The World of Robert E. Smith

September 21, 2007

robert_e_smith1.jpg

Robert E. Smith, a self-taught outsider artist who has been featured in the Museum of American Folk Art, will be 80 next month. To put together this show at the MSU Art & Design Gallery that spans over thirty years of work, collectors loaned 140 of his paintings for the exhibition. It’s a rare opportunity to become immersed in the wacky and entertaining world of Robert E.
robert_e_smith_mural.jpg

One of the paintings that we loaned is the basis for this downtown mural, and we won it at the auction to raise funds for the mural. But our painting is better because the artists who interpreted the mural for Robert smashed the painting a bit — ours is longer and skinnier.

robert_e_smith_mural2.jpg

But they did pretty much capture the spirit of the original painting. In this detail you can see some of the trademarks of Robert’s story-paintings — famous people like Ray Charles or Santa Claus appear frequently, as does Baby Jane, current events, and personal landmarks from Robert’s memory. If you haven’t already figured it out, Robert has been a major influence on my art.

robert_e_smith2.jpg

I love the busy activity and texture of his paintings, the tiny details that you have to get in close to see, but most importantly, the humor of the mysterious stories. This painting that I had never seen before is called, “Mercy Hospital, County Jail.”

robert_e_smith_book.jpg

Robert sometimes records his stories on tape, attaching the cassette tapes to the back of his paintings. He also writes cartoon books, giving himself titles that he fancies such as “moody artist” or “notable folk-artist.” To see more paintings, go to the Good Girl Art Gallery.

Filed Under Inspiration, exhibitions, other artists 


Comments

6 Comments so far

  1. Katie on September 21, 2007 5:54 am

    Fascinating. What great paintings.

    They immediately made me think of the Richard Scarry books my kids had. And some of the wild and busy puzzles we loved. I remember one of them was called Verticalville. :)

  2. PaMdora on September 21, 2007 6:04 am

    I loved Richard Scarry, but never heard of Verticalvile, so looked it up on. Apparently they were puzzles designed by Bob Martin for Sprinkbok in the 70’s.

    I bid on a couple on Ebay, so will let you know if I get one. Never thought of having to put a puzzle together to see the art, but it should be fun — I like doing puzzles too!

  3. Tonya R on September 21, 2007 6:54 am

    I’ve never seen works by Smith before - they are delightful. thank you.

  4. Mary Ann on September 21, 2007 8:34 am

    Reminds me of Red Grooms.

  5. PaMdora on September 22, 2007 5:26 am

    Hi Mary Ann, yep you’re right, he is similar to Red Grooms, another artist I like, although Grooms is a much more educated artist.

    BTW just saw your article in the new issue of Quilting Arts Magazine and it looks fab! They have such great photography so it’s nice you got a several page spread.

  6. Jenny Franklin on April 26, 2008 8:47 pm

    I grew up in Springfield and have had the pleasure of meeting Robert E. on many occasions. I love his work and am so glad he is appreciated by people everywhere!

Name (required)

Email (required, will not be published)

Website

Speak your mind