The filigree artist
- Kevin set up his workshop almost two decades ago
- His filigree creations are exhibited in private museums
- A silver filigree ring was his first ever creation
Kevin Attard began to show an interest in crafts from a young age, while he was working in his father’s workshop mending jewellery. He trained in the craftsmanship of filigree, and before setting up his own workshop, he worked in one of the leading jewellery shops in Valletta. Since launching as a freelance craftsman, he has focused on creating innovative and modern filigree while preserving traditional Maltese filigree techniques, meticulously crafting everything from jewellery to abstract sculptures. Passionate about sharing his experience with future generations of filigree artists, he regularly runs lessons and lectures in Malta’s leading educational institutions and trains apprentices, to ensure this traditional craft is nurtured and preserved.
INTERVIEW
I distinctly remember the moment. I was 15 years old, and my father complimented me by saying "Kevin, when he does something, he does it well or he doesn’t do it at all." That set everything in motion.
I use the traditional Maltese technique of filigree making but infuse it with my own unique twist. Instead of complying with the age-old filigree designs, I create more unusual ones and seek to find a balance between being daring and innovative, all while creating something that the general public can find interesting.
In 2012, when I won first prize for creativity and innovation in a competition organised by the Malta Crafts Council. I created a life-size, silver filigree violin that took me a year to complete.
I wouldn’t say so, however a metamorphosis is definitely happening, which means the jewellery maker of today has the possibility of working with modern tools, such as 3D machines. I still work with the very old tools, such as the burner and hammer.
