Chad Goei, born in Michigan and now residing in Highland Park, California, draws profound inspiration from the philosophical principles of Plato, fractal patterns, movement, life, light, and color in the natural world. As a self-taught artist, Goei embarks on a relentless quest to understand existence through abstract examinations, weaving diverse styles and mediums into his work over time. His artistry serves as a captivating journey into existential insights, aiming to ignite fresh ideas and a deeper understanding of the worlds both around us and within. Join us in an exclusive interview as we delve into the mind and artistic voyage of Chad Goei.
Can you share a bit about your artistic journey and what led you to pursue your current style or medium?
My path as an artist has meandered into various methods of making throughout my life, generally in ways that felt fairly predictable until painting arrived. Drawing, photography, writing, music, vfx & digital design... most of these skills where pursued very intentionally, even when I was a kid. Martial arts, too. But painting sort of just happened to me, ya know? Like an infection. Like 10 years ago I was exposed, and every day since then it has continued to replicate and take over my body.
What actually happened was pretty simple: one night I found myself sketching with a ruler when stressed tf out. I used to draw heavily as a young child (of course), and then again in my middle school years, so there is a strong history there. But I'd been wrapped up in the computer world for a while by then (2014-ish). Anyway I'd draw a bit and come back to it, and I'd just stare and stare at what I was making. It really felt like it was telling me something; like it was teaching me something. That's when I first felt this was more than simple curiosity that was driving this. It took me a couple years to realize that it was actually the culmination of everything I had done up to that point. It was the next level.
What are some of the main sources of inspiration for your artwork?
Honestly I’m inspired by Life itself. Not just being alive, though that's certainly part of it, and I'm always grateful for how lucky I feel to be me. But what I'm truly inspired by is the endless dichotomous balance that it is in every aspect of the universe. Life, death, everything, nothing... I'm literally here for it, until we all explode ourselves or die trying. LFG!
Could you describe your creative process from the initial idea to the finished piece?
It definitely varies, especially whether I'm doing a painting, installation, etc. The philosophy that drives my process is simply to "ride the wave." Trust yourself, trust the process, pay close attention to balance, and RIDE.
To be a little more specific, I generally find that the process for a painting starts long before the actual work. Sometimes it’s an idea that appeared a month ago, or a year ago, and needed time to take shape somehow. Eventually I might find a clue, or a connection to a larger whole, which helps push the idea forward or at least gets me excited about it. Could be a busted up blank billboard, or a sidewalk. Or a leaf.
This often gets me sketching in some way, but could also be text notes to myself that remind me of color combinations or visual concepts that I don't want to forget. On the other side of that, some of my favorite works are those that have no formal planning or thoughts involved but rather are simply a product of my practice.
Are there any specific themes or messages that you try to convey through your art?
So far I've been allowing my work and the audience to determine the meaning amongst themselves, sometimes clued by vague titles but likewise thrown further from home. Although within the variables of process I absolutely hope to pass along some type of information, inspiration, emotion, perspective. I think any attempt to guide the viewer in a particular direction will betray itself and the real meaning of artistic exploration. It's truly up to the viewer to determine what messages are coming through to them, or maybe if it's activating their messaging systems that they hear the loudest.
How do you handle creative blocks or challenges when they arise?
I give them as little credit as I possibly can, and use the time to otherwise be productive in the studio. Obviously we all need time away from that which drives us mad, but there are also ways in which we begin to inaccurately translate ourselves as we're meta-morphing. A "block" might not be a physical or temporal obstacle as much as a crisis of change which requires internal recalibration. In this sense, these show-stopping moments can be seen as proof that we're continuing toward progress.
Can you talk about any memorable or significant moments in your artistic career so far?
My first fair in Tokyo was a big experience for me, and really helped highlight both the adventurous and life-changing aspects of being a working artist.
More recently, my 3-month residency at AADK Spain, which ended earlier this year , was the culmination of all my explorations in visual language throughout my life. My first residency, it crystalized this path for me and helped remind me of how much there is to explore outside of painting that also manifest brand new insights.
Are there any particular artists or movements that have influenced your work?
I have a strange feeling that I'm influenced by every artist who has ever made anything.
Andy Goldsworthy very likely had a big influence on me becoming a maker. Richard D. James aka Aphex Twin absolutely inspired me to start making music, which eventually led to painting.
Ellsworth Kelly has always had an effect on me, since before I painted. I think minimal art in general really played a role in inspiring me to play with space. Frank Stella's retrospective at the Whitney a few years back was truly inspirational, as I was only a couple years into my painting practice, and hadn't absorbed a whole lot of geometric minimalism which I felt very driven towards during that time. Georgia O'Keefe's colors and perfect symbolism. Cy Twombly's scribbles. Basquiat's bravery. 2 of my favorite living artists: Math Bass -- American painter; her show at Mary Boone in NYC 2018 was absolute goals. Benoit Paîlle, French-Canadian photographer, the first series I saw of his "Alternative Landscapes" definitely pushed me. I think they both inspired me to reach deeper and participate in this chaotic conversation.
Do you have any favorite tools, techniques, or materials that you prefer to use in your art?
Currently, my sewing machine is probably the tool I look forward to using the most. Very likely because it is currently used the least, though is the crucial element in a series I have that is waiting to be properly started. My favorite "technique" is experimentation, I do lots of experiments with materials and processes.
Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you're excited about and would like to share?
The Other Art Fair L.A.! Sept. 21 - 24 in Santa Monica. Come by and say hi!
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting their creative journey?
Starting the creative journey is all that matters, because there is no end in sight, nor should there be. Focus on what you love to do. Work on developing and trusting your instincts. Remember that you are the artist and it's your unique ideas that are your most valuable asset.
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