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Ray Aquilina is a mosaic artist. Originally from Rabat, he now resides in St. Paul’s Bay.
How did you get started?
As a child I always loved crafts and arts. I started loving mosaics after a school visit to the Roman Villa in my home town. I used to sneak in after that just to stare at the magnificent work there, imagining all the work and long hours spent to create such a rich legacy.
What genre do you consider your work to be?
I do mosaics… sometimes with a modern twist.
Describe your work in less than 10 words.
A bridge from crafts to fine art.
Where was your first exhibition held?
The Palace Hotel in Sliema.
How long have you been practising your art?
More than 25 years.
Which is your favourite from among your own artworks?
Every piece that I finish usually is my favourite piece… but my all-time favourites are two… A boat in the moonlight and an abstract on raw wood… a dedication to Gustav Klimt.
Whose artist’s work are you most inspired by?
As a modern mosaic artist I envy Martin Cheek…but as for inspiration I find it more in Gustav Klimt.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
Most probably a chef.
What is the epitome of happiness for you?
Just to be happy with what you have and achieved.
What are you working on at the moment?
Dragonfly wings (part of)… It will look more of an abstract when finished as it’s a detailed part of a dragonfly wings.
Are you a morning person or do you come alive at night?
I am more of a bat than an early chirping bird.
How many coffees a day? Don’t embellish.
Usually two… One as soon as I wake up in the morning and the other one more of a pick-me-up around 5. Tea any time of day.
Sundays can be very productive for some and very unproductive for others. How do you spend yours?
Usually Sundays are relaxing days… but when I am excited working on a piece, I could go on through the night.
Wine and cheese. Yes or no?
Yes… and a big YES for the cheese… White wine thank you. Red gives me migraines.
If you were given a million euros, what would you indulge yourself with?
Definitely a bigger studio and a big modern state-of-the-art shelter for stray dogs and cats.
Favourite place to holiday?
Until now India.
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