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Yeon & David Warner
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Yeon Koh Warner (b 1967) & David Warner (1957-2021)
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Yeon and David met by serendipity and fate in 1991 when they were both studying and practicing the art of stone sculpture in the Italian village of Torano, (just outside of Carrara). Yeon moved next door to David in this region that is famed for its marble quarries. Yeon was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1967. She graduated from Seoul National University in 1990 with a degree in sculpture. David attended the University of Oregon and U.C. Santa Cruz, studying psychology and sculpture. He then moved to Italy in 1984. The two would eventually marry and continue their mutual pursuit of the three dimensional form in marble, bronze, terracotta, wood and plaster. Their work was exhibited throughout Italy. In 1999 they moved to Northern California. David recently passed and Yeon continues to live in the Bay Area.
Carrara marble has been used since the time of Ancient Rome and countless sculptures of the Renaissance were carved from it (including the work of Michelangelo). Many of the pieces in the Lost Art Collection were created during their years living amongst the marble quarries of Carrara and express their “pan-classical” approach to sculpture.
Here is more of their story written by Yeon herself
“Yeon and David’s story starts in Torano, an old, small town in Carrara, Italy. Carrara has been known for its marble since Ancient Rome, and the timeless mountains and quarries have witnessed generations of creativity and dreams from Michelangelo to new artists in 2023.
David grew up in Palo Alto, studied Psychology, and worked at a mental care hospital in Santa Cruz. In 1984, he left his family and friends in America and flew to Italy on a new adventure. He studied art, drew, and sculpted as he had always dreamed about. He also acted in Teatro di Castalia, the city theater company, and bonded with local people from children to nonnos and nonnas (grandparents). He loved people and his communities, and the people loved him back.
In 1991, Yeon moved in next door to their shared marble building that was hundreds of years old. When Yeon arrived, she planned to attend the local art academy and return to Korea. Instead, David and Yeon shared their youth and support through art, fell in love, and decided to share their lives together. They married in 1996. During their years as a young couple in Italy, David and Yeon were heavily involved in the local art community, which hosted artists from all over the world. David began teaching ceramics to children and discovered his passion for teaching. With his students, he led projects such as a city bridge and school murals. These projects are still up to this day.
At home, David worked on sculptures alongside Yeon, who learned from great teachers and featured her sculptures at the Carrara City Hall and art exhibitions. Together, they dreamed of creating their own small studio to represent hope. They named this dream, “fabbrica di sole”, or “sun factory.”
In the late 90s, their first daughter Susie was born, and one month before 2000, the little family moved to California. David’s experiences inspired him to go back to school and earn his teaching credential, and he taught special education until retirement in 2020. Meanwhile, Yeon picked up jobs at the school cafeteria and taught art to kids, took care of Susie and their younger daughter, Hannah, supported David, and navigated learning the English language and lifestyle in America.
David had spent 15 years abroad, so American and family life in the San Jose Bay Area was difficult and it was not easy to fulfill their dream, “fabbrica di sole” But their love of art and family continued to blossom. In April 2020, David learned that he had cancer, and these dreams became fuzzy. They thought that they didn’t have enough time. He passed away in October, 2021.”
What David and Yeon didn’t realize then, was that they did build a fabbrica di sole together throughout these years. Fabbrica di sole lives on, and their masterpieces are their daughters and love.
We would like to thank Yeon and her daughters Susie and Hannah for bring this collection and story to Lost Art Salon.
