Traditionally trained in drawing and oil painting at the Atelier Egardo Ribeiro in Uruguay, where she was born and grew up, Gillian Best Powell then moved around the world studying and learning new art techniques.  She studied Fine Art at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA before moving to London. 

She continued to develop her practice by attending art classes at Morley College and later at Rockbourne Centre, where she learnt printmaking.

Whilst based in the UK she became involved in the art scene in South East London, participating in arts festivals, which led to the creation and running of the Lewisham Art House.  This was followed by Catherine Grove Studios which eventually became Cor Blimey Arts. She moved to Dubai in 1997 where she lived for five years, becoming a member of the Dubai International Arts Centre.  Upon her return to London in 2002, she became the trustee in charge of running Cor Blimey Arts Studios and Core Gallery, Deptford where she continues to have a studio, produce and exhibit artwork. She is now also the organizer for the visual arts exhibition of the London Festival Fringe 2010, taking place at 3 Bedfordbury Gallery, Covent Garden.