Warren Hiller

From BMEzine Encyclopedia

Biography

Warren Hiller (known on IAM and other websites as: Vex Hecubus) is one of the new/modern era piercers now appearing on the industry scene. With a high emphasis on: professionalism, ethics, and morals, Warren devotes his life to body piercing, and constantly bettering his abilities. He also strongly believes in a very specific style of body piercing, mostly in regards to how it's taught. Warren personally feels that the industry is over-saturated with “Rock-star Piercers” whom are only in the industry for the "fame" and "money;" they do not care about anything else. He realizes that certain types of modifications should only be attempted after many years of research and hands on experience, ie: surface piercings, etc. Because of this view-point, some will view him as a lesser piercer; however, those who truly understand the industry can see that Warren truly cares for it with all his heart. As he does not want to rush into anything new, he'd rather fully learn and understand what is happening, before offering the service to the public.

In the beginning of 2002, Warren started his apprenticeship under Maribelle Lebre at Stargazer Studios in the eastern core of downtown Toronto. There, he spent countless hours learning about the basics of body piercing via observing as well as hands on training. Also during this time, he established IAM. Learning Piercings forum, in an attempt to fully educate apprentices as well as freely exchange information/education with professionals.

After being at Stargazer Studios for quite some time, Warren's mind yearned for more. At this time, he was introduced to Tom Brazda, and was given a glimpse of the next stage. Tom, seeing something in Warren, gave him an offer he could not refuse. Tom informed Warren that anytime he had a client who wanted something that could not be done at Stargazer Studios due to shop rules, (ie: large gauge piercings, etc.) that Tom would be willing to aid in guiding Warren through these procedures.

Through the guidance of Tom Brazda as well as the numerous professionals that are on the IAM. Learning Piercings forum, Warren Hiller has accumulated a vast amount of theoretical and practical education. Often, when an average person is talking to Warren about body piercing, they feel as if Warren has been in the industry for many years. However, Warren Hiller is very humble and will openly state that he owes so much too all the individuals who have guided him through his journey to being a body piercer. Warren is very appreciative to all the professionals who took the time to pass knowledge onto him, and is more than willing to return the gesture to new apprentices as well. Warren knows fully well that without freely distributed information on: Techniques, procedures, jewelry, and methods, our industry will never grow together, nor get better.

At the beginning of 2005, Warren Hiller was blessed with an opportunity that most piercers, fresh out of apprenticeship, dream of. He was offered a job as Head Piercer at Alien Fine Arts, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Being the only full-time piercer there, he was able to fully obtain the extensive hands-on experience of being a full-time body piercer. Since then, Warren Hiller has excelled in his profession, although he clearly realizes he's still in his infancy compared to others.

As of June 1st 2007, Warren Hiller has been given the amazing opportunity to travel to Darwin Australia. To work in a body piercing only studio called: Vogue Body Piercing. There he looks to continue to offer clients consistent work, as well as to expand his abilities daily.

Warren Hiller has only begun to scratch the surface in a profession he hopes to last long in. His hope and dream is that, one day, his name will be spoken in the same category as: Tom Brazda, Jim Ward, Steve Haworth, Brian Decker, Jon Cobb, Fakir Musafar; and all the rest who've helped make the industry what it is today.