Warren first fell in love with the art of drawing, “I love to make lines. I also love to erase as a means of mark-making. Both these tools continue to play a part in how I build texture in my paintings. I went to Pratt, I loved it there. I majored in graphic design, but you got such a solid grounding in fine art that it made you better in whatever creative field you pursued. Also, the critiques in the graphic design program were brutal. It helped build a thick skin.’ The tools Warren uses the most are, ‘brushes, pencils, erasers, and something to paint on. I like to paint on board because I scratch a lot and canvas won’t hold up as well. Some natural light doesn’t hurt either!
I get into my studio at least three times a week. I find that going somewhere to paint, leaving my house, makes it more like a business to me, which it is. It’s not a hobby.
Of course, if I had a house that actually had some space to paint I’d probably feel differently! When I get to the studio, I turn on the space heater, change (somewhat like what Mr. Rogers use to do but with a hoodie and coveralls) and I get to work. I paint for 2-3 hours straight, clean up and go. I don’t waste time.”
Warren also has a Facebook page called, The Face Book, which is “an ongoing collection of face drawings (so clever!), over 270 of them to-date. I started it almost two years ago, and I add one or two drawings a week. Keeps me disciplined.
I enjoy creating work that people immediately respond to. Of course, I won’t know that until after it’s created. The process of creating work of art is a journey, but it’s all ultimately enjoyable to me. I’m very thankful that I’m able to do it.”
Part of Warren’s ‘CEO Series’ are on display at UP office. “When I did my CEO series, it was a result of reading newspapers such as The Progressive Populist, watching the news, etc. Corporate greed and influence in government is not a hard topic to research unfortunately.”
CAA Q & A – CAA Asked Warren our Artist’s questions – see what he said!
– What was the biggest mistake you took with your artwork?
The biggest mistake I’ve made is neglecting it. For many years, as a proverbial monkey on the treadmill, I was focused on my day job and coming home mentally exhausted. I’d always draw as well as paint here and there but it wasn’t a primary focus. In 2007 I partially “woke up” and started painting at 5:00 in the morning most weekdays before I went to work. That lasted for about a year and then I lapsed a bit. A few years ago I made up my mind that if I was to be true to myself I needed to buckle down and take it seriously. I still do design but my fine art has taken on a much bigger role in my life.
– What is your favorite piece of art that you have created? Was your process ever changed due to this piece?
I don’t have “A Favorite” but one of my favorites was a piece I created back in 1995 when my wife and I were living in CA. It was a painting taken from one of my life drawing sessions at the Palo Alto Cultural Center. It was a strong piece, large, mostly of a man’s back, very vibrant. When we moved back East it never arrived. Maybe I should talk to one of the Gardner Museum detectives?
Wondrous Questions:
– What role does the artist have in society?
The role of the artist should always be to hold a mirror up to society and provide some sort of commentary. I don’t really believe much in art for art’s sake. I think artists have a responsibility to raise awareness. It definitely doesn’t have to be political, but it has to speak to something. Otherwise you’re a decorator.
– What other jobs have you had besides being an artist?
I am a UX (User Experience) Designer. I spent most of the past 20 years in corporate America designing web and more recently mobile apps, but broke loose and went solo last year. I focus my practice (www.atomictrust.com) on helping nonprofits with their online presence: web, blog, newsletter, social media design. So if you know of anyone…
– What is your dream project?
I want to paint a huge mural on a prominent city wall, like Os Gemeos did last year in Boston.
– Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.
Banksy, Marshall Arisman, and Ralph Steadman
– What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Our former President Calvin Coolidge gave this piece of advice to me in a book I was reading: “Press on. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not. Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not. The world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
-How do you know when you have achieved success in a piece?
When somebody buys it! Seriously, I guess you just know whether it’s true or not. The little voice will tell you.
