Born in 1985 and brought up on a farm in the Mashonaland Province of Zimbabwe, Gareth has spent much of his life in and around the flora and fauna of his surroundings. From an early age Gareth showed an interest in wildlife art mainly due to the presence of Craig Bone living on his father’s farm. Craig had a big influence on his life and his art; upon hearing about Gareth’s interest in art he had him do his first sketch of a buffalo at the age of 14, which he later sold for 800 Zimbabwe Dollars in 2000, and that’s where it all started.

After completing high school at Saint Georges College in Harare Gareth proceeded to Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa, where upon he obtained his Fine Arts Degree with a Distinction in Studio Practice. During this time Gareth experienced many other forms of art and although wildlife art is his first passion he does not regret his experiences and knows they will leave him in good stead for the future. He also participated in many student exhibitions in his time there selling many pieces of his work. Gareth maintains that university contains some of the best experiences of a young person’s life, carrying many fond memories with him from his 4 years at Rhodes.

Craig’s brother Andrew has also had a big influence on Gareth’s work in recent times. Living in South Africa and only a few hours by plane from Rhodes it was fairly easy for Gareth to get to Andy and ask for advice and criticism on his work and how best to approach the future.

Gareth now resides in Zimbabwe where he is practicing and following his love of wildlife art and with many trips to the ‘River’ planned, he is eager to increase his existing knowledge of Zimbabwe’s flora and fauna.