Odorifous: Eric Smith
Posted by Troy | Filed under Odorifous
Eric Smith is one of those guys that is almost obnoxiously cheerful.
It seems like every time I’ve talked with him I’m whining about not having enough work or client troubles or cancer stuff and he’ll be like. “Man, what are you enjoying today? I’m so happy to be alive! Life is amazing”
Yeesh…
It’s a good thing though… I try to be pretty positive most of the time too.
In fact, over the last few months that I’ve gotten to know this guy it’s pretty interesting to discover the things we have in common.
Like a positive outlook (though his probably more consistent).
and world view
and snowboarding
and fatherhood
and our work (eerily similar, yet totally distinct at the same time)
and our history of cancer.
And it was his experience with cancer and it’s treatments that compelled him to “Live Now!” – a mantra that has since inspired a collaborative art project (and soon to be released from HOW books) inspiring others with positive messages that couldn’t be communicated more appropriately than in such illustrated forms.
It has inspired me. I’m living more right now than I have in a long time.
Tell us one of your favorite odors.
We love incense in my house, it’s super relaxing. Nag champa is a favorite.
What is it about that particular smell?
It has a calming effect to it. Keeps things mellow.
What experience makes you feel alive?
I enjoy hiking a bunch. It’s nice when you get deep into the woods, surrounded by this whole world of it’s own. It reminds me of the bigger picture, how there is much more happening than we can see.
What fears do you have?
Recently, I opened up shop as a full-time freelancer. So that’s a new challenge I’m learning about.
What have you learned about yourself over the past year?
Tons, I’m always learning. One thing that stands out – think less about yourself.
Are you working on anything cool right now?
Yeah, totally. Putting together the book for Live Now. Working on the overall book design, illustration, writing, collaborating with other artists, etc. I have a few pieces in an upcoming group show, “Friends + Family”. It’s out in Brooklyn, NY at the Gowanus Studio Space – www.GowanusStudio.org Illustrating a children’s book, published through PublishAmerica. It’s incredible to work on and should be out next year sometime. I’ve got some cool things going with Myspace. Plus, some other fun branding and illustration projects in the queue.
Do you find your creative work a spiritual experience? In what way?
At times yeah. It depends on the project. With the majority of my work, I develop messages that hopefully engage peoples spirit, make them think, or inspire a smile. Sometimes projects are just fun, or for more personal expression.
What tunes have you been hooked on lately?
I actually listen to the radio mostly. All sorts of stuff. Love early 90′s tunes.
If you’re in Brooklyn you can check out the Friends + Family exhibit right now. Eric also hooked me up with one of his rad hand-screened t-shirts that I seriously wear almost every day. You can get one of your own here if you’d like to be as fashionable as I am.
And check out one of my favorite early 90′s tunes in the playlist… probably won’t hear that one on the radio these days.
Tags: eric smith, idrawallday, illustration, interview, live now
