Lewis Smith (American, 1907 to 1998)
Lewis Smith lived his life with his mother in Alliance, OH until her death. It was only then, as a man in his 60s, that he became an artist: drawing, writing, and painting on paper bags, cardboard cartons, and the walls of his house. His work reflects his preoccupation with muscular women (especially boxers and wrestlers), trains, time, and money. Lewis Smith was an obsessive, inveterate collector. He not only filled the rooms and buildings on his farm with objects, but also ledgers with detailed information such as lists of train rides and street signs. He rode his bicycle to libraries, auctions, and sales for miles around until his death at age 91. His work is held by the American Folk Art Museum, New York, NY and the American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore, MD.
Information Courtesy of Rago Arts, October, 2019.