On the Spot

Where did you first start your employment?

“My first Job was as working as a freelance Illustrator in Camden Town. It was when London was buzzing with new creative designers and bands breaking out. The band, Soul II Soul used to practice over the road from my studio and designer Vivien Westwood used to cycle round with her dog in the basket. They were great times!” 

How would you describe yourself?

“I try and look at life with a glass half full (rather than half empty) attitude. I like to stay positive & optimistic. I like being around upbeat people and focus on encouraging my children to be the same.” 

Which person has been the biggest influence in your life?

“That is a difficult question as so many people have influenced me from parents through to work mentors, artists and friends young to old. I always try & listen and learn from people I meet along life’s paths.” 

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

“One of my Favourite books I read a long time ago and I remember making me laugh out loudly on a train to London was THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP by John Grisham. I actually named my cat T.S. Garp after that book.”

What’s your favourite music track? 

“That really is a difficult question to answer as I have such an eclectic taste… One of my favourite all time songs is performed by Air the band “All I need” I love listening to this so chilled.”

What’s your biggest fear?

“Heights. I never had an issue when I was younger but I now find my tummy goes a little strange everytime we drive over a high bridge or I look down from a tall building.” 

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?

“Over thinking lol….”

Have you ever been given advice that you wished you had acted on?

“I wish I had taken the opportunity to travel more when I was in my twenties. I wasn’t so confident and it wasn’t so easy to do back then also very expensive but I look at the youngsters today and think Wow what opportunities they have now for visiting different countries and cultures.”

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever been given?

“Years ago I advised a colleague to try a romantic evening with his wife in a lovely hotel with Strawberries and Champagne and unbeknown to him he was allergic to Strawberries and ended up seeking medical attention, ruining the whole night for him OOOPS!”

What makes you laugh?

“The good old comedy hero’s like Only Fools and Horses, silly observational humor like Lee Evans. I laughed so much I fell off the seat the first time I saw him.”

What’s your greatest ambition?

“I have 2 really I would love to see our Business Diamond Occasion in the ICC become more successful as we are the only Bridal, suit hire business in Gibraltar and love to cater for the local community. Also, to sell my artwork (@gillwpaintings) and paint professionally, I love to work in my studio and feel it’s my Karma to escape from everything.”

What’s the best country you’ve ever visited and why?

“I was blown away by the beauty of Madeira, wow the Island is so gorgeous in the flower festival time clean and fresh but so tropical.”

What keeps you awake at night?

“Nothing I sleep like a log.”

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

“Painting in my studio then a long lazy lunch in the sun with tapas and a good red wine, Perfect!”

Have you had any embarrassing moments?

“Many Omg, too many to mention!”

Which word or phrases do you most overuse?

“Do you know what I mean!”

Do you have any regrets?

“Not travelling enough but I am slowly making up for it!”

What’s the best experience you’ve had in life so far?

“Having my Children love watching them grow all through their different stages and now in their twenties all their adventures in life.”

If you didn’t live where you  are curre elles, New York, Spain, Italy, London.” 

What person historic or living would you most like to meet?

“Probably my favourite London Painter who sadly is not here anymore, Lucian Freud I would have loved to watch him paint in his London studio. Also David Attenborough.”

If you could change one thing about Gibraltar what would it be? 

“It’s changing all the time lets hope its all for the better and we see business flourish on the Rock.”

What is your favourite hobby or interest?

“Painting, without a doubt.”