Warren Craghead
As is custom for our impressive Charlottesville creatives, Warren is involved in numerous artistic practices. He draws, engages in field recording and works a bit with synthesizers. But when asked about his artistic practice, he will tell you the core of it is his drawing. Warren uses this medium to ponder life, document the everyday and be political. In his limited free time, he engages in drawing and creating, sometimes with his two kids or at the lunch break for his day job. Regardless of what is going on in the world – pandemic or not – Warren makes time for art.
A large part of Warren’s work is rooted in rhythm. He will draw or listen to something on repeat until interpretation and meaning evolves. This practice makes Warren’s art uniquely intricate in its meanings, but this doesn’t take away from its accessibility in the Charlottesville community. If you drove around the University of Virginia anytime since the pandemic started, you’ve likely seen quirky signs telling people to “mask up.” These helpful posters are the work of Warren. With a sketchbook and pens in his pockets, he both braved the new world and decided to help it in his own way.
In addition to drawing, Warren focused on family and friends during the pandemic. Continuing to engage in social interaction, as well as art, was a helpful way to focus on the positive during a draining time. He mentioned that seeing other creatives in Charlottesville create great work was a large motivating factor in his own ongoing creative process. To see Warren’s art and hear his field recordings, visit his website at craghead.com.