Collage Artist Extraordinaire
The abandoned, unloved and unwanted are transformed into unique opulent art, rich in narrative and intrigue.
Caris is a mixed media collage artist whose work reimagines iconic performers and theatrical subjects in a playful, maximalist and joyful homage. Using vintage prints, recycled fabrics, and repurposed items, Caris creates layered, textured pieces filled with storytelling, history and drama.
Her artistic journey began at 4 years old after visiting the art college degree show in her birth town of Wolverhampton. From there, she pursued a Fine Art degree at Liverpool John Moores University and became a qualified Tutor, teaching art in diverse settings, including universities and HMP Parc in South Wales.
She founded the participatory arts company Octopus Arts Shropshire (2012/2023) and was Artist Rep for the National Theatre 'Speak Up' schools programme in partnership with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (2022/2025).
Theatrical subject are a reoccurring theme in her work, in part inspired by childhood visits to the Grand Theatre and her family tales of her glamorous Great-Grandmother running the sweet shop next door. She adored stepping into the extravagance of red velvet curtains and flocked wallpaper with a desire to see what lay behind the curtain.
Caris launched a range of gift and homewares featuring her designs in 2020, which has recently expanded to include clothing and upholstery fabric.
She works from English Bridge Studios in Shrewsbury.
Memberships
VAA
Selected Commissions and Collaborations
2025 Paso-Primero bespoke wine label design
2024/present AGA Cookshop. Stockist of velour towels featuring 5 original designs
2023 Latitude Contemporary Women's Art exhibition, Main Arena Latitude Festival. Eight commissioned portraits celebrating iconic female trailblazers on 10ft billboards.
2022 Hilton London Metropole. Large-scale bespoke permanent installation.
2021 Ironbridge Coracle Trust, Greenwood Centre, Coalbrookdale. Large mixed media commission on permanent display at the Coracle Museum.
Selected Professional Roles
2023/24 The Bolthole Store, Company Director.bIronbridge, Shropshire.
2022/25 National Theatre Speak Up Schools Project. Artist Rep in partnership with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
2016/25 Koestler Arts. Arts Mentor (voluntary).
2016/17 Koestler Arts Curator Facilitator in partnership with Walsall Youth Justice Service, Midlands Arts Centre Birmingham and The New Art Gallery, Walsall.
2012/13 Koestler Arts Curator Facilitator in partnership with Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and Birmingham Youth offending service.
Publications
2025 FLUX Review
Qualifications
2001 University of Wales Institute Post Graduate Certificate of Education
1995 Liverpool John Moores University BA (Hons) Fine Art (2.1)
1991 Wolverhampton University Foundation Art and Design
