Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545062
My essentials LISA CASSAR 34, artist I am a fine artist with a lifelong love of art and creativity. After having my two daughters, I began painting more seriously and made it part of my daily life. I first started sharing my work through portrait drawings before moving towards nature-inspired paintings, which are now the main focus of my work. 1. Book 2.TV 3. TV 4. Music 5. Place IT has got to be RAYE. I love everything she writes, and her latest album This Music May Contain Hope is honestly one of the best I have listened to in a long time. Her song writing feels raw, honest, and deeply per- sonal, which is what makes it so powerful. When I first heard Click Clack Sympho- ny, it genuinely moved me to tears. Her music carries so much emotion and truth, and it really stays with you long after listening. ANY part of Malta's coast or countryside that remains unspoiled and quiet. It's ra- re but it's where I feel most alive. It's the backdrop of my childhood, my entire life really. It's within me as much as I am within it and I guess that explains why I paint what I paint. It dev- astates me that it's disap- pearing before our eyes and I do hope we wake up and realise what we have before it's gone. THE Prophet by Kahlil Gi- bran. I actually collect cop- ies of this book and read it multiple times a year. I am drawn to its poetic style and reflections on life, love, loss, and human connection. What I find most interesting is the simplicity of its ideas. Apart from being beautiful- ly written, the messages feel timeless and deeply relata- ble, encouraging reflection on everyday life and rela- tionships AS a mum I watch my fair share of animated movies. I recently watched the animat- ed film The Wild Robot with my daughters. It's visually stunning, with a soft, painted animation style, and I loved its gentle, poignant message about motherhood, care, and belonging. MY favourite TV platform is Arte, which focuses on the arts and culture, documenta- ries and European and Indie films. Another go to is Ste- ven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO, a podcast which tackles so many diverse and interesting subjects, tI really enjoyed the online content surrounding David Attenborough's 100th birthday earlier this May. I loved watching clips from his early documentaries and reflecting on the incredible extent of the natural world he has witnessed and shared over his lifetime. It was also moving to see the apprecia- tion and admiration people expressed for his work and legacy, which has shaped how so many of us see and value nature today.e problem is what to choose. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MAY 2026 ALMANAC 3 2