Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Goode.
Hi Larry, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I went to the University of Texas at Austin in the 1980’s where I studied graphic design and painting, after which I worked at various design firms in Austin. In 1994 I started my own design firm. In 2009 I went back to school and got my MFA in visual communication. Having a love of fine art I explored the relationship between art and design while also teaching at Texas State and Austin Community College. I now split my time between teaching and painting.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My way to art making has not been easy. I find painting hard work. Much of the time I sit staring at a new painting—visualizing hundreds of iterations of color and shape before I make a mark on the page. Then there are many decisions along the way. Some paintings take a very long time to reveal what they want to be and others come very quickly. I do like the surprises that happen from when I start on a painting to how it finishes. I have also had trouble sticking with one style. I would jump from oil pastels to collage to painting and print-making. However, It has gotten easier in recent years and now I’m much more focused on my newer style. I’ve found art making is never smooth and can be something of a struggle, but I just keep working and usually a piece of art that I am happy with comes out of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am primarily a painter but I do love collage and print-making. I’m not sure but I think (I hope) I’m known for my painting—which I’ve been focused on for a number of years. Before that I was primarily a collage artist. I’m very proud of my new series of paintings. I have a background in graphic design and in these new works I am really exploring not only story but space and the exact placement of elements to help form an emotional response—as a designer might. I also like the palette of pinks I’ve been using. It’s quite unexpected for the viewer and especially it was a surprising discovery for myself. I usually think of myself as sort of moody and dark but these bright pink paintings kept appearing! It’s an odd twist, but I’ll keep running with it. I think my work is a bit different from others’ work in that they are very colorful, but with a bit of dark undertones and a visual language built with various symbols, such as ladder and chair drawings. Some of them have a cynical story about them—but the viewer has to work a little bit to see it.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
In my world of art making I think painting and creating matters the most to me. I can’t wait to get into the studio and see what direction my work might take. It’s always an interesting journey to get from a single mark on the page to a finished work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.larrygoodeart.com
- Instagram: @larryduanegoode
