My Journey

"Art and Design are two heads of the same creature of human self-expression." - Ian Garrett.

I grew up during the 1980s and 90s watching cartoons and Sci-Fi. Art, in some form, has always been a major part of my life. I would spend hours drawing and sketching pictures out of comic books. This interest deepened as I discovered Surrealism and Pop Art while studying Art at GCSE and A-level.

Then, when I was 17, I got the chance to do it for real when I was accepted to a six-week paid apprenticeship in ceramics in 1996. From this point on, I was hooked.  I knew I needed to do something creative with my life!

17 year old me during my apprenticeship.   My ceramic work. 

In 1997, I met my wife and found her religion and culture enthralling and a year later, with the words of the shahada, I accepted Islam as my new faith. 

Naturally, I used art to explore my new life as a British Muslim. My early work was inspired by the concept of fusing Celtic knotwork and Islamic geometric patterns to form a hybrid of styles. I was trying to represent the cultural shift I was living. Geometry, laser cutting, 3d Printing and digital graphics were common in my work.

The art of Ian Garrett at the Scottish Islamic Art Festival 2013.  

Fast forward to the present day, I am a teacher. I feel privileged to help and guide our young people to develop an understanding of Art, Design, and technology while at the same time showing them how to turn their ideas into reality. The younger generation never ceases to amaze me with their enthusiasm and creativity.

          
I practice my art and teaching careers side by side. Painting has become my preferred medium, through which I explore the relationship between humanity and nature, filtered through my understanding of the teachings of the Quran. Art has become the way I process the world around me. It has also become an opportunity to give back to the environment that inspires many of my paintings. 
 Join me on this journey of discovery.

    

Events - Past and Present.

April 2023 - Present. Regular Stall at Greenwich Market, London.

I have a regular stall at Greenwich Arts and Crafts Market. It is the place to come to see me painting LIVE. My latest paintings and prints will also be exhibited.

It would be great to see you down there. So if you're in the area, pop down and say hello. We can chat about all things art.

      


March 28th - 6th April 2025. Beyond the Surface Exhibition at the Bricklane Gallery. East London. 

This exhibition brought together new and emerging artists to explore the themes of identity and connection. It delved into the hidden depths and intricate layers of the world around us, inviting viewers to look beyond initial impressions and discover deeper connections with both the environment and themselves.

 

November 24th 2019. "Celebrating Arts Festival." Valentines High School, Ilford, London.

This festival was a celebration dedicated to the arts. I showcased my Paintings, Jewellery and Art with Light Collection at the event.

Display - Exhibitions.


26th October 2019. "Creative Minds Festival." Osmani Center, Tower Hamlets, London.

Organised by Inspirited Minds, the event highlighted issues around positive mental health in the Muslim community. I showcased my Paintings at the event.

Person - Exhibitions.


13th October - 14th October 2018. "Beauty & Faith" Exhibition Hosted by Art House 21 at the Muslim Lifestyle Expo in Event City, Manchester.

This two-day exhibition showcased the best in British Islamic Art. It was a chance to show the world the emerging artistic culture of modern Islam in the United Kingdom.

 

21st November - 21st December 2017. "Blessed Footsteps" Exhibition Hosted by DOT Guild at Rumi's Cave.

I was invited to create a piece of work in response to a poem written by Warren Clementson. I was one of twelve artists exhibiting at the exhibition that was put together by The DOT Guild.

 

Human - Exhibitions.

 


28th –31st July 2016. "A Journey Through the World of Islamic Art" Exhibition hosted by Art House 21 at the Living Islam Festival.

I exhibited my Islamic artwork at the Living Islam Festival in Lincoln as part of the "A Journey Through the World of Islamic Art" exhibition. The event was put together by Art House 21. I was honoured to exhibit alongside some of the best Muslim artists in the UK.

Human - Exhibitions.

 

15th July 2015. Al Jazeera Documentary. 

On the 15th July 2015, I was featured in a short documentary film made by Domino Films. It was shown on Al Jazeera's Documentary Channel. The series ran over the thirty days of Ramadan and focused on European artists influenced by Islamic design.

  

11th - 17th March 2013. Featured Artist at the Scottish Islamic Art Festival.

My very first exhibition took place in Scotland. I was invited to exhibit a selection of my work during the Islam Awareness Week event in Glasgow at the Scotland Street Museum. Focusing on things we have in common, the event highlighted the commonalities between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities. 

Art - Exhibitions.