Thomas from Lazarus Tiles

For many locals, Thomas might need no introduction. You might have seen him at the theatre, in an ad, or heard his voice on the radio! We wanted to know more about his project Lazarus Tiles and what keeps him inspired. 

il-lokal: Hi Thomas, can you tell us about your creative background and how you started your creative journey?

Thomas: I’m an actor by profession, having studied and worked in London and Europe for ten years. I suppose that my love of storytelling led me to the stage and when back in Malta, to marketing. I found that our locally-made cement tiles have so many stories to tell but haven’t had many folks to tell them. Sure, there have been many artists who were inspired by the patterns and colours we’re so used to walking on, but it breaks my heart that so many of the tiles themselves are discarded during renovation and construction projects. We can do better. 

il-lokal: Your experience as a storyteller is inspiring, what’s your best piece of advice for someone who is just starting on their creative journey?

Thomas: Find your corner of the sky and aim for it. The sky really is the limit - we’re such wonderfully creative creatures and there are as yet so many undiscovered crafts and passions to be shared with the world. Be inspired by what’s out there and strive to do something that’s not been done yet. 

il-lokal: How would you describe your aesthetic?

Thomas: Maximalist to the max. I love a space that tells a story and since everyone is so unique, there’s no better story to tell than your own. 

il-lokal: Do you practice any rituals that help you maintain your creativity?

Thomas: With Lazarus Tiles, there’s a lot of hard graft that goes into removing and restoring the tiles from building sites and homes under renovation. It’s tough, but so rewarding when I discover new patterns or colour combinations. My little workshop’s my happy space though, I love getting my hands dirty.

il-lokal: Tell us about your workspace -  where do you create and what tools do you use regularly?

Thomas: It’s a very simple space, just a converted garage where I can roll up my sleeves, scrape the tiles clean and restore any that need a little more TLC. Once dry, they’re documented and archived, ready to be framed and rehomed. However, of every pattern and colour combination that I save, one will always go in the vault - my Noah’s Ark of single tiles. I don’t know what I’ll do with them, but they’re there.

il-lokal: What do you listen to while working?

Thomas: I’m so into podcasts right now, especially when they’re historical ones. My absolute favourites are A Short History Of and The Rest is History. 

il-lokal: Are there other creatives whose work/products you particularly love or admire?

Thomas: There are so many brilliant creatives out there who make the world a more beautiful place. I’ve got to shout out to Matt Demarco from MaltaType who has done so much for Maltese typographical awareness. He’s also great at bringing it into contemporary use, ensuring that it’s a living art. Shout out to Karolina too! She’s great for having brought together so many super creatives under one roof at il-lokal. 

il-lokal: What are you working on right now? Do you have any exciting things in progress that you’d like to share?

Thomas: I’m very excited to be renovating a beautiful old store in Valletta which I’m hoping to open soon. It’ll be the home of Lazarus Tiles (though you’ll still be able to find some beauts at il-lokal, of course!) as well as some other beautiful objects made locally.