Photo by Carmen Troesser
ART AS COOL AS THE ARTIST By Craig Kaminer
Rarely do you meet someone who reminds you of a modernday Leonardo da Vinci -- with the talent of a painter, a sculptor and an architect -- and the physique of Michelangelo’s David. Originally a high school art teacher, 39-year-old Zack Smithey’s multiple artistic intelligences are just the beginning of his story. I first saw Zack’s work in a neighbor’s home and then checked him out online. At the time what caught my eye was a series of Mark Twain portraits, but his work has expanded considerably from interpretations of Abraham Lincoln and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a range of abstract concepts from waves to stripes and infinitely customized homes he builds himself out of reclaimed shipping containers. Recently, 4 Hands Brewing Company released City Wide American Pale Ales with his Twain and Lincoln images on the can, and AB InBev is releasing limited edition coolers featuring local artists from around the country with Zack representing St. Louis. While nothing has been announced yet, Zack told me one side of the cooler will have
a sports theme featuring the Cardinals and Blues and the other side St. Louis’ notable historic landmarks. “Our team has collaborated with Zack Smithey on a number of custom commissions over the years and we have enjoyed every moment of working with him,” says Ashley Mendez, partner at TOC Artwork in St. Louis. “One of Zack’s true talents is that he knows how to dream bigger. He often challenges our design team to think outside of the box which brings value to our projects. Most importantly, I trust Zack and know with full confidence that he will execute and deliver his work on time and above expectations.” When I stopped by Zack’s studio in St. Charles recently, he was working out. By the size of the dumbbells and his muscles, he must do this daily. Before we discussed his career as an artist, we discussed his diet, intermittent fasting and workouts. Zack’s imagination, unique abilities and visual boldness have attracted almost 15,000 social media followers.
slmag.net 69
