Interview with Artist Carmen Vella Gauci

At which age did you realise that you had a love for drawing and painting?

It started from early schooling. I used to draw on my desk and rub off only to start again the next day. I was lucky enough not to be caught by the teachers. Since they never realised, I was never told off. I guess I was extremely good at hiding it from them.

Was there anyone who supported your passion from a young age?

Unfortunately, there was no one to support my passion. In fact, I only started attending painting lessons in my early twenties. Back then, painting wasn’t seen as a priority in life. The focus was on schooling and getting good grades that would later lead you to a good job.

What’s your most favourite piece of art so far?

I obviously have more than one: some belong to private collectors and some I have decided to keep for myself. As an artist, you just realise that some pieces have an edge over others and find it difficult to let go.

What’s your favourite colour? What does it symbolise?

My favourite colours are cerulean and mauve. I instinctively choose these colours because they add a peaceful mood to my paintings. I find that the colour combination reflects my thoughts. These colours simply fill my soul.

What’s brewing now? Any current theme that is inspiring you to leave everything behind and get those brushes rolling continuously in paint?

I have one collective exhibition and 1 solo exhibition coming up. There is no title or theme for both. Lately, I have decided not to put anymore themes to my solos because I truly want to paint what I feel. I paint for my own pleasure. Then, when someone buys that piece of art, it’s simply a bonus to me. I find that the best networking is still on social media today however the exhibitions help in getting my work even more recognised and that gives me joy. After all, a solo exhibition is simply another way of communicating my art with others.

The first exhibition, Perfectly Imperfect, had a lot of powerful pieces as it was a way to get rid of a lot of baggage. This was particulary inspired through anecdotes that I witnessed in society particularly: injustice and bullying.

Did you ever set up a collective exhibition yourself? What was your most fruitful experience in all of this?

Yes, I organised a collective exhibition with the work of 40 artists. It was my way of giving something back to society through ART as a collective effort. Ultimately the funding went to help other people as well: mainly Fond tal-Ħbieb managed by St Albert the Great College in Valletta. The solo exhibition profits went to the Jesuit Refugee Services in Birkirkara.

What inspires you to keep on drawing?

It is a fundamental need like someone who needs to have chocolate everyday or someone who needs a cigarette. It is of course a means to be able to communicate through colour and movement and I must admit that it is a daily need for me.

Are there any paintings that you would have liked not to have drawn at all?

My first answer would have to be no but then I think of some commissions which I have been asked to do and though I felt accomplished once they were finished, it still goes against my basic need to paint because the initiator is not the artist within me but a wish of a third party. I obviously don’t mind working on a commission but it’s simply a different concept than just drawing what comes from within.

Where do you see yourself within the local art scene? Are there any future aspirations?

I have always worked alone and do not mind that at all. I know a lot of artists who work within their own groups. I have never found that group possibly because I like doing my own things at my own time and rhythm. Having said this, if other artists approach me, I willingly accept to take on new projects. After all, I am always looking out for opportunities that would allow me to keep on growing within this sector.

Is it difficult to get people engaged with your art? What’s the most frequent response?

I don’t find it difficult. Somehow, people always engage with my artistic creations. I feel it is quite understood. Most times, people tell me that the movement, light and feelings are one immense emotion that transcends in my paintings. At other times, they say they can identify easily. Such feedback gives me great joy. After all, Art should be a means to be happy. For instance, after a stressful day, people should look at Art and feel uplifted.

Would you like the Ministry of Arts and Culture in Malta to support more local artists like you? What are your expectations?

I have never found any help so far, but I would like these entities to promote young new names so that reaching through the market is easier for the young talented people. I witness lots of talent every single day. We should be responsible to believe in it and promote it more. For instance, schemes could be created to allow new faces to the scenario to be considered as artists rather than just amateurs.

Lately you have also discovered the love for the art of poetry. What would you like to reveal about that?

Yes, it’s true. Lately, I have found poetry as another artistic means to express myself. It is said that poetry come to us either in greatest moments of happiness or greatest moments of sorrow. For me, it was the latter. The passing away of my son has led me to grief through poetry and I am happy I did as I found it so therapeutic. The book is simply entitled “Verses to my Son”. I have had an overwhelming response. Copies of this book can still be ordered through this link: https://www.facebook.com/versestomyson

I have had beautiful feedback about this book and the ones I appreciated most is when I received texts or emails from readers saying that they experienced the same exact thoughts and found themselves in my poetry. I feel good that this grieving process has had such a beneficial effect even on others. After all, words tie you more than colours. Poetry is indeed powerful and that is why I will give it a pause until my next works.