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1. What's been the most defining moment in your career so far? The most defining moment as an artist was in 2022, when the Eastern Regional Council of Malta selected me to collaborate on a project to design 12 stamps. Each stamp featured a local landmark paired with an endemic plant or flower. This was my first major commission as a young artist, around 23 years old, and it perfectly aligned with my passion for nature, flowers, and Malta's vibrant scenery. I was thrilled to be working with MaltaPost, the national postal service, and the collection was even exhibited at the Malta Postal Museum, which felt like a perfect, fitting conclusion to that journey. 2. As an artist, how do you navigate the world and speed of social media? Navigating social media as an artist is a real balancing act. I used to post regularly, but lately I've pulled back. I know social media is powerful; it offers exposure and connects me with unexpected clients. Trends can be fun, too—they can bring in followers and help you catch the algorithm's wave. But keeping up with that pace is exhausting and can cause burnout. So, I post when I have the energy and inspiration—when I truly feel it—and when I don't, I give myself a break, trusting that sus- tainable creativity is what matters most. 3. Do you consider artificial intelligence a threat to your career, or an opportunity? Today, everything is so easily accessible, and I've noticed among my peers a real desire for authenticity. People who buy art, or who are drawn to it, don't just want the piece—they seek a connection with the artist. They want to learn more about the story behind the art and the full process leading to the finished artwork. This means human-made art still has a unique value. I don't feel threatened by AI; it can't fully replace the depth of human creativity. In fact, I'm excited to see how AI might help artists learn and grow, maybe as a powerful training tool—it's just a matter of how it develops. 4. How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during tough times or when the work feels hard? I stay motivated and inspired by prioritising my connection with nature. Nature is where I find the deepest creative spark. Each morning, I take a walk, or in the evenings, I go for a sunset stroll. These moments ground me and immerse me in beauty—letting nature guide my creativity. But when I have deadlines, I can't just rely on inspi- ration. I have to be determined. Like any profes- sion, an artist needs to develop grit—pushing through even when motivation is low—because discipline is just as vital as passion. 5. How do you balance your creative instincts with the expectations of your audience or collaborators? I think it's not sustainable to always rely on others for the next idea. When collaborating, it's great to open up to different ways of thinking, fresh themes, or new concepts. Similarly, with client commissions, I take time to pause and reflect on their ideas, letting them inspire me. That said, it's crucial to seek out collaborators and clients who are aligned with my artistic vi- sion—people who know my style—so that I never have to completely compromise my identity just to meet a project's demands. 6. How do you ap- proach a new project? Do you have a specific process or routine you follow? My approach to new projects is consistent. I start by identifying the core ideas and key elements. Then, I gather reference images—if I'm working on a seascape or nature scene, I go out and take photos with my phone. Once I have those images, I create rough pencil sketches based on them. After that, I transfer the composi- tion to the canvas and begin painting with oils or acrylics, letting the colour and layers bring the piece to life. 7. Can you let us in on some of the future projects, works? I've been focusing primarily on oils and acrylics, especially on nature scenes, and while this brings me a lot of peace and fulfilment, I feel ready to branch out. I want to return to my roots and dive back into portrait painting—something I used to love. I'm also planning to bring out my sketchbook more, doing on-site sketches, experimenting with watercolours, and creating more spontaneous pieces outside the studio, also serving as a way to document my life and travels. I really want to keep that sense of movement and freshness in my work. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 JULY 2026 Culture From Malta to the world stage in India, and now they're bringing it home ARTS • TV • WHAT'S ON BY LAURA CALLEJA suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt The Q & A LARA VELLA 7 questions for... Extra round Who are your biggest influences, and how have they shaped your work? Sure! I'd say one of my biggest influenc- es is nature itself—those vivid colours, the light, and the textures I see when I'm outdoors. Another huge influence is the romantic painters of the 19 and 20 cen- turies—they give me a sense of wonder and a love of atmosphere, especially the impressionists. And of course, every- day people—friends, family, and even strangers—have shaped my perspective, reminding me to look closer and find beauty in the ordinary. Lara Vella is an artist from Malta who works primarily in oils and acrylics. Her themes often focus on nature and the sea. She has recently completed a master course at the Accademia D'Arte in Florence. Currently, she is preparing for an exhibition titled Chroma, which will open on 2 July and run for a month Art Heritage Malta launches fashion exhibition inspired by The Grand Master's Palace PAGE 2 PAGE 3 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta