Gabriel Buttigieg and his visual creations.
Your work is extremely unique – tell us about your artistic style.
I do not believe in a particular artistic style really, as sticking to one style makes little sense in this creative field. Possibly, the rigidity of a specific style would not make sense in any artistic enterprise, although of course, one would be inclined to particular narratives. The basis of all creativity is the ability to grow and adapt, to find the appropriate sources of inspiration which ultimately form one’s output. The artist’s spirit is vital to one’s creations, as is the correct attitude which projects the artist forward with the script that defines him. The human being is in constant flux, so by default, growth is a by product of being human. The dynamic of being human is what defines “style”.
“In truth, our life experiences impact our creative expression, especially when one remains true to one’s roots, and seeks to bring them to fruition. “
What’s your favourite part of the creative process?
The whole process is integral, and it assumes a ritualistic quality. Ironically, my favourite moments are probably the initial part of the experience, wherein I would be creating the first markings on a canvas, and at the very end, wherein I would be consolidating the work. Although both these points of the process fill me with a mixture of uncertainty, anxiety, and frustration, these are in essence the most important moments for me, wherein I would be learning, reflecting, and risking, ending up with an ultimate product.
And a little bit about yourself – what’s your story?
It’s difficult to pinpoint the starting point, as we each have our story and our life course! What I can say with certainty is that at 5 years of age, I was already aware, to a degree, of what my dream in life would be. I visualised all and worked for it, always getting nearer to my target. Of course, as expected, at times there are setbacks in life or derailment occurs for a period of time but I always felt this deep felt need to express myself. Initially, the choice was between music and visual arts but at some point, I decided to focus on the latter, allowing myself to enjoy music in a more serene manner. In truth, our life experiences impact our creative expression, especially when one remains true to one’s roots, and seeks to bring them to fruition.
Shoutout to your top source of inspiration? Person, book, snack… go wild.
This question is such an automatic one that there is no thought involved. My inspiration is definitely my father. I have other sources of inspiration from the fields of literature, philosophy, music, psychology, and people in my life, past and present – all these are inspirations. I seek my inspiration from cave artists who never knew the limelight, from the artists who decorated the villas in Pompeii, and from important artists in history. These include the incomparable Bernini, Picasso and his attitude, Matisse and his colours, Schiele’s beauty of line, Tracey Emin and her personality, Damien Hirst and his marketing ploys, the psyche of Eric Fischl and his interpretation of the human condition, Kurt Cobain’s utter sensitivity, and Morphine’s bass lines. These are some of the people who inspire me but ultimately it is all about my father – that is where it all started and that is where it will cease to be, as he is my nurturer and my teacher.
Any downside to being an artist – apart from cleaning your tools?
Cleaning my tools is not an issue at all. I buy industrial paintbrushes, which I change frequently, often times with every series I engage in, as I believe that I should honour a new series with new paintbrushes. Despite the fact that the statement might seem to be romanticised, I would say that the downside to being an artist is that one has to dedicate substantial time and thought to a non-linear journey, with no clear end in sight. Often, one chases a dream, and I would even dare to say a call, from whence the journey initiates. This creates a sense of insecurity, which is essentially part of the excitement of being an artist. Shedding one’s defences and adopting a stance of vulnerability, as well as directing the course of life, through select choices, towards the cherished goal are crucially part of the experience, and may also be a pitfall. Another downside is the fact that the artist is never “content” with his endeavours, limits are always being pushed, and it is a constant battle against time to conquer new ground.
Something everyone loves but you can’t stand
Routine.
Zodiac Sign
Capricorn ♑︎
Spirit animal
Wolf.
Super power
Intuition.
Your fave super tool
Critical thinking.
ARTIST
FEATURE
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