Born April 1960, studied art in government schools under the guidance of the late Antoine Camilleri, Harry Alden and Anthony Degiovanni and has showcased works in various exhibitions, both solo and collectives.

My first real teacher was my late father. He was in the Merchant Navy and used to send letters illustrated with stuff he’d seen and places he visited.

As I grew up, the letters held fewer illustrations and scribbles as he used to send me comics, especially American ones illustrated with the best black and white graphics. Those were my first influences. Dad was also my first critic. I remember him once criticizing some drawing I was doing, and in frustration I tore it up amidst a flood of tears. Sadly, we lost him to cancer when I had just turned 16.

My first solo show was in Moscow in March 1985. So far I have organized ten solo shows and the coming one in October is my eleventh. I have also participated in various collectives including Nghinu bl-Arti, Permartex and Sacred Christian Art to name but a few. My work is to be found in many private collections, both locally and abroad.

I read a lot about other artists, but not enough to have them influence my art. I have to be me. Learning from other artists is fine as long as you keep your own self in mind.

Many “artists” carbon copy other well known, and at times, lesser-known artists as well. Right down to the signature. That is fine in that you learn from their ways. But who wants to be a carbon copy of someone else?

To some people, painting is just another “hobby”. For those who try to do their best, it is hard and lonely work.

For every painting exhibited, probably another version was painted, either before or after the one shown. Sometimes when I see some of my old work, I wonder if I was better back then than I am now.