Mark Zieff

Using colored pencils and toned paper, I create artistically realistic still life drawings composed of commonplace manufactured objects. As both an industrial designer and artist, I have always been fascinated with older, everyday household objects - the well-worn, used and imperfect. I use my artwork to explore the relationships between an object and user; both the physical and emotional connection we have with inanimate objects.

Our relationship with clothing is among the most unique, complex and intimate of all manufactured objects. The central theme of my current body of work is work clothing – the simple, rugged attire worn by craftsmen, factory workers, tradespeople and other manual laborers. These clothes have deep roots in history and symbolize the individuality, grit, and resiliency of those who labored to build and shape our communities and industries.

Artist Bio
Mark Zieff holds a degree in Industrial Design from Syracuse University and has held senior leadership roles at a number of leading consumer products companies including Tupperware, Parker Brothers (Hasbro) and Highliner Foods.

As far back as he can remember he has always loved to draw. In 2020, he began to experiment with pastel and colored pencils on toned paper, using the paper to set the middle tone and the pencils to deliver volume, shadows and darks. His drawings are characterized by a high level of detail, soft tonal transitions and dramatically lit compositions.
Mark’s work has been selected by juries for regional and national competitions and is regularly seen in museums, universities and galleries including 13FOREST Gallery and Galatea Fine Art. He was mentioned as a "new artist to follow" in the Sept/Oct 2024 edition of Artscope Magazine. His work is held in private and corporate art collections .

Submitted by Galatea Fine Art