Nashville photographer shares passion for art with students
The Visual Arts Committee hosted an art talk with photographer, Brett Warren, on Sept. 25 in the McCarty Auditorium. The lecture served as a part of the committee’s initiative to introduce unique viewpoints to the student audience.
Brett Warren (middle) interacted with students after the lecture.
The Visual Arts Committee hosted an art talk with photographer, Brett Warren, on Sept. 25 in the McCarty Auditorium. The lecture served as a part of the committee’s initiative to introduce unique viewpoints to the student audience.
Born in McMinnville, Tenn. Warren became aware of the town’s limitations. He explained, “I always knew there was something outside this small town.”
This led him to attend Middle Tennessee State University where he studied graphic design and dark room photography.After graduating, Warren began to work for Country Music Television. He later secured an internship with established photographer, Annie Leibovitz, in New York City.
While assisting on Vanity Fair and Vogue shoots, Warren witnessed the amount of work single images require. These opportunities allowed him to collaborate with Taylor Swift and Jack White and inspired his personal work.
Throughout the lecture, Warren shared his own images, ranging from model test shoots to whimsical fantasy scenes. He stressed the importance of becoming crafty with supplies when the budget is small.
“Sometimes, it’s about the idea,” said Warren. “If the idea is there, the images can be strong.”
Katie Franklin, a senior studying studio art (2D), cited a passion for photography as her motivation to attend.
“It was a big inspiration to me,” said Franklin. “His work really spoke to me, and I’m interested to learn more about him.”
Currently, Warren resides in Nashville and practices photography full time. Though this includes jobs that do not necessarily require creativity, he designates time for his own productions.
“Doing personal work is your own opportunity to show what’s in your head and that you can execute it, “ Warren said.
Warren frequently honors his small hometown by using its scenery as sets; however, he expressed a desire to relocate to New York City for further photography opportunities. As he continues to create and dream, he revealed, “I just want to make art.”
Warren’s work can be viewed here.
Edited by Jessica Carr
