![[caption id="attachment_23920" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Gaudi Inspired Commission[/caption]
I took early retirement after 30+ years as a primary school teacher where one of my roles was invariably art co-ordinator - I have always had a bit of an arty streak!
I became interested in mosaics when my head teacher asked me to make one for the school with some lovely tiles which had been donated. Having only ever made mosaic patterns using paper squares in the classroom, the task of proper mosaicking was rather daunting. However after a lot of thought, problem solving and help from some children, a lovely mosaic was conceived and produced which still hangs outside the school. That was in 2006.
Since leaving teaching I still find the whole process of designing, sorting, gluing, grouting, cleaning and finishing a piece to be extremely therapeutic, rewarding and addictive. I now have my own "studio", attend regular craft fairs and take on big and small commissions.
My inspiration comes from where I am "at the moment". My fish and all things seaside happened after a trip to Southwold. The birds and flowers came after a walk through our local bluebell woods. I love scouting around charity shops and vintage markets - always on the lookout for that something special I can use! Quirky glass beads are a favourite find.
[caption id="attachment_25682" align="aligncenter" width="519"] Warkworth Castle, Northumberland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6074" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Beach Huts[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_7514" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Mosaic Letters[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_23922" align="alignright" width="256"] Water Lilies[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_21757" align="alignleft" width="389"] Feature Window Commission[/caption]](https://paos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Alison-Parry-125-779x600.jpg)
I took early retirement after 30+ years as a primary school teacher where one of my roles was invariably art More
![I am a mosaic and textile artist working in Peterborough. In mosaics I use hand cut patterned, plain and mirrored glass with recycled ceramics. I create panels for indoors or outdoors, mirrors, vases and hangings.
I just love experimenting with colour and its interactions in my mosaic and textile work and both feed off each other. In 2002 I did a 5 day intensive mosaic course under the tuition of Luciana Notturni at www.mosaicschool.com in Ravenna Italy. Although based on traditional methods it gave me confidence to experiment and find my own style. I love mixing glass with old ceramics, anything really that makes a piece cohesive. With textiles I layer silks and sheers and create new surfaces which I then free machine stitch.
[caption id="attachment_25012" align="aligncenter" width="242"] Layered silks and sheers machine embroidered with added hand embroidery.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_25199" align="aligncenter" width="300"] work-in-progress[/caption]](https://paos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Kay-Hall-Recycled-583x600.jpg)
I am a mosaic and textile artist working in Peterborough. In mosaics I use hand cut patterned, plain and mirrored More
