Encarnita Gardner (E. Seco) was born in Granada, Spain, coming to Canada in 1964. She has spent most of her adult life combining teaching and writing careers with raising her family. She published two volumes of poetry, and in 1987 received her PhD in Spanish Literature.

In 1989 she started to paint in oils and watercolours, taking lessons from several well-known members of Toronto's artistic community. She has dedicated herself since 1993 entirely to painting, and has exhibited her work in a number of group shows.
In the spring of 2000 she held her first one woman gallery show.
Her works are included in private collections in Canada and abroad.