About the Artist
Introduction
Il - Bottegin ta' San Martin is an Art Studio in the heart of Valletta (Malta), midway along Old Bakery street (at 185A). It is run by Martin Bezzina Wettinger and his wife Michelle. It has opened its doors in May 2006.
Mr.Bezzina Wettinger obtained his diploma in fine arts from the Malta School of Art in September 2006. By profession Martin is a qualified teacher of Mathematics and Physics and has obtained his B.ed degree in 1993. He feels that he teaches Mathematics in a different way mainly by helping his students develop a structure of knowledge that is organic in nature. Though he understands the necessity of being able to focus on a specific area of a situation he likes to consider the gestalt. (For a deeper discussion of this issue move to the page "Using the Language of Art to express my feelings and ideas on education"). He has been giving private tuition in Pure and Applied Mathematics up to advanced level for a number of years.
The art studio features a large number of paintings and sculptures, most of which are produced by Martin Bezzina Wettinger himself. However, he also inports a number of wooden statues from northern Italy. On display one will also find paintings made by some of his friends, namely, Gilbert Fenech, Astrid Zammit, Mary Rose Gauci, Dominc Dimech and Brigida Sammut. At the studio one may also find a wide selection of carving tools including Pfeil Swiss wood carving tools, Italian stone carving tools and rifflers and some modelling tools. In addition, one may find a very wide selection of books on wood carving, clay modelling, drawing and painting.
Discovering his Artistic Talents
Though Martin enjoyed art lessons at school he was introduced into drawing and painting from observation almost by coincedence after he obtained his A-levels(1985). It was the time when only a hundred students entered university and he was practically forced to make a few more Ordinary levels. As he hated studying by heart he chose five subjects that involved more reasoning among which was Art. He studied art under Mr. Degiorgio. He remembers these first fascinating experiences of working from direct observation. He felt as if he had opened his eyes for the first time. Unfortunately on entering university Martin's artistic development came to a brisk halt, because of his studies.
In 1992, he met Michelle whom he married in 1994. George, Michelle's father happened to be a retired carpenter and together they constructed most of their furniture. One day (1998) Martin found George carving a simple flower to decorate a piece of furniture. On returning home Martin found a piece of wood and began to carve a little fish. From then on Martin never stopped carving. The next year he began attending the Malta Schhol of Art. Here he studied under Mr. Cassar, Mr. Caruana Ruggier, Mr Sciberras,Mr. Micallef, Mr. Qasha,and Mr. Camilleri. Martin proceeded to do his Diploma in Fine arts which he obtained in 2006. Soon after Martin began organising wood carving courses at The Malta Society of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce.
In April 2007, Martin organized his first solo art exhibition entitled ‘Using the Language of Art’ at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce, Palazzo De La Salle, 219, Republic street Valletta. Later in the same year, he obtained a special distinction prize in sculpture at the 2007
Martin is a very versatile person who enjoys trying different media. Among his influences there are many classical Greek sculptures; the Renaissance artists including the scientist / artist Leonardo Da Vinci and Michel Angelo; the impressionist and post impressionist painters especially Monet and Van Gogh. In contemporary art Martin is influenced by the wood sculptors of Val Gardena, stone sculptor Lawrence Attard, and George Fenech.
Most of his landscapes are painted in plein-air. In his 3-D work he likes to represent the human figure. Though Martin likes to work in a crude and rough fashion he usually refers to anatomical drawings while working.
To view some of works visit my Art Gallary, while to view my latest works and projects visit the Photo Albums
After visiting this site and viewing my works please sign my guest book. Your critique is greatly appreciated.
Not all the works in the gallary have been sold. If you are interested in buying one of the works please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail.
I hope you enjoy viewing this site.
Martin Bezzina Wettinger
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