Meet John Goetz | John Goetz | Painter

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

Hi John, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.

Hello! Thanks for having me on .

Recently I had the pleasure of reading Stevens and Swans biography on DeKooning an American Master . I felt it was brilliant . It so captures the essence of New York City in the 50’s and took me on an intimate journey to what life might have been like for these painters. It was amazing how they persevered and the obstacles they had to overcome in order to succeed . It was an extremely inspirational read .

Another great book for anyone interested in considering the perspectives of the artist was
The Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel . It follows the woman artists of that era and the commitment endured during that time just to be seen and heard in a males dominated arena . Both these books will take you to the soul of art making and the incredible dedication and tenacities our contemporaries had in order to achieve their visions.

Gorgeous and supreme gratification- New York Times

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m a painter , and as such , frequently asked, How come ? The reply is generally that it’s something that picks you , you’ll know when it does and that in my case it was pretty early on during the times spent in art school , drawing as a kid . Painting turned into a good way for me to connect with the people and as a conduit, it still does. I have little to do with thinking about why I am doing this other then it makes me happy. I just had to keep working on get better it , to learn the lessons learned and figure out the resources to support myself. What could be better? There were some warnings from painters past in my family who had evidently roughed it out as artists so choosing painting other then a pleasant distraction and as a career , realizes a pretty strong commitment from you . Still the exhilaration of paint moving across canvas and the possibilities still feel fresh most every time . Painting continually provides new fulfillments which are only compounded when things connect and move on to those connections with other people and those paintings are being made.

The whole process offers one the ability to learn something new about oneself and like everything else you just need to be able to put in the time . Ask any writer filmmaker dancer poet or musician …it can be terrifying at times but as Gerard Richter once said it should also be fun . I know he was only half joking but the fun is there in those resolves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Since I live in Santa Monica very near to ocean I’d be sure to take them cycling of course. The city has become so bike friendly that it’s easy now to just grab an electric power assist bicycle and go ! There’s tons to see along the board walks , cafes and beaches where you can just let the time of day decide were you want to stop . We could take in an art and community walk through the beautiful Venice Canals checking into to see what’s up at the LA louver or go along Rose and Main Street Avenues to take in some of the coolest out door sidewalk cafes and restaurants reopening since the closures. Everything is starting to take on a Cafe Society look since they closed lanes and opened up more out door spaces . There’s people walking and cycling everywhere . It’s really beautiful expression to what the new So Cal. should be all about. The latest highlight was a surprise redo and opening of the cafe at our Penman Public Golf Course . Absolutely great food and drink , happy hour menus . This all under a sunset by the green while with live outdoor music plays on .Perfecto !

@thepenmar @lalouver

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 shout out would have to be The Santa Monica Art Studios now the 18th street art studios . It’s community of artist were major in establishing my sense of personal and artist identities here in LA   . It was also where I would meet my future wife , the accomplished LA Artist and painter Tanja Rector. 

Website: Johngoetz.com

Instagram: Johngoetz262

Image Credits
Tanja Rector