Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark T. Smith.
Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I embrace the classic skills of drawing and painting with the balance of a modern mindset. My work is an experiential exploration of human drama, from the personal right through to the archetypal.
My primary interest is the tactile experience of making beautiful expressions in the traditional forms of drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
From an early age, I was always ‘making art’. I had a time when I didn’t verbally express myself very often so art was a way to interact with my surroundings.
With maternal influence and formal instruction, I was able to elaborate on my purpose and artistic endeavors.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Sometimes my work begins through a fleeting thought, a vision of sorts, or sometimes through my live drawing sessions which will take me down different paths in the medium, style, and color.
I would say once I found my style, my cadence so to speak, I was then able to interpret what I saw, and interpret in my evolving style. I’ve had great influences from Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
I work best late at night to stay in the moment. No interruptions. Music. During travel, I like to take a few moments to observe the location, activity, and people and do quick sketches to later expand on them for larger pieces. I’m always observing and sketching.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t know if I would categorize it as luck, but I was fortunate to work on several impressive projects that I would not have foreseen. My first commission was from the Walt Disney Company.
The project involved the creation of a poster for national distribution. Corporate patronage also helped me become an increasingly recognizable figure in the crowded art world, with patrons including MTV, Pepsi, AT&T, Budweiser, VH-1, Taco Bell, and many more.
My projects culminated with the national Absolut Vodka Campaign. I’ve hand-painted a pair of PT Cruisers commissioned by Daimler-Chrysler that were then driven across the US. and exhibited at the Cannes Film Festival as part of a worldwide promotional tour.
One vehicle was auctioned to Operation Smile to a private collector, and the other is in the Walter P. Chrysler Museum’s permanent collection in Michigan.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marktsmith.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistmarktsmith/
Image Credits
Simon Hare Photography
