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Home > Shopping Mall > Meet Jimmy Smith
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Meet Jimmy Smith ~
 I was doomed from the start. I was born into a family of rural Peoria, Arizona good ol' boys who all dug hot rods. My Dad was into sports car racing and sticking VW motors in the back of old Fiats while my Uncle Mark was a regular at the local dragstrips and the occasional "unsanctioned" back-road events. Another influential uncle stirred up plenty of automotive hell and put some “racy” ideas in my head as well. Early on, somebody stuck a pencil in my hand and a car was the first thing I drew.
I continued to draw as many things as possible through my public school years and later I went on to receive a bit of formal art instruction. However, I always ended up drawing some form of hot rod or custom car. I was always encouraged, and drew great inspiration from my family, who are not only a bunch of gear heads but each a bit of an artist themselves. Inspiration is where you find it, and in my case, it was from many, many sources. 60's pop culture certainly molded and possibly distorted my outlook on things. I mean watching Gilligan's Island and the Munster's for all those years will definitely have a profound effect on one's psyche (not to mention all that model glue)!
You will not find any obscure literary works in my library. What you will find of course, are issue after issue of most of the car mags from the last 40 or so years. Along with the requisite hot rod pulp, you'll find writings on Southwestern history along with architectural design and art books. Oh yeah, there's my collection of music too... don't get between me and my iPod!
I'm amazed and truly thankful everyday that I get to do what I do. Sometimes deadlines can get tight but at the end of the day, it comes down to me taking responsibility for my actions. Being my own boss-man is a dream that I had for many years while I served in the print and sign industry. Now with the support of my lovely wife Rachel, as well as support and pushing from a number of very good friends, I'm doing it! The people I used to read about, I am now meeting, most of whom I consider good friends. I've found this segment of the automotive art world is full of great people who are always there with advice or just some good conversation. Everyday brings new opportunities for friendships and great hot rod projects!
Today, you'll find me working on many ongoing art projects or my old bicycles or any of a number of internally combusted projects in the garage. That is, when I'm not spending time with my wife and wonderful family that includes: two boys, Davey and Clay (that's right, Clay Smith), my mother-in-law, the dogs and a goldfish....
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| Art by Jimmy Smith is featured in these fine Motorburg Stores |
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