Breathe

This new collection is my story of rebirth after a series of traumatic and life- threatening events.  It is a story of hitting rock bottom and rising . . . of second chances and starting over. Coming to understand life’s lessons, through a journey of self-discovery, I learnt that to feel fear is part of life.  Being courageous comes from within.  It is what you do with that unease, when you need to be brave, that makes you stand up and be counted. I am interested in healing from within, in acceptance, understanding and forgiveness and have journeyed to find a place of peace.  In hard times, in fact more so in tough times, I have come to believe that this is indeed possible.

Many of these elements I thought I had grasped, only to discover there was a lot to learn about myself. After long periods of self-reflection, in my continued recovery, a whole new perspective and awareness of life has developed, where I came to understand that perfection does not exist. These, my paintings, represent the very essence of being alive, transcending time and space.

My story of finding completeness, balance and joy is transcribed through the many layers of paint. They are images in the mind, capturing a moment in time. Images that can be completed by the recipient. The messages and symbols I manifest are universal – they celebrate love, female strength and coming to own oneself.

This collection is dedicated to my son James, aged 9, my fellow warrior. Everything I do, I do for him.

I would like to thank my curator and friend Lara Bugeja; without you urging me to show these paintings I was keeping too close to my heart, my path would not be as clear as it is now. Your belief in me knows no boundaries! Thank you to my sponsors PwC Malta.

Thank you, you superstars Mike Hedges, Gabriel Buttigieg, Austin Camilleri and Alfred Grech, who wrote for my catalogue. Anthony Sultana for designing and printing my catalogue; my website designer Karl Naja who takes care of my website and Samuel Masini who took pictures of my work and myself. I admire and respect you all so much.

Thank you Shanice Farrugia for your kindness; Marie Benoit and Joseph Agius for the interviews; Mariella Pisani Bencini for filming the show.

I am overjoyed that so many people came to my show “Breathe” and enjoyed my art. I am truly grateful.

Every experience teaches you and makes you grow… I could not put it better, so I will quote the genius Oscar Wilde:

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken’’