MOSAIC ARTIST - ANNE ALLEN

Anne describes always being drawn to mosaic art, though it wasn’t until retirement that she fully immersed herself in the medium. Beginning with stained glass and glazed porcelain in local classes, she gradually expanded her materials, techniques and confidence before eventually establishing her own studio practice.

Her work now spans a remarkable range of approaches from softly atmospheric landscapes to highly textural mixed-media relief works that incorporate rusted metal, shell, slate and ceramics.

One of Anne’s greatest joys is the relationship that forms between artist and artwork as a piece slowly evolves.

“I love to be in my studio with the exciting prospect of a new piece forming in my mind.”

Nature remains a constant source of inspiration throughout Anne’s portfolio. Forests, coastlines, feathers, leaves and organic movement appear repeatedly in her work, often rendered through flowing andamento and carefully balanced colour palettes.

Yet her mosaics are not simply decorative reflections of the landscape. Many carry subtle emotional or environmental undertones — acknowledging both beauty and vulnerability within the natural world.

Anne is equally inspired by the work of fellow mosaic artists and speaks passionately about learning through observation — studying how others use colour, shape and tesserae placement to communicate emotion and narrative.

She particularly loves working with smalti for its vibrancy, texture and expressive potential. Her practice also embraces experimentation, combining traditional mosaic approaches with mixed media and sculptural elements. Glass, china, metals, ceramics, fabrics, marble, shell and stone all find their way into her work depending on the story being told.

“I love how smalti creates amazing texture and vibrancy.”

Vivid, Anne Allen, 2024

A recent trip to Italy became a particularly meaningful chapter in Anne’s artistic journey. There, she had the opportunity to study with internationally respected mosaic artists including Dino Maccini, Mia Tavonatti and Romuald Mesdagh.

Experiencing these artists within their own studios and creative environments left a lasting impression and further deepened her passion for the medium.

Anne also speaks warmly about the mosaic community itself — the generosity of artists, the continual learning and the inspiration that comes from seeing the extraordinary diversity of approaches within contemporary mosaic practice.

“Learning from such amazing artists in their studios surrounded by their art was incredibly inspiring.”

One of the most moving discoveries in Anne’s mosaic journey has been her growing appreciation for ancient mosaics. Through studying historical works, she has developed a strong sense of connection to the artisans who created them. Looking closely at an ancient mosaic, she doesn’t just see an image. She imagines the individual who selected, shaped and placed each tessera centuries ago. This awareness creates a powerful sense of continuity between makers across time and deepens her appreciation for the mosaic process itself.

“For each little piece there would have been one person who found that piece and put it in there.”

Seascape, Anne Allen

Ménage, Anne Allen, 2025

Judges Choice, Piece by Piece, SA Mosaics Exhibition

Smalti pizza, notes, hammer and hardie all organised in the studio.

Organisation of tools and materials is key to a smooth workflow for Anne.