Matt Goad
Photographer: Charlie Neuenschwander
In this insightful interview, we sit down with the talented matt goad as he shares his daily routines, artistic techniques, and the personal themes that inspire his work. with influences ranging from marc chagall to cold war-era soviet muralists, his unique style is a blend of geometric precision and emotional depth. fellow artists and art enthusiasts alike will find valuable advice and inspiration in his journey and creative process.
What led you to become an artist?
Suspended Animation by Matt Goad
I've always drawn and have never wanted to be anything else. A career in graphic design was a stepping stone that allowed me to make a living while pursuing the bigger dream of being an artist.
Can you describe a typical day or routine in your studio?
The first hours of the day are usually where the ideas happen. I start by walking the dog around the park, then have coffee in the studio while drawing in my sketchbook. On a good day, when a drawing excites me, I develop it further and plan out how I will execute it on canvas. All in all, even on busy days, there are typically only about three to four golden hours of creativity a day for me. After that, I enjoy doing the busier work in the studio.
How would you describe your artistic style?
Geometric, graphic, hard edge, with a conceptual story.
What materials and techniques do you prefer to work with, and why?
I developed the style I work in originally from doing woodcut prints. That later changed to stencil paintings, and in the last six months, I've been creating painted paper collages. I've enjoyed these materials because they allow me to create art with bold, hard-edged graphic effects. I also use the computer to help me quickly try multiple options on an idea, especially color.
How do you approach color and composition in your paintings?
Composition is always my friend, whereas color often eludes me. It's the hardest for me, which is why I like to see multiple options before committing to canvas. I think of myself as a designer who likes to create art. All my ideas start with somewhat of a "built-in" composition, and although it typically needs much refinement, you can see a direct link from the original sketch to the final piece. Color is the opposite and requires much work and trial and error. This is one of the reasons I've kept my latest series in a conceptually limited palette.
Is there any advice you would give to aspiring painters based on your experiences?
Create art for yourself and not what you think other people might like.
What themes or subjects inspire your artwork the most?
For this latest series, I've looked at myself and my life thus far. I wanted to create a personal series because I had never done that before. In this series, I'm exploring themes of loneliness, feeling like a stranger in a strange land, overcoming self-doubt, acceptance, and healing, both physical and mental. It's pretty personal and frankly rather embarrassing to talk about, but something I felt compelled to do this year.
Are there any particular artists or movements that have influenced your work?
The list is so long that I don't know where I could begin, and if I could, I wouldn't be able to stop. A few key artists who took hold of me when I was a boy were Marc Chagall, Stuart Davis, and Roy Lichtenstein. I lived in Arizona in high school, so there has always been a part of the desert in my work. In college, I discovered German Expressionism and Mexican woodcut artists. As a graphic designer, I became enamored with Jim Flora, Alvin Lustig, Charley Harper, and Mary Blair, to name a few. In the last few years, I've been blown away by Cold War-era Soviet muralists, brutalist sculpture, and architecture. I love how many look like they could be both ancient and from the future. Those are some of the aesthetic qualities I aspire to achieve in my work.
How do you stay motivated and engaged in your work?
I love what I do and have always enjoyed realizing ideas in some way, but I do believe deadlines often help. I mainly try to entertain myself with what I create. When I do that, people seem to respond the most.
