Gabriele Rovai was born in 1941 in Pietrasanta (Lucca). Here he began his studies, continued in Carrara, Boston and Florence. In 1963 he get a "diploma" in Sculpture in the Accademia delle Belle Arti of Florence.
In 1972 he get his "diploma" as a Painter in the Accademia di Belle Arti of Carrara. His specific background in the marble working craftmanship was born in the Family's workshop, the firm "Santoli e Rovai".
In 30 years he teaches "figura Modellata" in the Liceo Artisitico, "Incisione" in the Accademia di Belle Arti and "Discipline Plastiche" in the Liceo Artistico. His primary job remains sculpture. He lives and works in Pietrasanta, in via Crocialetto.