Winston Hassall was born 58 years ago on 16 April 1949 under the sign of Aries in the town of Sale, England where he spent the first four years of his infancy eventually moving to another town. He was the only son and his parents managed pubs. The roaming and running around the rivers, green hills and beautiful fields of the Derbyshire countryside brought him closer to nature and the interest in art. During these years of his youth Winston used to like to draw various scenes of the English countryside. This was his natural introduction to art and there was no going back from there.

After leaving school, he was recognised as having some talent as an artist and spent five years working as a textile artist. After five years like most young people he got the itch to travel the world. He always thought of himself as a free spirit and that is what made him embark on his ventures. He went into the unknown with no definite destination.

In the meantime, he never forgot his love for painting and always used to sketch the different scenes he encountered along the road. Finally, he ended up in Malta working and sleeping on a trawler. He met a Maltese Valletta girl and one thing leading to another ended up marrying her. Today they have two children and still live in her hometown of Valletta where Winston also has his studio.

Before settling down to painting full-time, he worked for a stretch in the Libyan Desert where he enjoyed painting the beautiful sand scenes. Art is now his life. Lately he has been experimenting with impressionism with a taste of abstract laying thick paint with a palette knife.

Gallery G is hosting an exhibition of Winston Hassall’s works titled Inspirations & Reflections until 7 December.

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

58. Aries, born on 16 April 1949.

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

Still working as an artist in my Valletta studio. Hopefully giving pleasure with my art.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Living in an ideal world with no modern contraptions that make us slaves. No worries of money and being able to travel the world as a free spirit. Taking in the beauty on nature that the world can offer and transferring to canvas for others to see.

What is your favourite occupation?

My present one. An artist.

Significant other?

Living to my motto of trying to be a free spirit. After a day’s work I like to relax by doing the round of the Valletta bars having a drink and meeting different people.

What is your greatest fear?

Being involved in a crashing plane knowing that you are diving to your death and that there is nothing you can do.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Honesty, reliability and being there for you at the 11th hour when they are most needed.

How would you like to die?

In my sleep.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Unfortunately my bad habits, booze and cigarettes.

What is your greatest regret?

Not taking my parents’ advice seriously in my youth and not getting into serious art earlier in my life.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family.

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

Being a sculpture and musician.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Poverty, injustice and innocent children dying in futile wars.

Where would you like to live?

In the solitude of the green and beautiful nature of the Scottish highlands.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I like to take life with a pinch of salt. I am loyal and always try to just act myself.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

Nelson Mandela.

What is it that you most dislike?

The excess bureaucracy invented by governments. On a lighter side I hate people crunching something close to me.

What is your motto?

Life is too short, be a free spirit and live life to the full.