What is the best thing that I love about my work?  The best thing is the process and the challenge of seeing a piece develop. My work is a visual diary. It has helped me become the person i am today, stronger, wiser and more content. Seeing its improvement and vibrancy is a true depiction of where i am now in my life. When it reaches out to others and they connect it is the greatest feeling ever.

What is my idea of perfect happiness?  I believe happiness comes from within. Be it a day spent with Inks and paper, standing in the sea with sand between my toes or a movie with a bar of chocolate. We create our own happy.

What is my greatest fear?  Losing loved ones. I have lost too many in my lifetime.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?  Anxiety. I was adopted at birth and have always felt a sense of loss and longing. I grew up needy of affection and attention, always wanting to please. It was draining and a tough battle.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? There are too many to mention, this is a constantly fluid list but the ones coming to mind now are Mimi Yoon, Caia Koopman, Jessica Perner, Aunia Kahn and Maria Abagnale. Naming just a few.

What is my greatest extravagance?  Always art supplies. I am not materialistic in anyway. When my partner and I moved to Malta 3 years ago we had just 2 suitcases. If you are not careful possessions can end up owning you.

On what occasion would I lie?  Perhaps to protect someones feelings but I have always elieved honesty hurts less. I do lie to myself all the time to make myself feel better.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?  3 things. My studio space is limited, but i am working on this. I need to know when to stop tweaking, artists know perfection is a fallacy but still long for it and pricing. I find it difficult to put a value on my work.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?  Now. Moving to Malta has been inspiring and allowed me to develop both my creative skills and my technical abilities. I feel I have found my artistic paradise.

If I could, what would I change about myself?  Today it would be become less anxious and more assertive, but i am constantly changing and believe i am a better person as each day passes.

What is my greatest achievement in work?  I have recently taken part in a number of televised interviews with emphasis on both my solo and collective exhibitions. My journey from selling at markets and fairs in the UK to this current phase is immense, Persistence pays.

Where would I most like to live? Ideally somewhere secluded overlooking the sea. I will manifest this.

What is my most treasured possession? A hat and key-ring that belonged to my adoptive father. He was a gentleman in the true sense of the word. An inspiration and a huge loss.

What is my most marked characteristic? Friends may disagree but I think it may be my purple hair with shaved sides.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?  Valletta is just awe inspiring, it invites your senses to tour the past, present and future. It oozes art. In fact you cannot go anywhere in Malta and not be inspired.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? There are many cafes, bars and restaurants on the island and they tend to be geared for tourists. I prefer the small cafes and bars that remain more authentically  local but the best is buying fresh produce and heading out to some secluded spot for a picnic.

What books influenced my life and how? Sometime ago I was struggling with my life financially & mentally and then I was given a book that literally changed my life. Instant Intuition by Anne Jirsch

Who are my favorite writers? I prefer autobiographies and books on Personal Development with the occasional Stephen King. 

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? This would be an eclectic compilation including Dee-Lites Groove is in the heart, Twenty one pilots, Prince and Pachelbels Canon in D and the list is endless.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? As a youth it was Pippy Longstocking or Matilda but as I have grown it is any strong Woman with the gumption to take control of her life and surroundings.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? I’ve always admired David Attenbrough, Jane Goodall, Diane Fossey, Dame Vivienne Westwood and Angelina Jolie and some in my close circle of loved ones have impacted on my life very positively.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Schindlers List

What role plays art in my life and work? Art is my life and work. I cannot imagine a point in my life where I was not being creative in some form or manner.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?  My partner Martin is a constant source of support along with Karen, Anna, Noel, Cynthia, Anton, Guzeppi, Cindy, Brian, Lynn to name a few. I am grateful that i am attracting a larger audience daily.

Whom would I like to work with in 2018?  I would collaborate with any of the artists previously mentioned. There is so much respect and admiration within the group.

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2018? I am virtually connected to many artists via social media, I would welcome meeting any of them. It is always magical to discuss art with like minded souls. Another inspirational source.

What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on?  I have some small solo projects in hand but am also looking to create a work space gallery to promote other artists on the island.

Where can you see me or my work in 2018? I have just completed a solo exhibition in Mdina and a collective in Rabat. One of the many exciting aspects of living in Malta is the wealth of opportunities that pop-up with limited notice. I am always promoting on my facebook page @rosamariaart. I am looking forward to also exhibiting in Gozo later this year.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? When I was 17 i travelled to Paris to see the Monet exhibition, the experience was overwhelming, I cried throughout. I was born to be creative, that is why i studied art and fashion design.The passion will stop when my heart stops beating.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Anna McDade, Karen Crosby, Viktoria Zita Verebes, Val Portelli, Diane Stewardson, Yvonne White, Jo Banfield Shaw

How can you contact me? My preferred method is facebook, messenger via my page @rosamariaart, alternatively my email address is ventotto@hotmail.co.uk