Illustrator Mark Smith was recently commissioned by Alta Journal to create four pieces pertaining to different features about book clubs. Though book clubs have been around since, well, books have been published, there has been a recent resurgence in not only the club culture, but the variety of clubs available. From an article about book clubs in prison, to the upsurge of silent book clubs in Portland, Mark was able to create cohesive but distinct images that allowed each piece to stand on its own, but offer an overarching synergy that reflected the overall topic itself. What stands out is Mark’s playful use of the bound book, which serves as a kind of needle and thread weaving together each piece. The color palette evokes modernity but also something Rockwellian, reflecting the spirit of book clubs themselves. It’s the blend of old and new, and Mark delivers on every page.
See the rest of the artwork below. For more of Mark’s work, visit his Workbook portfolio.
Represented by Salzman International.
