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Martin Bezzina Wettinger lectures in Maths and Physics at the Malta College of Arts Science and Technology where he has been happily teaching for about ten years. Notwithstanding the fact that he considers himself a scientist, his love for the arts has been a part of him for as long as he can remember.
How did you get started?
As a young boy I was inspired by a TV series – How the West was Won – one of the characters carved a stallion and I was fascinated by the thought of being able to create sculptures out of crude wood. Later on in life I met George Cassar a carpenter who instilled in me a love for working with wood. After trying my hand at some carving I discovered a passion I never thought I had. In 1999 I decided to pursue a Diploma in Fine Arts and my dissertation was Using the Language of Art to Express My Personal Feelings and Ideas on Education’. I have never looked back ever since.
My true passion is wood sculpting, as through a long laborious process I believe I can transform a block of wood into a work of art. My thoughts are thus given a tangible form. I also make clay sculptures and love to paint using all conventional media such as watercolour, acrylic, oil paints as well as pastels. Nature is also very important to me as it is a great source of inspiration. In fact, I am very conscious of my carbon footprint. Because of this, I cycle wherever possible and also enjoy sailing around our islands and beyond. My hobbies include dancing – specifically tango. More often than not I lose myself in the dramatic music of Lucio Demar or Pugliese and work away at my studio. I also love opera; Joseph Calleja has accompanied me many a time while painting or sculpting.
What genre do you consider your work to be?
Contemporary
Describe your work in less than 10 words.
Bold, strong
Where was your first exhibition held?
In April 2007 I organized my first solo art exhibition entitled ‘Using the Language of Art’ at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce, Palazzo De La Salle, 219, Republic street Valletta
How long have you been practising your art?
Since 1984….
Which is your favourite from among your own artworks?
Mother and Child at the University Chapel carved in Cirmolo in 2011.
Whose artist’s work are you most inspired by?
Wood sculptors Val Gardenia and Fred Zavadil – impressionists like Monet, and local artist, the late George Fenech
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
An opera singer
What is the epitome of happiness for you?
Sipping tea and painting in Gnejna Bay or taking in the scenery from my kayak.
What are you working on at the moment?
Series of nude studies in pastel for my upcoming exhibition as well as carving figures in relief.
Are you a morning person or do you come alive at night?
Used to come alive at night…..seem to have experienced a change….and am working by day
How many coffees a day? Don’t embellish.
None…am a tea drinker
Sundays can be very productive for some and very unproductive for others. How do you spend yours?
Depends on mood ….have spent many long Sundays carving away….but can chill on others
Wine and cheese. Yes or no?
Yes
If you were given a million euros, what would you indulge yourself with?
An art gallery
Favourite place to holiday?
Italy – Venice
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