Retired teacher shapes up into skilled ceramicist

Retirement has opened a new chapter in Godfrey Xuereb's life and he now spends his free time moulding ceramics inspired by the island's rich cultural heritage.

After spending 36 years in teaching, 20 years of which as a secondary school headmaster, Mr Xuereb was scared that boredom would take over.

Always an active person, he was intent on battling a monotonous life so when he turned 61, he signed up for a three-year art course and started attending evening classes at Targa Gap.

Under the guidance of George Muscat, Mr Xuereb's passion flourished and today he is fast gaining a reputation as an established ceramicist on the island - having started from scratch seven years ago.

His work is currently on display at the Gallery Last Touch, Main Street, Mosta, at a mixed media exhibition, alongside three other artists - Jeanine Cauchi, Alexia Mercieca and Patrick Mifsud.

The exhibition, which runs until November 20, is being organised by Christine Calleja, who has such an admiration for art that she has started organising collective exhibitions to promote local talent.

Mr Xuereb, 68, has always taken an avid interest in art but his hectic job meant he could never pursue it seriously. A firm believer in holistic education, he would always push students who lacked academic excellence, yet had an artistic flair.

"This is an art where time is not measured. I've become addicted to clay and I try to do something every day. Luckily, I'm retired now and can dedicate more time," he enthused.

His blue eyes shine with excitement as he recounts the ritual of creating his art from clay. When he first started dabbling in it he never thought of exhibiting his work, but when he started receiving encouraging feedback he gave it a thought and in 2002 he held his first personal exhibition.

"Nature and the architecture of our historic buildings fascinate me, and I derive inspiration from traditional celebrations such as carnival with its multitude of colours," he said.

Mr Xuereb will be exhibiting his work alongside three young, up-and-coming artists. How does this feel?

"I've spent all my life with young people and I take it in my stride. It's great to see so much enthusiasm and potential in the new generation, just waiting to be tapped."