The spiral, a recurring motif in the ancient temple carvings of Malta, has long been recognized as a symbol of eternity, regeneration, and the continuity of life. For me, these ancient spirals are not merely decorative—they are visual metaphors for interconnectedness, echoing the unbroken lines of ancestry, memory, and belonging that stretch across time and space.
I draw on the spiral’s universal resonance to explore the journeys and bonds of Maltese diasporic communities. Just as the spiral expands outward from a single point, so too have Maltese families radiated from their island home, forming vibrant communities in
nearly every corner of the world. Each turn of the spiral represents a new generation, a new story, and a new connection—yet all remain linked to the same origin.
The swirls carved into Malta’s ancient stones remind us that migration is not a rupture, but a process of unfolding. The diaspora is a living spiral: Maltese people have settled in over 190 countries, carrying traditions, language, and culture that continue to evolve
and intertwine. Despite the distances, the lines of connection remain unbroken, looping back through family ties, shared rituals, and collective memory.
As a second-generation Maltese Canadian, my sense of identity is shaped by inherited tradition and personal experience. In this work, I have incorporated motifs that hold special meaning for me—gilding and metalwork inspired by Catholic imagery, echoing
the ornate processional objects and sacred spaces of my childhood, and modernist patterns from my grandmother’s CorningWare, a symbol of comfort, resilience, and the everyday beauty of immigrant life. These elements are woven into the spirals and swirls,
layering the ancient with the contemporary, the sacred with the domestic.
By blending motifs from Malta’s deep past with those significant in my family’s immigrant context, and drawing inspiration from contemporary celebrations of Maltese identity, I invite viewers to reflect on how heritage, faith, and memory spiral through our lives, shaping who we are and how we connect to one another.
(2025)
