Gary Betts

Gary works on his barge moored on the River Thames in West London, living nearby. He pursued studies in design for print and later in medical illustration at Barking, Essex. While his professional journey led him into graphic design, illustration, and film storyboard art, his passion for drawing, painting, and sculpting persisted throughout his early career.

Given his diverse background, it comes as no surprise that Gary’s sculptures, featuring human-animal hybrids, seamlessly integrate these disciplines to craft highly imaginative and adorned artworks. Using ink pen directly onto resin clay surfaces, he depicts scenes capturing life moments that are autobiographical, imaginative and universal.  

Demonstrating great patience and concentration, Gary’s sculptures include detailed motifs such as people, flowers, birds, and fish, narrating stories that are, much like the forms themselves, humorous, engaging, and intriguing. He articulates: 

“The idea as well as the image is important to me. My figures are sometimes described as enigmatic, but I like to think there is a gentle sensitivity about them. There is always a subtext lying behind the textures, patterns, and shapes. These convey my personal insights with memories often drawn from my childhood.“

Gary’s success is attested by his membership in esteemed organisations like the Royal Society of British Sculptors, the Society of Designer Craftsmen, and the Society of London Potters. His work has been shown internationally in galleries and art fairs across Europe, the United States, and Hong Kong. Additionally, he has gained recognition through the acclaimed Creative Review magazine in the UK.

Click here to read 'An interview with Gary Betts'