Thin timber layers give landscapes bold relief

• Author: Joan Fairhall
• Published date: 22 March 2023
• Publication title: West Coast Messenger, The

His first degree was in Environmental Science going on to his Masters in Geography before starting a career as a water scientist

For much of his working and leisure time he would be tramping and camping, absorbing and sketching the beauty and drama of our landscapes.

In his 'spare time' he developed his skill in creating artworks in timber.

First was a map of New Zealand, using a variety of recycled native timbers to show the regions and indicate the low plains, the high mountains.

"It worked - and started me thinking about and creating pictures using multiple layers," he says.

He started on cityscapes (he was living in Wellington then, where houses climb up hillsides), but moved into landscapes inspired by the South Island's mountains and braided rivers. The grains and colours of the timbers are evocative of cloudy skies or flowing rivers.

"I'm not aware of anyone else doing what I do."

Photos don't do Samwell Warren's art justice. They are not three dimensional.

Every piece is unique, carefully made by hand.

Art resins poured into the riverbeds magically reveal the shallows and depths. Raised layers give shade and relief to white-painted mountains.

Warren started showing at exhibitions - very successfully. Two years ago he made the bold...