Canvas Talk with Geed

An empty heart is like a blank canvas. It needs colours." - Geed.

Born in Ubud, Bali, Geed came from a very artistic family and has been passionate about visual arts since he was a little boy. Nothing excites him more than creating a new piece of artwork besides action movies, which he also loves. As a child, he began by studying traditional Balinese paintings on canvas from his father and grandfather, then expanded to various kinds of styles, media and mediums over the years, learning from more artists from around the world. Today he's a full-time artist. Mainly painting murals on walls, portraits on canvas and digital arts. He's also been teaching painting classes to both children and adults from January 2016 till today. 

We had the pleasure of getting to know more about Geed and his work. 

So Geed, when asked who we should feature, you got multiple people recommending you via our Bali Cre8ives WhatsApp group. It was a no-brainer to reach out and see what you are doing. Thank you for your time. Let's get into it.

You learnt from your family. At what age did you get the passion to follow this family tradition? What did you learn during those years?

When I was small, maybe 4 years old, I loved watching my dad and grandpa paint on canvas. I just adored how they made those pieces and let the paintings tell stories without saying a single word. And so I started having a similar interest ever since I was 4. I have learned countless valuable lessons over the years. How a painting can communicate with its viewers, how creating art teaches you patience and consistency if you want to be successful as an artist, and how you can share the skill with others who are also into it so that you grow as you help others succeed. So many things.

What is your favourite part of painting? What do you like to use and capture?

My favourite part is when I get to share my thoughts and stories through my work, as I could be better at telling my story with words. I like to capture natural things; I just paint them in my own way and style.

Who are your inspirations as an artist?

My first inspirations are my grandpa and my dad. They may not be world-famous, but they have been my first teachers, and as hard as it was for them to financially support a family through their job as painters, they made it. They were painters who didn't make much money, yet we always had food on the table, and I was well-schooled. I think that is beyond great.

Is it best to get creative in multiple mediums, or sticking with one and mastering it is best?

I have to be honest; it is best to stick with one medium and master it. But I don't know an artist who never used or at least tried multiple mediums, including myself. Artists are curious creatures, always wanting to try and know things. So it's not wrong to try many mediums. In the end, you will find one that you feel is best for you.

How has it been for you being an artist in Bali? 

Being an artist in Bali is great. You know, you are constantly surrounded by art here. The buildings are carved, paintings everywhere, and especially the nature here. Being born in Bali, I see this since Bali has more trees and rice fields. How things change also inspired me to paint.

How was it for you during COVID, and what kept you creative?

I lost a few art projects when covid hits in 2020. Just like for everyone else, it was challenging. However, there are always two sides to everything. I changed my perspective and found that having more time for myself wasn't bad. I get to find new ideas and inspirations. Having no job for a year gave me time to reflect and go to nature more, just like in my childhood. So yeah, it was bad, and it was good.

You also do murals, from canvas to walls. Is it more challenging to achieve, and how did you get into it?

Oh yeah, I love the "from canvas to walls" line. When I was maybe 10 years old, I used to draw pregnant women on the walls of my home. My parents would see it and because I drew a little too much, they would give me papers and tell me to draw on the paper instead, which I never did. Years later, as an adult, I remembered that and was thinking about what it could possibly mean, why I draw pregnant women on the walls, and why I would only draw them on the walls. I came to the conclusion that it was because I wanted to have a sibling. Now that's a child communicating their wish with their parents. In 2000 my sister was born.

You also do murals, from canvas to walls. Is it more challenging to achieve, and how did you get into it?

Oh yeah, I love the "from canvas to walls" line. When I was maybe 10 years old, I used to draw pregnant women on the walls of my home. My parents would see it and because I drew a little too much, they would give me papers and tell me to draw on the paper instead, which I never did. Years later, as an adult, I remembered that and was thinking about what it could possibly mean, why I draw pregnant women on the walls, and why I would only draw them on the walls. I came to the conclusion that it was because I wanted to have a sibling. Now that's a child communicating their wish with their parents. In 2000 my sister was born.

Are you into NFTs? What are your thoughts on it?

I tried to learn about NFTs and had a friend come to me to do NFTs together. But we both are very new to it, so it hasn't been going well. To be honest, I only want to be an artist, and an artist would do better not to take another role in a business. This is why I'm open to working with others in NFT who understand it well.

Do you prefer teaching or working on your art?

I love both. I have painted for much longer than I have been a teacher, of course, but when I started teaching, for me, it was a level-up. As then, I get to share and support like-minded people. But since you ask, I will say I like working on my art more.

Can you give 5 tips for an upcoming artist?

1. Start

2. Don't just paint. Read too.

3. Know that as soon as you decide to be an artist, you choose to be a forever student. Be open to learning new things.

4. Be there to share. When you have someone ask you to teach them, teach them. If they want to learn more and more, that's a future artist like you. Help them.

5. Enjoy the struggles, and admire how people see you as "different" or even "weird". That's a strong sign that you are born to be an artist.

Follow for more @artgeedart