THE arts industry is an exciting and challenging field. Working as a creative freelancer is different each week, with every day bringing new challenges.

I was born and raised in Southampton. I studied at Fareham Art School and The Arts Institute in Bournemouth, where I earned my BA in commercial photography. I have been a freelance creative for over 25 years, and a contemporary abstract fine artist for three years. I am also a mum of two, and balancing being a mum and a creative is an adventure in itself.

My biggest and most exciting challenge to date has been opening de Garis Designs Art Gallery in Botley in August 2023, and I recently celebrated a year of being on the High Street.

My art process differs from what you might expect from an art gallery, because I am both the owner of the gallery and the artist. This gives me maximum flexibility with my creativity. My art style is colourful yet subtle, with a focus on islands, the sea and music, and you will find references to these themes throughout my work.

I’m always open to new ideas. I recently explored street art as part of the Multi Stories project, which saw Westquay’s multi-storey car park transformed into a vibrant urban art gallery. You can now view these pieces on the gallery walls in Botley.

I also run workshops for the community from within the gallery, as well as one-on-one tutorials. Coming up soon is my Christmas wreath workshop with an artistic twist. Anyone interested can book into a group session, drop in, or book a private session for themselves and a few friends, or even a creative Christmas office party.

My work is heavily focused around commissions, with over 80% of my art created for individual customers or businesses. Creating a commission typically starts with a customer visiting the art gallery, following which I will visit them on-site so that I can measure the walls and discuss colours and styles.

From this, I return to my painting studio to create samples and get the client’s approval before starting the final piece. The work is then created in my gallery space, so if you visit you will often catch me covered in paint and more than willing to show you my making process.

My Instagram account, @degarisdesigns, is full of fun videos showing how I create my work. I take pride in inviting my followers and customers to join me on a creative journey, providing quality art and an immersive customer experience.

If commissions are not for you, I have around 200 art pieces in the gallery, so there’s lots of choice if you’re looking to pick out your favourite works and take them straight from our walls to yours.