Metal Artist At Work UK–born Jackie Roberts learned artistic metalwork at Edinburgh’s Telford College in Scotland; pursuing a passion for metal as a mid-life career change. Since moving to Gozo in 2001 she undertakes commissions, exhibitions and shows her work at select venues around the Maltese islands and in the UK. You can make an appointment to visit her home studio and workshop or see her work at Prickly Pear and Organika in Victoria or Gleneagles Bar in Mgarr. Jackie is also keen to pass on her skills and encourage others to enjoy working with metal. She offers ‘taster’ sessions in basic metalwork and more intensive courses tailored to individual’s interests and abilities, by prior arrangement. Jackie was awarded a Malta Crafts Council prize for innovation and creativity in 2010 with her collection of Mediterranean marine life and in 2012 her second solo exhibition: ‘The Nature of Metal’ ran for six months in two of Scotland’s Royal botanic gardens. She also enjoys collaborating with other designer/makers in Gozo – most recently with textile designer Pat Holtom on a series of mixed media wall hangings. Jackie’s work is inspired by the natural world, its landscapes and creatures; also by cultural symbolism. Some pieces are realistic, some semi-abstract, others have a functional use. Jackie mostly works in copper, mild steel and brass using hand and power tools to cut, shape and mark, then brings out the metals’ natural hues by artistic burning with an oxy-acetylene torch; finally spraying with a protective layer of clear lacquer. Crossing the boundaries of art and craft Jackie uses traditional metalworking techniques to make imaginative, collectable, handcrafted pieces. Because all the pieces are handmade each one is unique. Jackie says: “I came to live on Gozo in 2001, drawn to the island by its unique charm and dramatic landscape. Inspired by nature and cultural symbolism my work may be functional or wearable, decorative, or simply fanciful. I often incorporate scrap metal, found objects and plant material into my work reincarnating what others have discarded. My designs cross the boundaries of art and craft, using traditional metalworking techniques to turn copper, brass and steel into contemporary hand-crafted pieces. Jackie Roberts/Pat Holtom When I’m not bashing metal I enjoy walking with my dogs in the spectacular Gozitan landscape, gardening; chilling out with friends of all nationalities at the beach, on a boat round Comino, or over local food and wine by the sea during the summer and also enjoying live music sessions where I have been known to take the stage. Life is good on Gozo.” My studio is centrally located at my house in Xewkija near the imposing St John’s Church and Rotunda. There are spectacular cliff-top walks around Ta’ Cenc or through the valley to Mgarr ix-Xini bay and its historic coastal tower.’’ Visits by appointment, studio/workshop in Xewkija, Gozo robertsj@maltanet.net M: (00356) 79562753 or find me on Facebook.
mygozo magazine 4