Urban Geisha

Based in Cheshire, England, Gareth Tristan Evans is a professional mixed-media artist best known for his stunning Urban Geisha series and his beautifully hand-crafted My Father's Books series, both of which are exhibited in galleries across the UK.

Born in Singapore with a childhood in Wales, Gareth has a wide range of Eastern and Western influences including science fiction movies, photography and childhood comics which combine with his obsession for detail to create bold, breathtaking imagery.

Each Geisha is made to order with multiple layers of materials like acrylics, Gold Leaf and authentic Asian postage stamps. His 'Layers' pieces also feature laquered raised panels, adding a three-dimensional element to his work.




My Father's Books are unique artworks in the style of butterfly collections, celebrating his father's love of classic literature. Gareth sees them as 'time capsules' connecting his father to specific periods in his life and at the same time connecting Gareth to his childhood.

We spoke to Gareth to discover how he got started, what motivates him to create his elaborate artworks and to learn more about his life as a full-time artist and maker.

Why do you create?

I think I probably owe this mainly to genes! My mother and her mother were artists. My childhood helped as I grew up from about the age of eight in a remote Welsh valley. Not a lot to do apart from entertain oneself. My world was 2000 A.D, an army of action men, oil paints, all conducted to a background of heavy metal on a tatty Hitachi record player.

What makes your art unique?

My style and art presentation has definitely evolved. I love a strong image but like to take the medium as far as possible, almost into the realms of sculpture. 3D tiles, attention to detail and layers of digital and hand applied imagery and texture are probably my trademark.

Where do you sell your art?

My main outlets are galleries in the UK. I exhibit in approximately ten commercial galleries from Glasgow in the North to Padstow in the South. Some of the galleries I deal with also exhibit at UK art fairs as well as abroad. My work will be shown in New York and Amsterdam this year. I also have work on online platforms like Art Republic and Stopwatch. I also sell limited edition prints and studio editions via my own website.

I promote myself and my work by using social media. Predominantly, Instagram and Facebook are my main marketing routes. Instagram is all about the image which of course appeals.

What are your future ambitions?

Future ambitions are to maximise the exposure of my art in the right places in the UK and abroad. I also am looking to introduce new artworks to my clients as well as to new markets.

Do you have any advice for other artists?

To succeed I think it helps to be obsessed with art. You have to be resilient, determined and patient. You have to take on board advice. You have to try new things and be prepared to make mistakes. Mistakes inevitably lead to better work. Also, occasionally, remove yourself from the day to day to take in new sights and sounds and of course to look after your loved ones.

Unless you are part of a larger artistic community, then the world of the artist can be a lonely place. You have to be comfortable in your own company.


Thank you Gareth for answering our questions. You can see more of Gareth's work by searching for 'Gareth Tristan Evans' or by following him on Instagram and Facebook.