Behind The Easel

A conversation with AGGG artist, Jeremiah Warrer 

Q: Tell us about your path into art.
A: As a child, I was into anything music which led me to become a huge fan of Album Cover Art. When I wasn’t busy practicing my best air guitar solo or drum set for my future life as a Rock Star, I would draw album covers or Band Names with pencils, markers & charcoal nonstop and later on in my teens I became pretty good at portraits drawn to the light & shadows casted by one’s face. To capture the likeness and/or bring out a certain detail to emphasize a mood or thought within a figures eyes has always been an intriguing form of magic to me in art. As much as I dreamed of being a rock star or famous artist in my youth. I chose a path of carpentry for 20yrs and put art and music to the side for a long time. 

Q: What motivated you to pursue art more seriously?
A: In late 2018, I broke my arm and had to take several months off. During which, my wife asked to do a “paint & sip” night. We painted a couple sunflowers and I unexpectedly did so well she asked “when did you learn to paint”. To which I replied “ I didn’t, I was terrible as a youth and stuck to pens & pencils that I had full control over every line or dot.”  

Afterwards I purchased some charcoals & paper along with paints, brushes & canvases to get back into being creative. I soon became proficient in painting portraits as well as I could draw them leaving me with a good feeling to pursue art more seriously. 

After a year of creating and participating in small events, I found myself a permanent home at the Artist Guild Gallery of Greenville as a part owner & gallery artist!! Six years later, I couldn’t be happier in choosing to bring art back into my life full time. It’s been an amazing journey so far.  

Q: How does your background impact your work? 
A: As a life long carpenter, I’ve recently started creating wood cutouts and other items exploring new ways to be creative in my arts. It’s my current attempt at fusing the two things I know best together. 

Q: What is your favorite medium and sources of inspiration?  
A: Currently, my favorite medium is acrylic inks & paints on canvas inspired by anything from a beautiful landscape to tribal art, religious art, noble figures of American past, and American pop icons. Acrylics can be watered down to a watercolor feel or mixed with a variety of mediums to add texture making the possibilities endless in creativity.

Q: How has your artistic style evolved?
A: My art style is constantly evolving as I attempt new styles and techniques in my efforts to just allow me to be me. I’m not a guy who spends excessive hours to master one style or technique. Rather, I learn a few tips and tricks I can blend with others to remain unique. “Rules” never apply.

Q: Who are your artistic influences?
A: Now that’s a tough one. I’m honestly drawn to hundreds if not thousands of artists from the greats of the past such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt, & others all the way to more recent & current greats like Pollack, Dali & yes, even Bansky. There is a vast range of influence for sure. Even fellow gallery artists Dale Cochran, Jennifer Clark, Erin Webb, Edith McBee Hardaway & several others give me inspiration in what is possible in art 

Q: What art instruction or practice helped you become a better artist? 
A: Other than a few YouTube videos on mixing paint or general canvas prep, I have zero schooling or instruction on art. I have a will to learn more but I’m also happy in my current artistic expression and in a sense do not want to hinder that feeling by believing I should be doing it another way. 

Q: What advice would you give to emerging artists? 
A: Go For It!! Be you and create what you love to create first and foremost. The tips and tricks you learn will come to you as you make mistakes and try new things. Don’t be afraid to make bad art. It’s a must to create great art!!! Stay Creative and Stay Striving. 

Q: What are your biggest challenges as an artist? 
A: As for many, my biggest challenge is Me. Getting out of our own heads and just starting a piece can be filled with anxiety before that first stroke. Is this the right subject? The right style? Things of that nature. Get out of your head and paint!

Q: What other interests do you have beyond your art?
A: I am a huge fan of music as mentioned before. My first dream was to be a rockstar as a kid (whos wasn’t). I still to this day work on programs creating instrumentals. I also enjoy working with wood and continue to create small tables, benches and other things when I am not renovating homes

Q: What would you like people to know about AGGG? 
A: AGGG is the absolute best place for art in the Greater Greenville area and in my biased opinion the world!! It is my home, my family and I am one of the most for the people in the world to be apart of the team!! Every one of our artists are truly amazing in their own right and I’m honored to be displayed beside them in our fine art gallery setting. Visit the gallery today! It is an absolute must for art lover cruising Main Street.