Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542981
My essentials JESSICA VELLA 45, Artist I have been immersed in my art world since early childhood, drawing and painting wherever and whenever possible. One of my fondest memories as a child is going to my aunt on Sundays. She used to bring me a box full of wax crayons, and the bright colours, their scent and the possibilities to draw anything I wanted was enough to make me forget everything else. It felt magical every time. At 15 years old I did my first oil painting and since then it's been my favourite medium, along with ink for illustrations. Combining my passion for books, history, architecture and the endless inspiration from all the beauty that God gave us, my aim is to inspire viewers to have a fresh and modern outlook on the traditional. Most of all I like to bring joy with my artworks. Specialising in oil painting, I bring together a contrasting palette on a white background to create vibrant displays. 1. Book 2. Film 3. Internet 4. Music 5. Place THIS one is hard as its quite varied, from opera to classical, from the 60s to the 90s, and classic rock. But to mention three: Mozart's Lacrimosa, Paul Weller's You Do Some- thing To Me and Lynyrd Sky- nyrd's Simple Man. IN Malta, it's Valletta. And I wish to see as many light- houses as possible, all over the world because I'm fasci- nated by them. I am an avid reader and big fan of classic and Russian lit- erature and poetry. Lately, I needed to de-stress so I went for the light-hearted family and animal stories of Gerald Durrell; I love animals and I find his stories heart-warm- ing and great humour. I do rewatch Wes Anders- en movies often, for the col- our and all the sense behind them. I use the internet for mov- ies and music mostly but not much. If I have no oth- er option, it's usually reels about dogs and horses. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 FEBRUARY 2026 ALMANAC 3 2