Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Goer.
Hi Chelsea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in SC and I have been painting since I was a young kid. Every since I can remember I was painting or, making something. I went to College of Charleston to study art but I was not sure how I would make a career out of it. I went on to work a corporate job but I was unsettled. A friend encouraged me ti start painting again and it sort of grew from there. Shortly after that I was contacted by Allison Williamson of Charlesotn Artist Collective who invited me to be one of her artist. Within a short time I was able to quit my corporate job and paint full time. That was nine years ago now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The cliche saying “if you do what you love” (you know the rest) rings true. However being an artist means that every day you have to face yourself in your work. No one is telling you what to paint, how to do it, if it will be received well, and so on. I’m my own worst critic. But I choose to face it everyday, in hopes I can continue to grow as an artist and a creative.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I always say before I am an artist, I am an observer. I grew up in the lowcountry and I have always felt strongly you should paint what you know. My work is deeply rooted in the lifestyle of the coast. My subjects range from women figures in water and on beaches, to oysters and driftwood, to surfers and surf culture here. While my subjects may vary they all have something in common. They are unique to the lowcountry. I’m proud to represent the place that I live and feel so honored that people connect to this same subjects.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love living in Charleston. It’s been my home for over twenty years now and every time I leave I am reminded that I live in the best place in the world. I love the water, the city, the food, the culture, and the tight community. Life is a little slower here and that allows us to constantly stop and see the beauty of what we have. There is no place quite like it.
The thing I like least about is the traffic blocking me from leaving my house during Saturday’s Sullivans beach traffic. Luckily I can walk most places and bike to the beach myself so I don’t have to sit in the line of cars.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chelseagoer.com
- Instagram: ChelseaGoer
