Gillian Singer was born in Leeds in Yorkshire. She studied Foundation at Bradford College, she then received a B.A. honours degree at Sheffield Polytechnic, School of Art and Design, completing an M.A. in Sculpture at Chelsea School of Art in 1977.

She was awarded a Fellowship in Sculpture in 1978, studying for a year at Sunderland Polytechnic, School of Art and Design. 

Throughout her career her work has involved an exploration and experimentation of material and process. She works intuitively on an eclectic search, which peels away layers to reveal a language based on geometry, pattern, texture and rhythm. The work acquires its own narrative by way of layering and embedding information – amalgamating histories through carving and diagrammatic relief.