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Charles Bonnici describes himself as a very passionate sculptor and his subjects always deal with the family, the human contact. He is 73, got married in the
USA, and has two children.
How did you get started?
As a young boy I started making small animals out of wood and little African sculptures and from there my interest grew, till finally I studied sculpture at school. I started with wood, and here in Malta I work basically with limestone.
What genre do you consider your work to be?
Semi-abstract, I use human figures without faces but I always try to tell a story of compassion, and love.
Describe your work in less than 10 words.
My tools are passion, raw ideas, and harmony of moving shapes.
Where was your first exhibition held?
At the New York University, New York City, summer of ‘65 – this was an exhibition of my paintings.
How long have you been painting/sculpting?
Since the age of 17! That’s quite a few years!
Which is your favourite from among your own artworks?
A sculpture called Humanity, which basically tells the story how each and every one of us touches each other’s lives.
Whose artist’s work are you most inspired by?
Picasso for his original ideas and since he did things that were never done before using shapes and colours.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
A technician!
What is the epitome of happiness for you?
Being completely satisfied with the work that I do and getting the results that I want.
What are you working on at the moment?
On a sculpture called Ball and Chain.
Are you a morning person or do you come alive at night?
I come alive at night!
How many coffees a day? Don’t embellish.
About five.
Sundays can be very productive for some and very unproductive for others.
How do you spend yours?
Being a retired person, every day is Sunday and I am constantly refining my work.
Wine and cheese. Yes or no?
Yes – love it! The more cheese and the more wine the better!
If you were given a million euros, what would you indulge yourself with?
I would give half of it to my daughter and the other half me and my wife would go on a world tour!
Favourite place to holiday?
London – UK, so I can buy new tools!
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