Mark Frost
Americana artist Mark Frost grew up in the small town of Le Sueur in the Minnesota River Valley, also home to the famous vegetable company, Green Giant. The Midwest rural influence in his illustrations stems from this agricultural environment. The Frost family home was a large two-story farmhouse at the edge of town, surrounded by corn and bean fields. Although many Americana artists past and present have focused their work around the turn of the 20th century, Mark has found his inspiration in the time span of his childhood, the 1950s and 1960s. Mark explains his work this way, “People love Americana because it inspires their fondness for a simpler time; and I believe that beyond the horse & buggy era, mid-century America is another time period that gives folks a nostalgic feeling.” Another reason for his time period selection is his lifelong love of the automobile and other ‘things that go.’ “If I can give some folks a little joy when they recognize the old family car, a truck their Grandfather drove or their own first car, then my illustration is a success.” People can escape from everyday cares by spending some time in the sweet and gentle world of Mark Frost’s Americana art. In the tradition of many wonderful American primitive artists, his works show simplicity of form, vivid coloration, memorable subjects and sparkling whimsy. Mark Frost is a graduate of the School of Associated Arts (now the College of Visual Arts), St. Paul, Minnesota. His art career spans over 40 years as an Art Director, Advertising Manager and Illustrator. Mark’s creative talents have been applied to a wide variety of products and services, including newspapers, sales motivation, toys & games, children’s books, consumer products, industrial tools, recognition products and computer accessories.