"RED HEAD" Installation

Shirley Rodgers - Information Although my professional background is in education I have spent all my life with art in one form or another. Seven years ago I gave up my career in headship to pursue a dream not deemed "˜appropriate' when I left school in 1968. During this time I have worked for private and corporate clients, producing commissioned artwork and logos, in an educational setting with primary aged children, whilst working mainly on individual mosaics in my home studio. My inspiration came initially from Ancient Rome, but I am also heavily influenced by Antonio Gaudi, and fell in love with the freedom of his furniture, architecture and mosaic work. From studying his work my imagination took hold and inspiration now comes from many places and directions. I started mosaic work using ceramic tiles, but now mainly work in stained glass which I cut and prepare myself. I tumble some to remove the sharp edges and shine, others I leave. Glass is a beautiful medium to work with. I mainly use the direct method of fixing my mosaics. I work by producing an outline from a sketch/drawing and then fill in free hand using Opus Palladianum, although I have moved to include a loose form of Opus Tessellatum. I have also produced work employing the same method as stained glass artists, inasmuch as I cut glass into specific shapes, as with the "˜glass table' and "˜art deco table', now on my website. I continue to develop my work to include home and garden design, linking and extending naturally indoor and outdoor living spaces, combine mosaic work into 'garden art' - to enhance areas in the garden with exclusive and unique works of outdoor art. I apply my designs to natural mediums such as wood, rock, brick. I am also exploring mosaic sculptures. I have exhibited my work in Lincoln, Paris and London. Exhibiting work is exciting. It allows for opportunities to meet people outside of the studio and receive feedback from the public. Art work never stands still. One continually strives for perfection, so every new piece gives the opportunity to try something slightly different and more challenging.