Traditional techniques for modern tiles
- As a child, Ivan collected tiles from houses in ruins
- His craft allows him to create countless custom motifs
- He is always after inspiration and new methods
Growing up in Alicante, surrounded by cement tiles, Iván Alvarado was fond of collecting tiles from a young age. Design runs in the family and Iván was drawn to the world of interior design before deciding to focus on the graphic possibilities that hydraulic tiles presented. He founded Mosaista in 2002, bringing up to date a craft with a long history by making contemporary hydraulic tiles, sometimes with terrazzo to create a more avant-garde effect. Since then, the manufacturer has restored pavements of the past, with a renewed vision and energy to adapt for the future. In his creative process, Iván is always eager to explore new grounds, adapting to the raw materials of the present.
Interview
- When did you actually start?
- The workshop and the showroom opened in 2002. The idea was to renew the material with a contemporary technique and approach, inviting artists from different disciplines to collaborate making innovative designs. "Artistas por los suelos" was my first project.
- How is your craft linked to your home?
- It is linked to the Mediterranean region, and was the trademark of countless interiors and architects as renowned as Gaudí and Montaner. Hydraulic tiles date back to 1867 when they were presented at a fair in the south of France as a new semi-industrial production system.
- Can you tell us a memorable moment of your career?
- Without doubt the establishment of Mosaista – all the dreams and desires that we funnelled into the business, all the planning and preparation. Everything went so well and our hard work paid off. Since we opened, every project, such as “The Little Spain” market in New York – in which floors and walls are covered in tiles – proudly bare our stamp of identity.
- Is there something you wish people knew?
- People usually don’t know what it costs and the value of the craft, unfortunately this devalues the price of the work and the value of our creative work. However, new trends are beginning and interest in this type of craft – linked to design – is growing.
Iván Alvarado is a master artisan: he began his career in 2002 and he started teaching in 2010
Where
Iván Alvarado
