Feat of clay

Old wooden shutters, complete with rusty hinges and flaking paint, serve as a canvas for the creative works of ceramic artist Dolores Lungaro-Mifsud.

Using different materials and techniques, such as raku, a type of Japanese pottery, she uses the disused shutters to open up a creative world through which she depicts scenes from Malta and Gozo.

“The respect for the found object is so deep that the shutters are reversible and can be reused in their original setting. Yet, the unity of the pieces is astoundingly lyrical,” writes E.V. Borg, curator of Ms Lungaro-Mifsud’s ongoing exhibition.

The artist presents a rich collection of ceramics, ranging from the shutters to various other types of wall hanging works of art and sculptures.

Ms Lungaro-Mifsud, who comes from an engineering background, fell in love with ceramics in 2007 through the Malta Society of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce. She then studied ceramics and attended various courses until, in 2010, she set up her own studio.

My work gives me a deep sense of purpose, with a level of self-indulgence that makes each piece I create unique

The next year she was awarded first prize in the 10th National Art Exhibition and Competition.

She is co-founder of the Malta Raku Association.

“My work gives me a deep sense of purpose, with a level of self-indulgence that makes each piece I create unique. I strive to express a sense of organic beauty to be shared by all who come in contact with the result,” Ms Lungaro-Mifsud writes in the booklet to her exhibition.

The exhibition is open at the China Cultural Centre, Melita Street, Valletta until June 20. Details at www.doloreslungaromifsud.com.