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1. What's been the most defining moment in your career so far? I don't believe there has been one single defining moment. My career has been a lifelong journey of learning, growth and discovery. For over 40 years I worked in information technology, a profession that taught me discipline, problem-solving, and the value of continuous learning. Alongside that, I nur- tured my creative side through art, allowing both worlds to complement each other in unexpected ways. Every step has shaped who I am today; from my first watercolour painting to teaching workshops, exhibiting internationally, and meeting artists from different cultures. Each experience has been another chapter rather than a destination. If there is one defining realisation, it is that success is not measured by a single achievement but by the ability to keep evolving, sharing knowledge, and in- spiring others through creativity. My journey continues, and I believe the most defining moments are still ahead and that is only reached at my end, when I pass on and my art is left behind to be viewed and cherished. 2. As an artist, how do you navigate the world and speed of social media? I have been lucky enough to have experi- enced the world before social media and the world we live in today. Various platforms are available allowing people to communicate in various ways. It is a fact that technology moves at an incredible pace, while art is of- ten created slowly, with patience and reflec- tion. Rather than trying to keep up with every trend, I focus on being authentic and sharing work that genuinely represents who I am as an artist. For me, social media is not just a showcase for finished paintings, it's a way of connecting with people, inspire aspiring artists, and build a community that appreci- ates creativity. I enjoy sharing my process, my workshops, my travels, the stories behind my paintings because people connect with the journey as much as the finished painting. 3. Do you consider artificial intelligence a threat to your career, or an opportunity? Same as social media, I would say that artificial intelligence creates opportuni- ties rather than a threat. I do not consider anything to be a threat, because within any new technology, one must not be afraid of change, on the contrary, it is a tool, and its value depends on how we choose to use it, just like any else in life. I use AI for research, creating a marketing plan or use it as a tool which allows me to create compositions. However, irrelevant of what AI may offer, I don't believe AI can replace the human experience behind a painting. AI has no feeling; let's just say that it is a machine that has been built with multitudes of combinations made up of algorithms, years of collected data which then transforms into patterns to return an answer. Beautiful as it may seem, this will never replace the brushstroke that carry emotion, memory, intuition, and the story of the artist. A painting is not just about the finished image; it portrays the journey, the accidental perfections, the personal connec- tion between the artist, the subject, and the beholder. Technology has always been part of my life. I have never resisted innovation; however, I prefer to embrace it while remain- ing true to the beliefs and the values that make art uniquely created by an artist. 4. How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during tough times or when the work feels hard? I believe every artist experiences a blank moment. There are days when inspiration seem far off from expression but time and perseverance help. Having a mindset to create, even a doodle, helps the momentum to keep going. As a living professional artist this has to be part of your commitment. My studio surrounding and en plein air sessions help me to face challenges. I return to my studio and there are always things to organ- ise, plan, and think. A simple sketch would remind myself why I first picked up a brush. It wasn't to create perfection but to express what I feel and how I see the world. Often, the difficult moments become the ones that teach me the most. Travel, meeting people, and teaching in workshops also inspire me. Seeing others discover their own creativity reminds me why I continue to paint and share my knowledge. Above all, I believe passion is stronger than obstacles. Every painting is a new beginning, and every blank sheet of paper is another opportunity to learn, grow, and tell a story. 5. How do you balance your creative instincts with the expectations of your audience or collaborators? Creativity is the essence of every painting. From the initial sketch to the full paper or canvas, the process is not about what people will expect of me. I never paint for an expectation but I am just delved into my own word of expression. Once I exhibit my painting, then this will be the time when to let go. This is when I will accept what the au- dience wanted, whether I have reached their expectations. However, by time, people who follow my art have accepted me for who I am because they appreciate that it is genuine fine art which has no trends but pure impres- sionism. I believe that art is a conversation, a visual representation with no words. Whether I am preparing for an art exhibition, meeting up with collectors, communicating with galleries, or students in a workshop, I listen, evaluate and respect their opinions. Personally, I do not exhibit in collectives, however, I have collaborated with artists and not compromising my artistic identity. We found ways to ensure different styles still complimented and enriched one another. Over the years, I've had the wonderful expe- rience of working with artists and collabora- tors. This has allowed me to understand the meaning of authenticity. 6. How do you approach a new project? Do you have a specific process or routine you follow? Every project has its own particular planning process. Most of my projects, apart for commissioned works are all about exhi- bitions and workshops. Although all have different planning processes, each one has a common starting point; understanding the idea behind the work, researching and obtaining all the information required. Once this starts to build up, development comes naturally and the process not only advances in a structured way but also leads to an inspi- ration that comes out from spontaneity. Once all jumbled up ideas have been established and a clear vision is established, I organise everything according to its flow, whether it's in materials, colours, techniques, space, media coverage and setups. Notwithstand- ing all this, there is always an element of change within the process. Sometimes, while painting a watercolour, the flow of water and pigment can create unexpected moments that become part of the artwork—the so called happy accidents. 7. Can you let us in on some of the future projects, works? There are always new ideas developing. After all, this is what the life of an artist should be based on; a continuous exploration and evo- lution, where one challenges themselves. At the moment, I am focusing on expanding my international presence through exhibitions, workshops, and collaborations with artists and creative communities across Europe. I am also continuing to develop my signature watercolour palette, which represents many years of experience, experimentation, and a deep understanding of the medium. Along- side this, I am working on a new collection that explores the connections between my travels and the landscapes, memories, light, and emotions different places evoke. This collection will be exhibited in two separate exhibitions in Poland. Each new project is another chapter in my artistic journey, and I look forward to sharing these experiences and creations with audiences both in Malta and internationally. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 AUGUST 2026 Books Immanuel Mifsud awarded the European Homer Medal for Poetry and Art ARTS • TV • WHAT'S ON BY LAURA CALLEJA suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt The Q & A JOSEPH CASAPINTA 7 questions for... Joseph Casapinta is a watercolourist and an impressionist. Developing his own style in pen and watercolour, from his roots of graphical design to the urban, marine and automobilia, he has built a long repertoire of solo exhibitions and masterclass workshops both in Malta and abroad. Culture Seven towns and villages where you can celebrate Santa Marija PAGE 2 PAGE 3 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta