First off, I want to mention Geoffrey’s positivity, and his passion for whatever art he is making. Evidently, he’s had this since he was young, running off to ballet lessons despite what society nor his own parents thought of it. Even after being in trouble for it, he continued to pursue it, which is really inspiring when you dwell on it. As soon as I realized Geoffrey’s drive, I thought about how other artists share that same drive. Specifically, I thought about the artist I received for my essay and presentation: Andy Warhol. I wrote this in my paper, but even though Andy Warhol was repeatedly rejected by galleries because of the nature of his art, he kept on doing his thing. Geoffrey Doig-Marx and Andy Warhol definitely share that passionate and persistent quality.

Anyway, another thing I noticed from Geoffrey was that he’s able to give genuine advice because he has lived to learn it. When he gives advice, he knows what he’s talking about. He told us that while traveling, he was constantly told he wasn’t going to do well, he can’t do that, he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He used that negative energy and turned it into a lesson for himself and others. “Go for what you believe in.”

The entire time, I was in awe of Geoffrey because I think he feels that every piece of art is valuable. He even said that he only ever threw art out once, some thing along those lines. I feel like not enough artists think that way, instead every piece of art is money. Obviously, that art could put food on the table, but they loose sight of why they started making art in the first place.  Having said all this, Geoffrey may be my favorite artist to speak so far, and the most interesting. Sorry Rich, but you’re a close second!