Earlier this year, students were invited by the China Cultural Centre in Malta to participate in the Fourth China Art Competition, an event that was to be held under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Employment and the Chinese Embassy in Malta. The chosen theme, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries was: A Better Future for Sino-Maltese Relations. Art Teachers were asked to encourage students to participate and one of our students, Jonathan Zammit (Form 3 Charity), took up the challenge.

The brief for this competition was that the students were expected to express their knowledge, understanding and good wishes on Sino-Maltese friendship with their talent and imagination through their pens, pencils and brushes..

We are today happy to report that among the many entries that were submitted for this competition, Jonathan Zammit (Form 3C) placed second. Jonathan received his much deserved diploma and gift during a special ceremony that was attended by a number of distinguished guests.

Coincidence or?

It happened that about two months ago, we also launched an art competition among our students who wished to submit a drawing or painting to feature as front cover for next year's school dairy. Out of about fifteen entries, the panel judged Jonathan's painting as best. This is what Jonathan wrote to accompany his piece of art:

Theme: The New Beginning

Reflection: As we grow we are like a butterfly different and beautiful in our own way.

Wax Engraving (Scraperboard Technique)

First I investigated first-hand, some leaves and recorded my investigations in plant drawings. I used these sketches to make an artistic composition with leaves and butterflies. I sketched the butterflies using secondary sources. When I was happy with the composition I prepared the ground so that I will make an engraving using the scraperboard technique.

Therefore I used wax crayons to cover the ground in colourful patches of wax colours, without leaving any paper showing. When all the surface of the paper was thoroughly covered with wax colours, I applied black acrylic paint (thinly) all over the surface covering the wax colours. I left this prepared ground to dry.

When the ground was dry, I transferred the design composition onto the now black ground. Using a 3B pencil I covered the back of the composition throughout so as to use it as a carbon paper. After I transferred the Design onto the black ground I started to scratch the black acrylic surface with a hard point (a blunt needle, metal nail, scraperboard cutters, paperclip), revealing the wax colours underneath. While doing this I had to use my knowledge and understanding by creating a balanced dark / light composition using the cross hatching shading technique.

We believe that Jonathan is a very talented humble adolescent who has a very promising future in many different fields of study, sports and artistic qualities. Keep it up Jonathan.