Warped filigree tray that makes a statement

The traditional perceptions on filigree are so ingrained that most are reluctant to open their mind to alternative handcrafted pieces that go beyond the Maltese cross.

"The first thing that comes to people's minds when you mention filigree is the Maltese cross. When you stray from this people find it hard to view this art from a different perspective," artist Kevin Attard said.

So while an exhibition of abstract pieces will not lead to big sales, those that somehow contain the eight-pointed cross will sell like hotcakes, so Mr Attard attempts to strike a balance.

As an artist, Mr Attard prefers to let his imagination run wild, but he has discovered it does not always pay and if he is to subsidise his work he has to feature both.

So he has just set up an exhibition of 29 decorative filigree trays, that will look lovely positioned on a doily, varying in size and patterns, which all feature the Maltese cross.

The collection of works is on display at the General Workers' Union, in South Street, Valletta, until September 12 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Set on a contrasting black board, the trays are very eye-catching, but one particular piece, set on a red board, is particularly attention grabbing - it is a tray that has been twisted and warped.

"I'm allowing myself one piece in the exhibition that permits me to express my anger at having to conform. It took me two days to create and one second to destroy," he said with a wry smile.

"I know these trays will go down well with the public, I guess you can't be too romantic about art. You cannot battle tradition and you have to give people what they want. But my next exhibition will be one of abstract pieces - I'm still hoping to slowly change the deep-rooted perceptions," he said.

Mr Attard, 33, has been fascinated by the delicacy of crafting filigree since he was a boy watching his father's friend creating pieces out of silver wire.

He can spend hours fiddling with silver wire to create his design. Since he doesn't sketch what he has in mind, modifying the material as he goes along, the risk of wasting the expensive material is greater. The bigger trays took three days to complete.

He loves to experiment with silver, allowing it to oxidise and blacken to create a contrast on a white background.

Mr Attard is keen to pass on this craft to people who are willing to learn and he is holding one-day courses where an item, such as a pair of earrings, can be created from scratch. Those interested can call on 2134 0150.