Tash Combes was born in Kitale, Kenya in January 1976. She grew up in Kenya, going to school in the highlands before going to England for her secondary education, where she studied art for A' Levels. She continued her interest in Art at Cheltenham College of Art where she completed a foundation course, before returning to Kenya to continue painting full time. She particularly enjoys painting sea life, reptiles and the insect world. Tash paints in oils on a unique surface cleverly created from a combination of paper and canvas which resembles the wrinkled skin of an elephant. Currently, she resides in Lamu where inspiration for her dramatic paintings is abundant.