Malta's contemporary craft scene is all about hobbyists becoming little entrepreneurs
Malta Inside Out went to Patches Artisan Market in Valletta yesterday. It was the perfect antidote to a cold, wet, blustery Sunday morning in spring. Patches, now in its 5th edition, is the brainchild of Denise Scicluna, and co-helper print and web designer Jimmy Grima. A year or so back, Denise thought that crafts people like her needed a bit more of a showcase for their wares. Quiet, passionate hobbyists and budding entrepreneurs in the creative field generally can’t afford shop units and don’t have the funds for much marketing. Patches gives them a chance to stand up and be counted, and appreciated. Judging by the crowds there when it opened at 10.30, it’s become a calendar event.
It’s been held so far in Valletta – winter months in the 19th century undercover market in Merchant’s Street; in summer, you’ll find it in Upper Barrakka Gardens. Patches has caught the imagination and is also spawning business ideas. Several stall holders today were there having gained inspiration from previous Patches to try their hand at making a hobby into little earner.
The founding duo also want to make sure Patches isn’t only about home-baked goodies and jewelry, which were well represented this time, and all selling well. Jimmy says that it’s still evolving and that future Patches might include more from the arts’ scene like amateur film makers; so expect some installations or entertainment perhaps. No doubt the next Patches, probably in June, will have more to draw the crowds. It’s heartening to see Malta’s crafts forging ahead and being about more than just traditional filigree, pottery, lace and glass. We hope some small businesses do get going on the back of it.
This short clip will give you a feel for the atmosphere and crafts on sale today.
More on Patches, on Facebook and its website.
Photo: left to right: Bagging Cakes; The Glorious Greens; and Soap Cafe.
I agree totally that filigree is an artisan form, a fine craft in fact, but the point made with the title here was that don’t expect filigree – this is far more homespun craftwares for sale at Patches – all very pro made I have to add. And the whole Patches initiative is to be lauded as crafts and artisanship in Malta has been very much associated with touristy coach trips to Ta’ Qali – so at last, the kind of street market feel to crafts that you get in many cities in Europe and the States. It was in no way meant to denigrate the art of filigree; in fact, I know an ace jewelry designer doing some amazing things incorporating filigree into her contemporary work. I will leave the article title as one can take it both ways – the way you did Vilhemina, and also as a way of pointing out that this is, as you say, far more a cupcake event in some ways. I am sure filigree will feature at Patches – do bear in mind that this post was put up over two years ago so is legacy content, and things have changed on the islands among filigree makers and Patches crafts too. Thanks for your comment though; very valid.
I agree that filigree does not fit next to a hobbyist cup cake baker. Because any of the existing few filigree makers has something much more to show rather than sugarcoated cupcakes, a wonderful workmanship of a whole life.
I think the title of this article was chosen a bit badly. It might draw attention; it might show the point of Patches, but definitely offenses those working on filigree.
Obviously those who are still working they are the bests in trade and they are creative enough and they have “pure business and common sense” enough, otherwise they could have not survived. Not just survived, they make life out of it. They are not hobbyist, they are really matured craftsmen. So I don’t think it is fair simply to close them out from a handicraft market, if it happens that they would like to participate.
And it is also not right to say that they have old fashioned, out dated items. Maybe they are not experimenting with other materials, but still they are continuously creating new items. I should mention Kevin`s amazing, artistic, modern jewelries. Gaetano with his latest, chick rings and the mini stud’s earrings. Mr. Mizzi, who is the oldest among others, but he is still creating new designs which goes really well. But thank God they all have their own channels to sell.
In my eyes they all do an amazing job. If they were not existing or not working hard, part of the Maltese culture and identity completely could have been disappeared. …anyway the title of the article does not sound well.
Liliana,
I think the point being made is that at long last, we’re seeing new forms of Malta’s artisinal ability being demonstrated. There is nothing wrong with filigree – indeed, we know a very inventive, young and pioneering jewellery designer who is using the ur-alt filigree techniques to produce some stunning work. But, for years, until recent times, we’re seen the same typical work coming out from Malta’s artisans. A visit to MCAST will show just how much new creative talent is being fostered on the islands. Filigree is fine, old designs too, but at long last, some artisans are surprising us by adapting new techniques and reworking old traditions; now, that is what I’d call creativity. We don’t denigrate the skills that go into the old designs, but marrying new design and thinking with old skills and traditions will see these types of craft live on. That is pure common sense, and business sense. And a celebration of the contemporary ability and creativity that is alive in Malta.
shame on you all……..is this some kind of Conspiracy to destroy whatever is left of our heritage? I say again shame on you all and much worse who is permitting these things to happen
Hi Denise,I am Doris,I got to know about you from an art and craft shop at Mosta.I make candles nothing you find on the market in Malta.Please check my website.I am interested in taking part in those exhabitions or open days.Can we get in contact so we discuss ? My number is 99854081.Thanks
Regards
Doris