Zach Smith
Deli is a young upstart from San Francisco which has the shows, the skills, and the art to turn some heads.
It has all kind of been like a snowball rolling downhill since I started. I usually get contacted by artists involved in group shows or curators who have seen my stuff. In the case of the recent S.F. Mezzanine show it was Shepard Fairey and people at Noise Pop contacting me. Funny thing is I am a total college kid. I am only 21 and pretty poor so if the show isn’t local I am usually just sending the work out and not attending the openings. Which is unfortunate because I love art openings. I also love charity art shows because I fell like it is the best way that I can give back.
I like the contrast, and I guess it kind of harks back to my love of old folk art, in all it’s “simple” and “flat” glory. My style really just fell into place, I really don’t force anything I just let my own work evolve with time. Defining my style is a hard thing for me to do. I definitely try to keep it simple yet interesting, and I love old children’s records art and stuff like that so I guess you can take that as my definition…
Las Vegas, for one thing. I stayed at a hotel that was payed for by the curator of a gallery there when I was invited for a show. But most importantly I have met so many unique and awesome artists, especially in the bay area. That alone is worth the ride.
I have only really been exhibiting my work for about a year and a half, so it has been pretty good. It is definitely harder here because of the amount of galleries. I get most shows in Southern California and other places. But it is definitely picking up.
I am just really rooted I guess. I take what I liked as a child and I make sure that it never leaves me, I try to let it come out in my work. Not necessarily in an “in your face” kind of way. I just have a mentality, a positive one, and although my work examines a classic good vs. evil greek mythology kind of ideal (decapitated head kind of thing), it doesn’t mean I am down in the dumps.
It all happens naturally. For example I let my “Forrest” grow naturally as I do a piece, and with time as far as my work. The idea is always there and constantly evolving, as well as my themes. I am trying to build a world for my characters and that is something that for me, just has to take time. Colors happen naturally as well, whatever I am thinking that looks good to me.
The silkscreening laboratory at The Academy Of Art University ( a new hobby), and the occasional game of Badminton in Golden Gate Park. Art shows too of course.
I never thought of either of those characters for them! Haha. They kind of just evolved out of my head and now I like them. The world in which they live is the real challenge for me.
Well actually all the zines I have made are one of a kind and original. I wish I could mass print them. I am working with silkscreening right now to work on some print stuff. But it all goes back to doodling, my zines are basically just a bunch of doodles and ideas. I have liked doodling since I was a little kid, but who didn’t.
Artists that truly inspire me, Matt Furie, and Andrew Schoultz. My Gentlemen friends, Lady friends. And anyone who reads this interview. Thank you.
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