Meet Gooey: Artist and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gooey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gooey, how do you think about risk?
I believe risk is unavoidable if you want to create something new exciting and meaningful. Taking chances on yourself, starting your own creative practice and deciding you will make your craft your main source of income is a big risk, but it has amazing rewards. There is no such thing as “playing it safe”, for me playing it safe means you are putting your mind at ease and not getting challenged, risk is growth.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I come from a very mixed background in terms of how I was raised. Everyone in my family had some sort of creative talent, but no one really was doing anything with them when I was young. No one was making a living from art, but they were also never on a 9-5 job.

I always liked the lifestyle of being free, but never thought of art as an option. I feel the way I was raised has had a big impact in the way I think and the way I create. I always felt a bit like an outlaw so I am always looking for alternatives on how to create something new.

Novelty is something that sets me apart, because once I start to see something that becomes too popular (even if I was doing it as well) and I feel everyone is doing it, and copying it, I start to think of ways of doing it different or do something else. I like swimming against the current, and of course this is not always the best way to do things, but I enjoy it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have plenty of good places in L.A that I would take friends. Some staples of the city would be The Prince, Cafe Stella, the breweries in Downtown L.A, Broken Shaker rooftop, Rao’s, Speranza, Zebulon, Taix, a good hike in Griffith Park is always fun, checking the art scene in town at, The Brewery, Hauser & Wirth, Over the influence, CAAM, L.A Louver, and of course sports is a must, LAFC, a Dodger game or an NBA game would be in the schedule as well!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My story would not be possible if it wasn’t for my friends and family. They have supported all my crazy ideas and have encouraged me to keep going.

Website: https://www.artbygooey.com/

Instagram: @gooey_xx

Image Credits
@Gooey Studio