Tyler Warren is a California surfer/artist who appears in the film “One California Day” and the soon to be released “The Tyler Warren Experiments.” A fine artist, his paintings and designs have been shown both locally and internationally. We spoke with Tyler to learn more about his life and inspirations.
What was your life like growing up?
Great. I grew up in Dana Point and San Juan. My childhood consisted of skateboarding, bike riding, the beach, boogie boards, junior lifeguards, snorkeling, boats, surfing and drawing. My parents always enjoyed the beach and ocean, so it led me to love it too.
When did you get your first surfboard?
I think I was 9 or 10. It was a Bruce Jones channel bottom twin fin from the late 70’s I still have it.
What was the feeling you had when you first stood up on a surfboard?
“Yes! This is awesome!”
Who did you look up to and admire when you were a young man?
My older friends that longboarded (down at Doho and San O), local style masters like Darren Eudaly, Robin Kegel, Cody Faircloth, John Husak, Oliver Parker, and Cody Simpkins. Then the guys in the videos: Joel Tudor, Matt Howard and Tom Curren. Artists like Rick Griffin, Andy Warhol, Thomas Campbell, Barry McGee, Alphonse Mucha, Kenton Nelson, M.C. Escher, Norman Rockwell.
Where did your interest in art come from?
Well, my parents always encouraged my drawing and creativity. My mom was interested in art in high school and college. Her brother—my uncle Kenton—is a successful oil painter and my great uncle was a famous Mexican muralist. I have enjoyed drawing since I was very young. I would draw lots of helicopters, planes, boats, knights and Indians.
Who/what inspires you?
Life, vintage illustration and the ocean.
What is the greatest thing you have learned in your life?
All your dreams come true if you put the work in.
What are you most proud of?
The life I am leading. I am doing exactly what I wanted to do when I was younger.
How did the idea for The Tyler Warren Experiments come about?
It all started with one session on my new Mandala quad. John Smart was stoked on my surfing and we kept shooting for the next couple years. The project has led us to Mexico, Australia and beyond—meeting lots of great people along the way. The movie is going to focus on shapers, board design, a wide variety of surfers, art and having fun. Mark Jeremias (maker of One California Day) is teaming up on The Experiments, so its all a matter of time and some more good swells.
Of all the places you have traveled to, what place in particular stands out and why?
It is to hard to pick one place. Each country is so special and offers so much diversity. My travels have taken me to Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Belize, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
What meaning does surfing hold for you and how has it changed your life?
Surfing is my escape and love. I have met so many great people through surfing and been able to travel the world.
What brings you the most happiness in the world?
A perfectly-shaped wave with no one around. (Laughs) Or just an uncrowded wave, my girlfriend, family, completing a job and creating.
Who are some of the people you feel are shaping the path for surfing today?
Richard Kenvin, Ryan Burch, Lucas Dirske, Justin Adams, Ryan Thomas, Nathan Adams, Andy Nieblas, Christian Wach, Alex Kopps and Alex Knost,
What is your current favorite board? Your favorite surf spot?
A 4’10″ twin fin inspired by all my favorite shapers: Bob Simmons, Malcolm Campbell, Terry Martin, Manuel Caro, Greg Liddle, George Greenough, Steve Lis and Skip Frye.
I enjoy surfing the Trestles area.
What’s your favorite meal?
A burrito or a good sandwich—anything with avocado.
What are you currently listening to on your iPod?
Woodie Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Arcade Fire, Benny Goodman, Iron and Wine, Bob Marley, Modest Mouse, The Cure, Hank Williams, Talking Heads, Radiohead, Kings of Convenience, Bridgette Bardot and many more.
What are you most grateful for?
My family, girlfriend, friends, my art and surfing.
What’s next for Tyler Warren?
Off to Costa Rica to surf and shoot with Chris Klopf. Then going to New York with Von Zipper to launch their new clear lens line. I did the art for their new ad campaign. I have been working on a film with John Smart and Mark Jeremias for the past three years titled The Tyler Warren Experiments. I am going to continue doing art, designing, shaping, surfing and traveling.
Find out more about Tyler Warren at his blog here. Learn about John Smart’s new film “The Tyler Warren Experiments” here. Photograph number two provided by Cam Oden.
(Via pilgrimsurfsupply.com )
As a professional surfer and shaper, the name Tyler Warren is synonymous with fluidity, experimentation, and style — but what most people don’t know is that Warren is a third generation artist (his uncle is a successful oil painter from Pasadena, and his great uncle, Roberto Montenegro, was a famous Mexican muralist in the 1920′s). We took a moment to explore Warren’s artistic roots, his bond with the legendary shaper Terry Martin, and what motivates him in surfing, shaping, and his art.
P - Tell me about where you grew up.
TW - I grew up in a small harbor/beach town called Dana Point, and a semi-country town just south east called San Juan Capistrano in southern California. Both towns were humble upbringings and I was lucky enough to have parents that loved the ocean. We had boats growing up that we would dock in different harbors around SoCal.
P - As a third generation artist do you feel your art has stemmed from your lineage? Do you feel a connection to the art your family has made? What was it like growing up with such familial influences?
TW - Yes, I think art has been naturally accepted and loved in my life. Understanding the generations that came before me is a definitive key. Most of all, I think it is just in my blood to be a creator.
P - What types of mediums do you most gravitate toward? Why?
TW - Foam (shaping), pen and ink, and oil on canvas. For some reason I have gravitated towards these mediums through life experiences and what works best for me. I enjoy smooth lines, bold color, and smooth transitions.
P - How does being an artist affect the way you shape boards? Does your studio practice influence your boards? Or perhaps vice versa?
TW - I find myself drawing my future surfboards, being meticulous with color and finish shape. I am always searching for that perfect shape.
P - Are there any other elements have influenced your shaping style? Has the culture of surfing affected your work as a young and developing artist?
TW - Culture has not been a big influence to my shaping, I am more about just wanting to create what is in my head, and I’m attracted to what I think will work best.
P - Who are your most prevalent influences in surfing and art?
TW - In surfing: Joel Tudor, Tom Curren, Occy, and Wayne Lynch. In art: My mom and uncles, and the art of the past… Usually pre-1990′s.
P - How did it feel learning, knowing, and working with a legend like Terry Martin? What is the most important piece of advice that he passed on to you? Or what was the most important lesson you learned?
TW - I was very stoked to have Terry as a shaper and a friend growing up. He influenced kindness and good work into my life. He was a hard worker like most of the people I look up to. He would get to the shaping room at 4 am and be done for the day by 9 or 10. He was a no BS kind of guy. He strove for excellence and found it through practice.
[Terry Martin and Tyler Warren]
P - Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve created or board design?
TW - I think my next painting or board will always be my best. Some of my favorite boards are the quads I have made. My favorite painting would have to be one titled “California Revisited” that combines my pen work with oil.
P - What do you hope to contribute, as a shaper especially, to the culture of surfing?
TW - As a shaper I just want to produce good surfboards and be well rounded. Most of all, I want to make boards that allow people to have fun in the ocean. The ideal surfboard for me paddles well, is loose, has drive, and goes fast.
P - What keeps you motivated as an artist? As a shaper?
TW - New boards, new swells, friends, family, pictures, films, knowledge, people I look up to, and everyday beauty.
All photos taken by Nolan Hall, see more of his work here.
See more about Tyler Warren here, and pick up your very own Warren-shaped board here.
Here are a few more pictures that I found on the internet… Check it out:
/ maxandoccy
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Website: http://www.maxandoccy.com/ 
