Where do you currently reside and work? East Hollywood, California
How would you describe Chad Goei? Ok, I think this actually might be the hardest question I’ve ever been asked in my life so far. I guess no one has ever asked me to describe myself, I think I often make my feelings known and people rarely need to ask. However, every answer bouncing around in my head is basically a self-deprecating joke which doesn’t actually answer your question, so that should tell you the first thing you need to know about me. I like to talk shit, but, you know, in a fun way. I’m a short bald guy with glasses. Half Chinese (pr. Go-ee) and half European mutt. Born and Raised in Michigan. I’m an optimist and an idealist, and I have wide variety of interests, mostly based in creating or adventuring. I have a hard time sitting still for too long, but I do love to be home. I am an Aquarius. Full of conflicting characteristics. I’m really so much fun, everybody. Sigh.
How long have you been making art and what lead you to start? I think as soon as I was capable of making anything at all, art is what it was. I’ve never felt I had much choice in making art, it’s one of those automatic things. Though the source of the spark is probably my fascination with existence. Seriously, it’s absolutely insane, what the hell is going on here? Anyway, in the end, the things that actually make us who we are, and create the attractions that we have, are a mystery to us anyway. Maybe this mystery is what actually brought me to art…? To find out where “I” came from, or explore that territory in some way. Regarding painting specifically, which is probably closer to what you meant by your question: I’ve only been doing it consistently in this way for 2 or 3 years. It began as some sketches with a ruler during a stressful time, and I was amazed at how calming and insightful I found it to be.
Did you attend an art school if yes, which one? No but that would’ve been fun.
How did you acquire your style? I guess the answer would be “instinct.” I mean, aside from being influenced by the world around me, etc., I just started to work and it progressed naturally.
Are the colors in your art indicative of your state of mind? Definitely in one way or another. Maybe not necessarily my mood, although that certainly plays a role. I think my color choices are often those that represent some type of ideal for me, like what makes me happy or comfort me when I see it, and also what combinations I’ve grown fond of over time. Mixed with mood, it depends.
Do you draw a line between art and graphic design? or is it all the same? I draw very few lines when it comes to art. Conceptually speaking of course. Same with life. I find similarities in mostly everything. Though there is certainly a difference between being hired to communicate someone else’s idea, and working to refine and relay your own. With painting, the first major difference is of course that it’s an actual physical object.. And it is defined by the limits of its own space, if that makes sense. I love that there is this finite amount of actual space on every canvas for which the dynamic to exist, for the beginning, middle, and end of the story, to be told at once.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received in regards to your art? My favorite advice so far is probably “Keep doing what you’re doing”.
What other types of art interest you? I’m as interested in interpretations of the world as I am in the world itself. I also take pictures, make music, write, collage, animation & design, etc. and I have a strong attraction to sculpture which I am slowly getting to.
How do you define success? Being happy. Being grateful. Being in love. Traveling when you want to. Being home when you want to. Just being.
How would you like to be seen as an artist years from now? Still active and working on brand new ideas full-time.
Do you have a place/person/thing that you visit for inspiration? Yes, mostly just “away”. I generally find inspiration all around me but need to be clear and attentive enough to absorb it. I really enjoy and make a point to take road trips. I love Colorado & Utah for the amazing landscapes of mountains and evergreens that seem to influence my work a lot (and could potentially be my truest muses). The California coast. I love visiting my family in Michigan and New York. Camping is often a staple for my sanity. Brand new places and countries are also especially invigorating for my brain space.
If you could have dinner with 3 artists living/dead who would be at your table? Richard D. James (Aphex Twin), Stanley Kubrick, Bruce Lee. Obviously I had to choose English speakers because I’m captain practical.
Name three things you can’t live without in your studio? There are definitely more than 3 things! But I’ll say: my favorite tweezers, lots of painter’s tape, and a pair of raaad scissors that fits in my back pocket. Assuming paints, brushes, and panels are present and accounted for. This question is seriously a reminder of how many things I require.
