Donald Camilleri


Donald Camilleri is a ceramist and painter from Mosta.

Art is not just a passion of his. Donald says “It is a basic necessity of life, the expression of the soul which enables me to explore my deepest thoughts and emotions”.

He took a very early interest in art as he was spurred on by his father who has a life-long career in ceramic art decoration.

Camilleri studied Art History at the University of Malta and graduated in History of Art, Art Pedagogy and Baroque Studies. Today he teaches as a visual arts educator and finds great pleasure and satisfaction in helping others to explore their talents.

Artist Donald Camilleri uses a variety of materials, techniques and processes, which he studied under renowned local and other artists visiting the Maltese islands. His favourite media are clearly ceramics and acrylics.

In his work, Camilleri tries to express his fascination with the natural world and in particular with the underwater sea forms, textures and colours.

A painting by Camilleri’s talented hand, whether it’s an abstract or a still-life of a mundane object, demonstrates a unique glowing quality, great tonal depth and durability which is akin to the effects a ceramist seeks to achieve with glazes and layers.


“An Improbable Toast”

by Donald Camilleri

Camilleri’s bettija’rt shows a deliberate composition of a number of distinguished personalities who have crossed the portal of time to enjoy a glass of wine together. 

The Grand Master is pompously pouring wine in anticipation of a memorable toast. On the other side of the barrel, a humble farmer proudly oversees his blossoming vineyard, contently sipping wine whilst taking a well-deserved rest. After all, the unlikely convention is only possible thanks to his hard work, care and dedication. 

The inspiration for “An Improbable Toast” comes from Delicata’s tradition of giving their wines a name with a Maltese connotation. The noble guests are in fact the physical personification of Delicata’s wine brands: Gran Cavalier, Pjazza Regina,  Grand Vin de Hauteville, Maltese Falcon and Medina.  Furthermore, the sprawling vines framing the noble guests are of the indigenous type which yield the Gellewza and Girgentina Frizzante.

The composition reminds us that wine is best enjoyed in the company of good friends but can also be relished alone. And, whereas the four historical personalities represent the enjoyment of wine in the past, the farmer stands for the present age. The historical figures are also reminiscent of famous art works. The pose of the queen derives from the Statue of Queen Victoria in Valletta, whilst the noble lady representing Medina is based on the Portrait of a Young Maltese Woman by Antoine de Favray. 

Who cares to join the unlikely party for a toast to friendship, wine, art and good living?

The ten artist finalists for this year’s 2019 Bettija’rt | wine.art.living are Joseph Barbara, Claire Attard Vella, David Xuereb, Caroline Said Lawrence, Carmel Bonello, Zack Ritchie, Francis Galea, Priscilla Gatt, Donald Camilleri and Sara Pace.

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