Alison learned how to cut silhouette portraits from her grandmother, Mary-Lou Russell (1928-2009) an established painter and silhouette artist herself for more than 50 years. Alison cut her first silhouette aged eight. She keenly observed her grandmother’s expert technique and was encouraged to develop the skill by practising on friends and family.

After gaining her Bachelor of Arts Degree in illustration Alison began to carve out a career as a freelance silhouette artist cutting at all kinds of events from weddings, anniversaries and birthday parties to charity balls, trade fairs, festivals and corporate functions. She also carries out commissions for more intricate illustrative pieces and family portrait scenes (including pets!).

Check out Alison’s website to see more of her work.