KEVIN ATTARD
Kevin talks of art as he would of an old friend.
Kevin Attard talks of art as he would of an old friend, with the calm-reassurance and intimacy only the closest few would muster. His calm exterior belies his love and passion as he talks to us about his 25-year-old relationship with the art of filigree.
His fingers nimbly work the silver threads in any shape he desires, a craft introduced to him by a friend of his father’s. Talking about the encounter, Kevin describes it as something instantaneous, similar to when you come face to face with something you’ve known for a long time. “He [his father’s friend] used to work filigree. And that was it.” His matter-of-fact approach to life is evident in his craftsmanship, a love turned career since the very first days, when his parents used to encourage him to keep working at his skill. “My father already had contacts with shop owners so it was easier for me to sell,” he recalls. “Somehow, I just kept it up.”
KEVIN ATTARD
Kevin talks of art as he would of an old friend.
Kevin Attard talks of art as he would of an old friend, with the calm-reassurance and intimacy only the closest few would muster. His calm exterior belies his love and passion as he talks to us about his 25-year-old relationship with the art of filigree.
His fingers nimbly work the silver threads in any shape he desires, a craft introduced to him by a friend of his father’s. Talking about the encounter, Kevin describes it as something instantaneous, similar to when you come face to face with something you’ve known for a long time. “He [his father’s friend] used to work filigree. And that was it.” His matter-of-fact approach to life is evident in his craftsmanship, a love turned career since the very first days, when his parents used to encourage him to keep working at his skill. “My father already had contacts with shop owners so it was easier for me to sell,” he recalls. “Somehow, I just kept it up.”
KEVIN ATTARD
Kevin talks of art as he would of an old friend.
Kevin Attard talks of art as he would of an old friend, with the calm-reassurance and intimacy only the closest few would muster. His calm exterior belies his love and passion as he talks to us about his 25-year-old relationship with the art of filigree.
His fingers nimbly work the silver threads in any shape he desires, a craft introduced to him by a friend of his father’s. Talking about the encounter, Kevin describes it as something instantaneous, similar to when you come face to face with something you’ve known for a long time. “He [his father’s friend] used to work filigree. And that was it.” His matter-of-fact approach to life is evident in his craftsmanship, a love turned career since the very first days, when his parents used to encourage him to keep working at his skill. “My father already had contacts with shop owners so it was easier for me to sell,” he recalls. “Somehow, I just kept it up.”
Click image to watch the video.
“There is fun to be found in the meticulous intertwining of threads.”
Kevin admits how the art of filigree is time-consuming. It takes years to learn the skill but once you have it, then it’s got great potential. He explains how there is also fun to be found in the meticulous intertwining of threads. As a master of the craft, Kevin also teaches filigree and has one-hour sessions with up to 4 people. Together, they get to make a small filigree pendant. “The aim is to see the whole process, take part in it and to go home with the final product.”
Click image to watch the video.
“There is fun to be found in the meticulous intertwining of threads.”
Kevin admits how the art of filigree is time-consuming. It takes years to learn the skill but once you have it, then it’s got great potential. He explains how there is also fun to be found in the meticulous intertwining of threads. As a master of the craft, Kevin also teaches filigree and has one-hour sessions with up to 4 people. Together, they get to make a small filigree pendant. “The aim is to see the whole process, take part in it and to go home with the final product.”
Click image to watch the video.
“There is fun to be found in the meticulous intertwining of threads.”
Kevin admits how the art of filigree is time-consuming. It takes years to learn the skill but once you have it, then it’s got great potential. He explains how there is also fun to be found in the meticulous intertwining of threads. As a master of the craft, Kevin also teaches filigree and has one-hour sessions with up to 4 people. Together, they get to make a small filigree pendant. “The aim is to see the whole process, take part in it and to go home with the final product.”
He tells us of how this initiative has been a success but, with a slightly morose tone in his voice, Kevin confesses how difficult it is to actually find someone willing to take it up as a career. His eyes light up in a hopeful gaze. “God willing it does happen. I’d love nothing else than to pass on my knowledge.” After 25 years of working and perfecting the craft of filigree, Kevin tells us it would be a “blessing at this point” if someone approaches him with a keen interest to turn the craft into a profession. So far, he has not been approached by anyone who wished to become an apprentice with the aim of turning filigree into a career – but he is hopeful.
A PROFESSION FROM THE ART
“Nothing is impossible!”
“Nothing is impossible!” Kevin exclaims, unwavering. He still clings on to this as many Maltese filigree craftsmen give up on their craft and turn their backs to it. Perhaps it was the fact that he managed to find a balance between working filigree, teaching it, customizing one-off items for clients and seeing the beautiful aspect of the job that kept him at his bench.
A PROFESSION FROM THE ART
“Nothing is impossible!”
“Nothing is impossible!” Kevin exclaims, unwavering. He still clings on to this as many Maltese filigree craftsmen give up on their craft and turn their backs to it. Perhaps it was the fact that he managed to find a balance between working filigree, teaching it, customizing one-off items for clients and seeing the beautiful aspect of the job that kept him at his bench.
A PROFESSION FROM THE ART
“Nothing is impossible!”
“Nothing is impossible!” Kevin exclaims, unwavering. He still clings on to this as many Maltese filigree craftsmen give up on their craft and turn their backs to it. Perhaps it was the fact that he managed to find a balance between working filigree, teaching it, customizing one-off items for clients and seeing the beautiful aspect of the job that kept him at his bench.
IN IT FOR LIFE
“Anything you can imagine, can be made.”
“Now that I’m 43, to do a total career U-turn is not easy. So I’ll just keep working the craft,” he adds with a slight shrug. In any case, the job is never done. Kevin describes the craft as “endless”, with infinite opportunities for creation. “Anything you can imagine, can be made,” he tells us, sealing his artistic fate with a smile.
IN IT FOR LIFE
“Anything you can imagine, can be made.”
“Now that I’m 43, to do a total career U-turn is not easy. So I’ll just keep working the craft,” he adds with a slight shrug. In any case, the job is never done. Kevin describes the craft as “endless”, with infinite opportunities for creation. “Anything you can imagine, can be made,” he tells us, sealing his artistic fate with a smile.
IN IT FOR LIFE
“Anything you can imagine, can be made.”
“Now that I’m 43, to do a total career U-turn is not easy. So I’ll just keep working the craft,” he adds with a slight shrug. In any case, the job is never done. Kevin describes the craft as “endless”, with infinite opportunities for creation. “Anything you can imagine, can be made,” he tells us, sealing his artistic fate with a smile.