ALISON RUSSELL comes from a family tradition of silhouette cutting. Her American grandmother, Mary-Lou Russell, taught her to cut while she was still a child and Alison’s work still shows Mary-Lou’s influence to this day. Her silhouettes are larger than mine, full of character, and extraordinarily accurate.
A Family Tradition
Alison’s grandmother, Mary-Lou Russell (1928–2009) was an established painter and silhouettist for more than fifty years, and a friend of the well-known English silhouettist Hubert Leslie. When Alison cut her first silhouette, aged just eight, it was a huge surprise. Later, she observed Mary-Lou’s technique and developed her skill by practising on friends and family.
I met Alison in 2001, soon after she arrived in the UK, and have been an admirer of her work ever since. Her style is deeply rooted in the American tradition of silhouette cutting — but where that tradition can sometimes favour decoration over likeness, Alison’s work does both. Each silhouette is spot on: stylistically distinctive, yet a convincing portrait of the person in front of her. She is always my first recommendation when I’m not available myself.
Skilled in all things paper, Alison is also an accomplished origami artist. After gaining her BA in Illustration she began her career as a freelance silhouettist. She has also studied graphics, jewellery design and mosaic, and enjoys working at weddings and company fun days. She is based in London, conveniently placed for events anywhere in and around the capital and the south of England.
Alison & Charles are such lovely people & so talented. My family of 4 got our silhouettes cut in a matter of minutes at a wedding. Absolutely amazing!
Alison Russell: artist statement
I make my living by cutting profile portraits live at parties and events. They are quick to produce and leave guests with a highly personal memento of a special occasion. Guests can hardly believe it’s possible to cut their silhouette right then and there — perhaps because we are so accustomed to having everything produced using digital technology. It makes hand-crafted experiences all the more novel and precious. Long live handmade silhouettes!
Alison Russell
Booking Alison
Alison works regularly with the Roving Artist team at larger events. To enquire about her availability for your event, please get in touch.
