Even though I paint the sea over and over again, there are always new scenes to create, new colours to blend, new moods to express, says Sliema artist Alexia Coppini.

What is your first memory of art?

I have been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil. I have always been fascinated by the light on buildings, the expressions on people’s faces, the colours in our everyday life. Art is always on my mind, painting pictures and seeing the beauty in our world is ever present in my world. Not a day goes by that I don’t paint, draw, sketch, photograph or research material that eventually become paintings.

My intense passion for all that we are surrounded by is very evident in my creations. Long hours of observation leads me to my canvases, which in turn come together in a new collection of paintings.

When did you decide to pursue art and, specifically, painting?

In my teenage years, I used to paint portraits in watercolour. When I finished my studies – which I might add, had very little to do with what I chose to specialise in – I was commissioned to paint three seascapes which I was not keen on painting at all.

After much pressure, I finished the pieces. It was then that I realised the sea was an element I had to delve into, discover and express in all its forms and moods through my paintings. Acrylic was the initial choice of medium, followed closely by oil.

For the past decade, I have been painting sea and sky. Sailing boats, lighthouses and swimmers also often feature in my creations. Each collection is very different – and even though I paint the sea over and over again, there are always new scenes to create, new colours to blend, new moods to express.

In your paintings, the sea and sky frequently play a dominant role. What draws you to these elements? 

I have always lived by the sea. I was born in Sliema and have lived there all my life. What is Sliema without the sea?

Sadly, very little is left of Sliema’s heritage besides the undying, constantly present and dominant sea. The sea is a huge part of my life and source of inspiration. I now spend my time between Malta and the Caribbean, which once again, is predominantly all about the beauty of the sea seen in another light, climate and culture.

Very little is left of Sliema’s heritage besides the undying, constantly present and dominant sea

This has only added to my fascination and has brought me closer to people on the other side of the world who relate to my work, passion and paintings.

What is your preferred medium and why?

I love all mediums, however, through the years, I have discovered that oil is truly the best medium for my seascapes. It gives me time to play, blend, discover and bring out the forces of nature . Watercolour, on the other hand, is such a gentle medium and allows me to express myself in portraiture as well as my collection of Estella paintings, a mermaid I have created. I’ve also enjoyed the use of charcoal, ink and pastels.

As the owner of an art gallery in Sliema, how would you comment on the town’s art scene and what role does art play in Sliema?

Throughout the years, I have been very well received by people who love the sea or by those who relate to it in some form or another. However, I find that very little is done in Sliema’s public places to promote art. This is one of the reasons I have opened my own gallery. I would love to exhibit in public places, such as St Anne Square, which is such a very popular place, however, this idea had been rejected. It is a pity as there is much local talent waiting to be discovered.

Should there be more public art in Sliema?

We are blessed with good weather and a long summer. I firmly believe that culture should be spread around a lot more than it is at present, especially in Sliema. I would love to see art evenings where roads are pedestrianised for the event and people get to enjoy artists’ creations in peace and quiet, without having to worry about traffic or other distractions. Unfortunately, so much time is dedicated to construction and little time and effort is made for the enjoyment of the general public.

I have held 18 solo exhibitions to date and only two of them have been held in Sliema, at my studio. All have been very well received. Prior to that, I have exhibited in London, Sardinia, the Caribbean and Miami. I also exhibit on bespoke cruise ships touring the Americas.

I truly hope that things will change and improve in the future and such cultural events become something of a treat to all Sliema residents.

For more information visit Studio 80A, Sir Arturo Mercieca Street, Sliema and www.alexiacoppini.com