Warren is one of our students taking part in the Lower Hutt Art Trail, here at TLC (Stop #12). Warren will be based in the Ceramics Studio.
After a career in truck building and running his own business, Warren Mills made a bold change – stepping into creativity with no formal art background. Now studying at The Learning Connexion, he reflects on finding passion through sculpture, on receiving a scholarship, and entering the Wellington Art Show.
Kia ora Warren, Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I was born in Stratford Taranaki in 1970 and grew up in New Plymouth before moving to Lower Hutt with my family when I was 16. I started an apprenticeship as a Coachbuilder building Truck bodies, after I finished my apprenticeship I worked for a hard landscaping contractor for several years then started my own business doing the same for 4 years then decided to go back to Coachbuilding, I continued working there and I eventually became factory Manager then brought the truck building business off them which I operated for 6 years until 2022. I would wake up and dread going to work at something I really didn’t enjoy or have any passion for so I decided to sell up and get out.
What has your creative journey looked like up to this point?
Before going to TLC I had zero creative experience apart from practical creative problem solving. I didn’t take art classes at school and had no other creative endeavours.
Was there a particular moment or experience that motivated you to enrol?
I toured the campus with my son Josh and Bailey from Admissions in late 2022, and saw there were students my age there and it looked interesting enough and thought I would get a student loan and just do something fun with very little stress so I registered for Term 1. Everyone I spoke to asked why I was going to art school, especially since I wasn’t seen as someone who did anything artistic.
What mediums or styles do you most enjoy working with, and why?
I like working in sculpture in the 3D realm. I like clay but it can be a tough medium. You have to consider clay thickness, how to keep it workable, drying evenly, and how to avoid cracking. I tend to push the boundaries with it. I also enjoyed my time in the jewellery studio and I like charcoal pencil drawing. I’m into details and textures. I am going to try and produce a bronze work in the Hot Arts studio in 2026. I like the time you get to sculpt and the fine details for bronze and how accurate you can possibly get things.
Has your creative practice changed or grown since starting at TLC?
It started at zero so 100 percent growth!
You received a scholarship to study at TLC. What does this scholarship mean for you personally or creatively?
I was happy and thankful to receive the Frank Davis Scholarship. I didn’t think I would be able to continue with my artistic journey but thanks to the scholarship I was able to carry on with something I really love to do.
I get in the zone when I am working on a project I am passionate about and all the stresses of the world disappear in that moment in time and that’s good for my mental health.
How will this scholarship support you in your studies or future goals?
At the moment I am caught between trying to become a sculptural ceramic artist or a sculptural bronze artist so the TLC scholarship will help me decide.
What has been the most valuable part of your experience at TLC so far?
The whole experience here both staff and students are kind and supportive, and it’s been good for me socially. I am generally reserved until I get to know people and going to TLC has helped me be more sociable and engaging with others.
Are there any tutors, classes, or projects that have made a big impact?
Mel and Nicky in ceramics are fantastic, and Alan who teaches illustration and digital, is an exceptional drawing tutor and mentor.
What has surprised you the most about studying creativity?
Everything. If you asked me in 2022 if I have any artistic ability the answer would have been no I don’t, so I have surprised myself and others with what I have been able to achieve so far.
What are you currently working on or excited about in your practice?
I’m excited to use the Hot Arts studio and to take on the challenging and the process of bronze casting. I am in the midst of producing a bronze-cast tuatara.
You were one of seven TLC artists selected to exhibit at the Wellington Art Show earlier this year. How did it feel to see your work displayed alongside other artists at a major art show?
It felt good to display my work and offer it for sale, it was in my opinion an excellent TLC showcase of some of the talented artists enrolled.I had 7 pieces on display and for sale, I sold 5 of them so that was pleasing and a good confidence boost to learn that people did like my work and were interested in buying them.
Have you showcased your work in any exhibitions at TLC’s LAB Gallery or galleries outside of TLC?
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying here?
Do it. You won’t regret it!
Warren is one of TLC’s artists in the Lower Hutt Art Trail, here at TLC, over the weekend of 17 – 18 October, and will be based in the Ceramics Studio. Warren’s son Josh will be running screen printing demo’s in the Printmaking studio.
TLC will be opening our doors to visitors during the Lower Hutt Art Trail. We are at 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Taita. Plenty of free onsite parking available.
To find out more about studying onsite at TLC, visit How to Study
