The third degree with James Vella Clark

Artistic ever since he was a small boy, James Vella Clark would use his copy book as canvas when meant to be doing his maths homework. James was one of the lucky ones, in that his parents were always supportive and immediately recognised his flare for art. And so it was off with lessons at the School of Art in Valletta. James’s late teenage years were spent painting Madonnas on huge flags for festa fanatics. Then, slowly slowly, his interest dwindled a bit as music and bands took over. It was only when James got married three years ago that he found himself painting again, transforming one of the larger bedrooms into his own studio. Since that day there was no looking back. Vella Clark says that he owes a lot of his style to artist Pawl Carbonaro and feels himself inspired from all his surroundings, starting with the blank canvas and on to all the countries he has ever visited. Football fans will also be familiar with Vella Clark on the pitch, where he acts as international assistant referee. Vella Clark is married to Julie and has a son called Daniel.

If you were a food, what would you be?

A piece of brown chocolate ‘cos that’s something almost everyone loves.

Someone hands you Lm10,000. What would you spend it on?

Well, I won’t invest it for sure!!! I’ll think of a nice way to give the news to my wife. Then, she’d most probably want to use some of it to buy lots and lots of clothes cause she LOVES clothes. From my end, I’d buy a new guitar, we’d probably opt for a nice family holiday or else, we’d pay off the small remaining part of our loan and use the remaining amount as a down payment for a new car….if something is actually left! But I’d surely want to give some money to charity.

If you wanted to impress a lover, what would you do?

I’d take her to the Theatre, surprise her with a bouquet of white roses in the box and then, out to dine.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered as an artist and as a jolly good fellow.

What’s the worst insult one can throw at you?

Well. Go and tell that to my big number of fans at the stadium… I recall my first insult at my first match… I think my mother was involved and that hurt a lot… but today, the worst insult would come from the least person I’d expect it from – a friend or a work colleague – the worst insults would be not being given credit for my achievements, unkept promises and told that I’m not needed.

How would you describe yourself?

I am very passionate in the things I like doing most and I try to delay things I absolutely don’t want to do. However, I hate taking difficult decisions but when I do take them, I’m on top of the world. I’m very nervous. Deep down I am also very religious and I have a very guilty conscience… the list is almost endless.

Which movie or song best describes your life?

U2’s "Still haven’t Found what I’m looking for" – I think in life you never stop searching for the ideal.

Are you a coffee or a tea drinker?

Coffee maniac, addict, fan, devotee I’d say... so give me coffee any day.

What’s been the highlight of your career/life?

Many highlights in my life… when I met my wife and when I saw my son being born. In my career, when I sold my first painting and my first exhibition two years ago.

How old do you feel?

Sixteen.

What’s your best pick-up line?

Never had one. Used to stay thinking about one but by the time I’d found it, then it was too late!

What are you like when you’re drunk?

Well, almost drunk… I confess that I’ve never actually got drunk. But when I’m tipsy I start behaving really funny – no words can describe it.

Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?

I try to be an extrovert but deep down, I’m an introvert and I’m proud of that.

Live long or live fast?

Live not exist – I try and make the utmost of my life.

Tell us a recent dream

It was during a football game. I was an assistant referee and this match was really pathetic so I grabbed the ball, ran down towards the post and scored a goal for the losing team. Then I ended up being disciplined for unsporting behaviour - wasting time!!

If money were no option, what would you be doing?

Spending time with my family, painting and playing in a band.

What’s the most bizarre thing you have ever eaten?

Fried bananas in Thailand

Are you good at keeping secrets?

Yes but not from my wife.

If you had a time machine where would you go?

That’s one of my biggest wishes actually – time traveling. I’d go at the time when Jesus was born and get him to Malta, I’d go at the time of the knights because that’s a really fascinating period and I’d go just before Elvis turned fifteen and play his songs myself!

If you could be a fictional/real character, who would you be?

A knight.

Do you believe in the supernatural?

No. But I believe that in life, there’s always an element of luck.

You’re stuck in an elevator with strangers: what do you do?

Jump off.

Are you a workaholic?

No. I try and do my job as best I can and that’s it.

What are you most afraid of?

Losing my family and my eyesight.

Would you quit a job without having another one lined up?

If I REALLY can’t take it anymore… I think so… Yes

Interview by Ramona Depares