Meet Zachary Warwas | Artist, Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zachary Warwas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zachary, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’m not sure if I pursued art or if it pursued me—it always felt intrinsic to who I am. As a kid, I was constantly building things. I remember helping my brother construct skate ramps, fascinated by the process of turning raw materials into something functional and dynamic. After high school, I became a cabinetmaker, crafting custom kitchens. That work introduced me to the art of precision and utility, but it also sparked something deeper. Leftover scraps of wood became an invitation to experiment, to see what else they could become. Those small projects planted the seed for my passion for creating interactive art.

Cabinetmaking taught me to see objects as more than static forms—they’re tools for connection. Watching people interact with furniture, I became intrigued by the relationship between form and function. That curiosity evolved into a desire to make art that invites participation—pieces that transform through touch, movement, and personal engagement.

For me, making art is about translating intangible ideas into physical experiences that others can explore. An idea in your mind feels mythical—perfect, untouchable. But bringing it into the world is a test. Often, I imagine people interacting with my work in a specific way, yet their engagement surprises me, revealing something I hadn’t anticipated. That element of discovery—the dialogue between the work, the viewer, and myself—fuels my drive to create. It’s what makes art more than a solitary pursuit; it’s a shared experience, constantly evolving.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the things I’m most proud of is finally embracing a lesson I learned years ago. About 25 years back, I was attending a class at Haystack in Maine, and I had a conversation with Wendy Maruyama, an incredible artist and teacher. We were talking about making and careers, and she said something that stuck with me: “Make your current work your best work. Don’t wait for the perfect shop, the perfect tools, or the perfect opportunity—just do it now.” It took me years to fully understand and act on that advice, but I’ve come to realize how transformative it is. Every project I take on now is approached with that mindset, and it’s made all the difference.

Each project is a journey, with its own challenges and triumphs. At the start, I’m filled with excitement, convinced it’ll be the best thing I’ve ever made. Midway through, doubt creeps in, and I often feel like scrapping it entirely. But by the end, I rediscover my connection to the piece, and I grow from the process. Along the way, new ideas and inspirations emerge, setting the stage for the next project. It’s a cyclical process of creation, frustration, discovery, and growth that I’ve come to embrace.

What sets my work apart is its interactivity. My art isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to touch, rearrange, and engage with. I think of each piece as an instrument anyone can play. Through interaction, viewers transform the work, creating their own interpretations that reflect their emotions, thoughts, or identity in that moment. The process is often described as soothing and meditative, but it’s also revealing—a personal Rorschach test where the act of rearranging becomes a form of self-expression.

What excites me most is that my art invites people to become co-creators. It’s alive, constantly changing with each person’s touch, allowing them to leave their mark on the abstraction. My goal is to create work that sparks curiosity and connection—an experience that goes beyond simply viewing to actively participating in something unique and ever-evolving.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a home body so we would likely do some cooking, drinking at my home and hanging out in the back yard.

For art going:
Hauser & Wirth
The Hammer
Maybe go to
Benny Boy Brewing
Or a hike up to Echo Mountain above Altadena

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Penland School of Crafts
Haystack School of Crafts
ArtCenter College of Design,

Website: https://www.ZacharyWarwas.com

Instagram: @thewarwas

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-warwas-61a48220