Marvellous MALTA!... Inspirations Catalogue

MALTA.. a bizarre combination of art, culture, history and nature.. leaves you wanting for more for experiences totally different from each other.An island small only in size, not in its identity, made me connect to its deep roots, as I looked for my design inspiration. A nation known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans,Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and British. Famous for numerous fortresses, megalithic temples and the Hypogeum.Comino and Blue Lagoon lived upto the reputation of being a picturesque getaway into the clean blue waters and rugged landscapes. Fresh blue filled my eyes and mind as I looked across the really clean and blue vastness.I was quickly transported back in time as I arrived within next one hour to Victoria in Gozo. Witnessing Citadella, an old fort city ignited my inspiration as I couldn’t stop myself from imagining how people looked and things worked back then. The stone laid small lanes between old houses, majestic fort that views the landscape as beautiful as sunset in the sky full of orange, pink and blue, all painted the imagery of its culture and aesthetics.Moving to Valletta, one of the richest cities in Europe and the elegant capital of Malta, walking in the lively market streets, I bargained for beautiful local maltese clothes. Vibrant, stylish and practical, I see style and comfort go hand in hand as animated Maltese fill the pub streets with incessant chatter.My eyes couldn’t get enough of the view from the Upper Barraka gardens where the 3 cities look at you across the waters. Many movies from Troy to Da Vinci Code to several others have been shot here and I completely understood why. The aesthetics of the place make you feel you are in old and new Europe at the same time.Passing by numerous beaches (like Gadhira bay) and Dingli cliffs, I felt the easiness with which beautifully erratic landscape merges with Mediterranean sea.I was amazed by the the majestic dome of Rotunda Church in Mosta and the miracle story of a bomb that landed in the church during WWII and did not harm even a single soul.Just when I thought I couldn’t get more excitement in a day, Blue Grotto surprised me pleasantly with its raw sea caves and a spectacular view that looked like from another world.  Sunlight passing through underwater cave and shining through the sea water, creates a blue and emerald reflection that illuminates the cavern. Being in the sea caves was an experience that takes you closer to nature’s mystical magic. This architectural texture and aesthetic will inspire me to design for sure.Another quiet fish village of Marsaxlokk with cute boats scattered on the harbour and fresh sea food left me comforted before I moving to the party beach of St, Julian’s that was a bit like being in LA. And I haven’t even mentioned the enchanting Mdina yet, the fortified city full of beautiful Baroque buildings, gorgeous doors, ornate street lamps and former Maltese capital touching Rabat. Its called Silent City just because.. well they say its haunted!Sliema, Mellieha.. the list of places and experiences is long and diverse but the time is short and come to an end. One hell of a roller coaster, with experience so rich and different from each other, I already want to go to Malta again just to soak it all!My design inspiration:Baroque Architecture: Baroque meaning Imperfect Pearl, a mindset of show and drama

• Complicated Shapes
• Extreme ornamentation, often gilded with gold
• Large elliptical forms, with curved lines
• High domes
• Decorative paintings
• Interest in light and shadow
• Decorative sculptures