I had some harsh critics but thank God for them. Their constructive criticism has helped me through my art life.

Going back to my schooldays, as a young boy, I used to spend many hours sitting by the late Chev. Joseph Galea at his South Street Gallery in Valletta. I knew I was watching a master at work. At St Edward’s College, I always had excellent tutors. Rita Saliba in my Preps, preparing props for the annual school plays and annual art exhibitions and later in my secondary boarding years with Vincent Briffa and a drawing and painting course at the ‘ABC’ Paris School of Art.

Is this your first exhibition?

No, I have participated in a number of collective exhibitions and a solo exhibition back in 2002. Unfortunately, it has been quite a while since I organised anything. This year I set myself a goal which started my painting adrenaline going. I wanted to organise an exhibition depicting Malta as its main subject on both acrylic on canvas and pen and ink drawings.

Where do you want to go from here?

Back to an empty canvas starting off another painting!

I do not really have any plans. Well, I have some ideas that I am working on but I’ll leave that in the hands of the Creator!

www.josephcasapinta.net