Rudy Buhler's Contemporary Art Gallery in Marsascala is presently hosting an exhibition of the works of 'arte informale' artist Rosette Bonello, who is self-taught. "I always painted, created costumes, props for school concerts. I am by nature creative. But I must say I never considered exhibiting my work; never dreamt of 'showing it off' in public,"she explains.
Her artistic journey took off when, in 2016 three of her works of art were, without her knowledge, transported to Italy and presented to an artistic board within Pescara's Museo Delle Genti D'Abruzzo.
"The reaction was positive and my works were well received. As a result I was offered a spot for my first solo exhibition which took place merely two months later."
Other exhibitions followed, both in Italy and in Malta. "My work as an arte informale artist has been duly noted by acclaimed critic, Giorgio Di Genova, who selected me as one of the artists in his Quintetti D'Arte in 2020."
Is Art a hobby or is it also a fulltime job e.g. does she teach art? There is no hesitation: "Art is my greatest passion. It is not a fulltime job however it takes up plenty of my time. I have been working as a Kindergarten educator for these past 25 years. I have observed that children are free and fearless; they are unbound by restrictions, which adults are. My students are my greatest teachers; their 'go for it' attitude inspires me to create, with an uninhibited approach and a sense of calm. I am forever grateful for their genuine creativity."
Is Art in her DNA? Does she have any members of the family who are artists? "I believe that, yes, Art is in my DNA. In fact it took quite some time for me to realise that I was developing into an artist. My grandfather was very fond of painting and sculpture. I also have an uncle and a cousin who are good artists. Moreover, my husband is one of the leading informal artists. He has helped me a great deal to discover my hidden talent."
Why did she call her exhibition Panta Rhei "Everything Flows?" Rosette explains: "The title of this exhibition, "Panta Rhei" is a phrase attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. It means "everything flows or changes." Like a river, everything in this world keeps moving on, never stationary, and so it will go on for as long as the world turns. The thing I am sure of is that my work is evolving with the passing of time; transforming as the years go by." She continues: "My new works are pieces of my life, moments, emotions, reflections and actual instances of the present that lead towards the future. Nothing comes back. I cannot imagine how my works are going to change; one thing is certain: they will evolve as my life evolves."
Does she have a mentor in art? "Yes, my husband Walter Coccetta, an Italian artist who represented Malta in the 54th edition of the Biennale of Venezia."
Does she believe that networking with other artists is important? "Yes definitely. Networking is crucial for artists who want to showcase their work and build a group of patrons. It can lead to increased exposure, exciting collaborations, new opportunities, and valuable support from fellow creatives."
What is her ideal work environment and why? "My ideal work environment is my studio; it is very close to home and is my comfort zone. It is well lit and large enough to exhibit, with ample space to work on big dimensions."
Does she have a favourite piece of art created by herself and which she would never sell or give away?
"I strongly believe that all of my paintings have a soul; in fact I use gold leaf in each of my works as it represents the most precious part, the untouchable part that is the soul. Each and every one of my creations is special and unique and selling or giving away a painting that gives pleasure to someone else, to me, is a most beautiful achievement; it gives me great satisfaction that my talent has made someone happy."
How does she feel internet, Facebook and other platforms have impacted the world of art? "Before social media came about, artists had limited means of reaching out directly to get in touch with their patrons. Nowadays, social media has provided a platform that allows artists to directly reach out to their prospective patrons, like never before.
It is not only artists but people who love art also search through social media in order to look for pieces of art or paintings that will appeal to them; that they may wish to purchase."
Now for some 'fun' questions to allow readers to get to know you better.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Apart from being healthy, both physically and mentally my idea of happiness is enjoying the simple things of everyday life: good food, including wine and cheese; a walk by the sea, a beautiful view... yes, simple things.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing the people I love.
What is your favourite journey?
My favourite journey is to San Leo, a magnificent Italian Borgho mentioned by Dante Alighieri in La Divina Commedia. It is situated in the heart of Montefeltro, in the province of Rimini. This place takes
me back in time and helps me stop and enjoy the silence, the views, the smell of freshly baked bread.
Early in the morning, I love eating the most delicious panino alla mortadella in the piazzetta and admiring
the 600 foot high fortress of San Leo, overlooking the valley of the river Marecchia and the gentle
hilly landscape of Romagna.
What is it that you most dislike?
Laziness. There is little that disturbs me more than a lazy person.
Rosette's exhibition can be viewed until 22nd December, at Rudy Buhler Art, Quayside Court, 58 Triq is-Salini, Marsascala. The gallery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.