Clive Hicks-Jenkins was born in Newport, South Wales, in 1951 and grew up close to his family's farming roots in rural Monmouthshire. He worked as an actor in films and television, and toured Europe and America as a dancer. From his early twenties until his mid thirties, Hicks-Jenkins was a highly successful choreographer, director and stage designer, creating productions with many leading companies. His first solo show of paintings was held at the Kilvert Gallery in 1996. He is a member of The Welsh Group, exhibiting with them throughout Wales, in Scotland, Ireland, France and also in the USA, and the 56 Group Wales. In 2008 he was nominated a Royal Cambrian Academician.