See the World Cup mosaic created by Lancashire artist told he 'wasn’t good enough’ at GCSE

Self-taught mosaic artist David O’Brien, who was discouraged from taking GCSE art, has defied the odds to secure the role of international artist in residence for a global technology company.

With his studio based in Bickerstaffe, David’s appointment with Kaseya, a leading global provider of IT management solutions, comes as he prepares to showcase his unique mosaic work at a trio of the UK’s most exclusive automotive events this summer.

One of his recent pieces is a mosaix replica of the World Cup football.

Having possessed a natural interest in art while growing up, David was always intrigued by the idea of exploring the craft further, but was told not to pursue the subject at GCSE because he ‘was not very good at it’.

Now, nearly 40 years later, after careers in surveying, banking and publishing, he has started travelling the world with Kaseya as its international artist in residence, having made a name for himself as a modern mosaic artist who redefines the boundaries between fine art, luxury design and automotive culture.

F1 legends, Savile Row and Mayfair

David’s meticulous craftsmanship was first spotted by the global software corporation at the 2023 Concours on Savile Row, Mayfair, which is attended by celebrity car owners, F1 legends and fashion icons, when he was exhibiting his Michael Schumacher race helmet sculptures and Ferrari artwork.

Since his appointment, David has travelled to Dublin, Miami and Las Vegas to exhibit and ‘live make’ mosaic artwork at Kaseya Connect conferences. During his trip to Miami in October 2025, he also had the opportunity to go centre court during a Miami HEAT NBA basketball game at the Kaseya Center.

David said: “I never thought when I finally decided to make my first flat piece mosaic 10 years ago that I would be where I am today, especially as I’ve had no official training in the art form and have learnt everything by watching tutorials on YouTube and very much embracing trial and error! Despite being told at 14 years old that I ‘wasn’t good enough’ at art, I’ve always believed I could do it, and my appointment as Kaseya’s international artist in residence has only cemented this further.

“Mosaic art carries real weight, with a depth and history to it. There is something incredibly satisfying about taking one of the world’s oldest art forms and watching it collide with the cutting edge of modern technology. I’m grateful to Kaseya and its vice president of EMEA business development, Greg Jones, for giving me this opportunity to bring my work to a global audience.”

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In May, David took over the gallery at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall, London, for a rare solo exhibition where he showcased a range of his flat and 3D motorsport-inspired mosaics.

This exhibition is just the start of a pivotal chapter for David, as he prepares for a trio of exhibitions this summer, starting with London Concours in early June, before heading back to where it started at Silverstone in July for the British Grand Prix, and culminating at Shelsley Walsh, where legendary commentator Murray Walker made his broadcasting debut.