The Magic of Mosaic Fishponds: A Journey Through Artistic Waters

Introduction

The art of mosaic has long been a medium for expressing intricate designs and vivid scenes, but few applications of this timeless craft captivate the imagination quite like mosaic fishponds. From their initial conception to the final breathtaking result, these aquatic-themed mosaics blend nature with art in a way that transcends traditional boundaries. In this article, we explore the evolution and impact of mosaic fishponds, inspired by a project commissioned by the London Borough of Croydon in 1996.

The Blank Canvas Challenge

The original fishpond design produced for the London Borough of Croydon. Gary Drostle©1996

In 1996, the London Borough of Croydon commissioned a small two-meter diameter mosaic with an open-ended brief: “Do what you think will be best.” This seemingly simple request posed one of the most challenging tasks for the artists, as they had to start with a blank canvas. The resulting trompe l’oeil mosaic fishpond design not only fulfilled the brief but also set off a long journey of depicting ponds in mosaic.

Capturing the Essence of Water

Square pond, Finchley, London designed by Gary Drostle

Creating a floor mosaic that represents the surface of water is a unique challenge. Water is a complex surface, continuously moving and changing, sometimes opaque and sometimes transparent. It reflects, distorts, casts shadows, and changes color. Capturing this complexity in the static medium of mosaic offers great freedom and creative interpretation for the mosaic artist. The success of the Croydon Fishpond Mosaic was a pleasant surprise, quickly winning awards and gaining widespread recognition.

The Pivotal Southampton East Park Commission

Wellingborough Wells Mosaic designed by Rob Turner
Mosaic made by Gary Drostle and Rob Turner, designed by Caroline Ishgar.

In 2000, a significant project for Southampton East Park took the concept of mosaic fishponds to new heights. Commissioned by Landscape Design Associates and inspired by printmaker Caroline Ishgar, this nine-meter diameter mosaic pushed the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in mosaic art. The design’s complexity required the artists to expand their techniques and understanding, resulting in a surface that came to life in unprecedented ways.

Back to Nature: Private Garden Commissions

Deep Pond mosaic by Gary Drostle
Koi pond mosaic for Carterton Town Square, Oxfordshire by Gary Drostle
Reflections on the Rhynes – Mosaic triptych for Weston-super-Mare by Gary Drostle

A small private commission for a garden mosaic allowed for further exploration of water themes in mosaic. This time, the artist drew inspiration directly from nature, sketching and painting real koi ponds. The groundwork laid by these studies enabled the creation of a new design that emphasized the movement of water, leading to more dynamic and lifelike mosaics.

Combining Elements in Carterton Town Council Project

Heron reflection mosaic for Weston-super-Mare

The next significant step in the evolution of mosaic fishponds was a commission from Carterton Town Council in Oxfordshire. This project combined the surface movement of previous works with the shadows and depth introduced in the original Croydon mosaic. The result was a rich, textured mosaic that captured the essence of water in motion.

The Rhynes of Weston-super-Mare

Reflections on the Rhynes – Mosaic triptych for Weston-super-Mare by Gary Drostle

A major commission in 2009 for Weston-super-Mare presented a new challenge: how to represent birds in a floor mosaic. The answer was found in the local canals, known as rhynes, which drain the Somerset levels. The reflected surfaces of these rhynes provided a way to incorporate birds and plants, adding a new dimension to the mosaic fishponds.

Allegory of Life: The University of Iowa Project

The River of Life mosaic by Gary Drostle, commissioned for the University of Iowa

The portrayal of water in mosaic took a symbolic turn with a commission for the University of Iowa. This time, water was used as an allegory of life, with each course of tesserae representing a lifeline. The lines flowed through a symbolic landscape of Native American, Amish, and local basket-weaving patterns, creating a mosaic that celebrated a life in balance with nature.

A Continuing Exploration

Rockpool with seagulls mosaic by Gary Drostle
Work in progress in the studio, Tidepool mosaic by Gary Drostle

There is still much to explore in the realm of water-themed mosaics. Each new commission opens up new challenges and ideas, fueling the artist’s passion for creating the surface of water in mosaic. Future projects include creating a trompe l’oeil bottom for a swimming pool and designing a waterfall mosaic for a wall. Currently, the artist is working on a tide pool mosaic for a children’s hospital, where the trail of mosaics will act as a discovery exploration for the children, highlighting hidden plants and animals of the seashore.

Conclusion

This 2019 interior fishpond mosaic features a mosaic waterfall and water up jets and central drain for this uniques wet room.

The journey of creating mosaic fishponds is one of continuous discovery and innovation. From the initial Croydon project to the diverse and complex commissions that followed, each step has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in mosaic art. The magic of these mosaics lies in their ability to capture the essence of water and bring it to life in a way that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.


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Design, Art & Architecture

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