South Aussie artist Presten Warren is on cloud nine right now, with his bold, colourful designs splashed across Peter Alexander’s brand-new pyjama range.
The country lad from Port Lincoln has gone national, with his artwork Saltbush featured on PJs popping up in stores right across Australia.
Born in Port Augusta, raised in Ceduna and now living by the sea in Port Lincoln, Presten is a proud Wirangu/Dieri/Kokatha/Mirning/Arabana man. He describes himself as a country boy, with country blood and country in his soul – and it’s something that shines through every brushstroke.
For him, art is more than colour on canvas. “It is my outlet, my safety, my pride and my church,” he says. “My mother and grandmother taught me everything I know, and I feel grateful to carry on something my family and culture have practised for thousands of years.”
The piece chosen by Peter Alexander, Saltbush, is one of his most personal. Saltbush isn’t just a hardy plant of the outback – it’s a symbol of resilience, strength and connection to Country. In Presten’s work, it comes alive in coastal blues, aquas and whites, with flowing leaves, dots and pathways that represent family, journeys and community.
“It was one of the very first works I exhibited and I never imagined it would one day become the centrepiece of such a major collaboration,” Presten said.
And while this collab is huge, it’s not his first big win. Presten’s already picked up the Carclew Creative Achievement Award at the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards, the NAIDOC Youth Award, and the People’s Choice at the Malka Aboriginal Art Prize. His work has been wrapped across Supercars, splashed on hotel walls for Meriton Suites, licensed by BHP for uniforms and wall art, and even turned into homewares.
Now it’s wrapping around pyjamas too – a comfortable way to share stories of culture, Country and creativity.
