Garrett grew up in the oldest farmhouse still standing in the town of Livermore, California. His early interests in western historical subject matter stems from his early childhood fascination with the yearly Livermore rodeo and parade that occurred near his parent’s house. As a youth, he studied the artwork of Charles Russell and Fredrick Remington as well as the leading western painters of the time such as James Bama and Frank McCarthy. He was also influenced and received encouragement from his uncle, Donald Crowley, a leading western painter.  In 1983, He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design. In 1989 he received a Masters Degree in figurative sculpture from California State University at Stanislaus.

From 1989-2000 he was employed at Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture in New Jersey, both an art foundry and teaching facility. At the Atelier he was responsible for assisting some of the leading contemporary sculptors of the time in their bronze casting needs. In addition he taught courses in both figurative and portrait clay modeling.  Garret has combined his studies in historical subject matter with his technical and artistic abilities to create objective works of art void of undo sentimental or romantic inclinations, and in so doing, helping to recreate an accurate vision of Americans past for America’s future.