For Local Queer Icon Presten Warren, every day brings new challenges, connections, and creations, and he couldn’t be more excited to greet each morning. Warren is an emerging Aboriginal artist based in South Australia in the beautiful coastal town of Port Lincoln. For the past year, Warren has dedicated himself to his craft as a full time artist, managing his business – Painted Studios – with his partner Troy. Each day he is “excited for what is going to happen…every day is so different and so fun and [he gets] to work with the most amazing people doing what [he loves] doing, creating beautiful art.” At only 23 years old, Warren has made a name for himself and his art, working across Australia and internationally and selling over 150 original artworks. In the year since opening his business, Warren has been inundated with praise, support, and demand for his artworks. Completely blown away by the reception to his works, Warren says:

“I am so beyond grateful that this little idea has been successful…The most rewarding part of this experience is actually getting to see people’s reactions to my artworks and hearing how in love and happy they are when their new art arrives or when I receive some of the heartwarming compliments from really big bosses and leaders in their industry. Sometimes I can’t believe how much of an impact my art can have on people and organisations, it is so surreal how happy and fulfilled it makes people. Just knowing that these artworks I have created are hanging in homes and offices all over the world is crazy.”