Gary Drostle

Mosaic maker

©Warren King Photography

©Gary Drostle

Award-winning architectural mosaics

Gary designs, fabricates and installs site-specific mosaics
He is skilled in the paper-face reverse technique of mosaic making
He is inspired by history and the invisible stories of each site

For 30 years, Gary Drostle has specialised in making large-scale mosaic artworks, on commission. With each piece he tries to combine the clients’ wishes with a sense of place, and each work is designed to harmonise with and reflect the specific site. “I look at all aspects of the site” he explains. “The architecture, the landscape, the history and heritage of the location and of course the client themselves. In this way each work is specifically connected to the location where it is sited. Moreover my designs are heavily influenced by my own experience as a craftsman and artist based in London from a working class neighbourhood, where I still live. I think the nature of London as a world city, a melting pot of cultures from around the world and my interest in the history of working people all feeds into my designs.”

Interview

©Peabody

©Gary Drostle

Why did you choose this craft?: I have always been dedicated to creating works in the public realm. Though I initially trained as a mural painter, I realised that mosaic offered a more permanent and durable medium. My first work was a vitreous glass wall mosaic for a pedestrian underpass.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: Tradition is expressed through respect of the classical and historic laying techniques of mosaic making. Innovation is expressed through unique and innovative design, including an openness to modern techniques and materials.
What does well made mean to you?: For me, well made means that the way the mosaic is put together demonstrates the highest craft values: the creativity and interpretation of the design, the quality of the cutting and placing of the tesserae to create flow and harmony, the solidness of the installation.
Do you train apprentices?: I have trained a number of apprentices over the years, one of whom has been my studio assistant for over 15 years now. I also teach and lecture, including at The Chicago Mosaic School, Kings College London, The Society of American Mosaic Artists and the British Association for Modern Mosaic.

Gary Drostle is a master artisan: he began his career in 1987 and he started teaching in 2010