Geoff....

Raised most of his life in Monson, MA, Geoff has always had a fascination for the visual arts and as a child he would frequently draw unusual characters to amuse his family. A self-taught artist, Geoff started painting watercolors in the late 1990's, but lost interest in traditional subject matters. It wasn't until about 2006 that he discovered the enjoyment of illustrative style painting that enabled him to express his creativity in a bold way that has sometimes been referred to as “Steampunk” and the likes of Heath Robinson.

You'll discover his art focuses primarily on colorful and whimsical illustrative characters that portray a different time, technology and outlandish fashion. Geoff's inspiration stems from the work of George Tooker and Alex Colville, however it was Amedeo Modigliani's style of elongated figurative characteristics that became the foundation for his “Modi” Siamese cat character.  He also finds enjoyment in contemporary artists such as Jeanie Lynn Paske, Daniel Merriam, Patricia Van Lubeck, Peter Van Oostzanen, and Joseph Cowman.

Geoff's work has been on display at the William Pinney Gallery in Suffield, CT, the Greater Hartford Arts Council Workplace Campaign, East Windsor Public Library, and the Somers Piedmont Art Show for 2007, 2008 & 2009 where his latest painting “The Libasm” was accepted. Geoff's painting “Wanna ride?” was featured on the front page of Hartford Courant's I-Town section on May 18th, 2008. You may also view his work and other interesting art projects on the web at www.steamfolk.com.

Although employed full time at MassMutual in Springfield, Geoff is able to find enough time to keep his desire for painting satisfied. Geoff currently resides in Broad Brook, CT with his supportive wife Michele and 4 wonderful children.

How SteamFolk started.....

Modi evolved from his fascination with the painting style of Amedeo Modigliani who lived in the late 1800's and focused primarily on portraiture.  After struggling to find some type of unique style of his own, he asked himself "If Modigliani had a cat, what would it look like?".  Modi the siamese cat was born!  Modi is a carriage wheel maker at a large factory and hates his mundane job.  To release his frustration, he tinkers with gadgets and builds bicycles in his spare time. Many folks have suggested that Geoff create children's book, however he has not had the desire to do so at this time.  For now, Geoff enjoys building up his portfolio and exploring how far he can push the design of his work.

Where SteamFolk is going.....

Modi has made some changes since he was first introduced.  There has also been the introduction of figurative work.  Compared to some of the older pieces, the newer work is much more vivid and colourful.  Geoff continues to strive for graceful compositions, wild fashion and intricate design.  He loves to explore the use of split complimentary colors, pounding lights against darks, and using patterns that flow gracefully to the eye.  Additionally, the overall composition must make the viewer wander throughout the painting like a well read story.  To see "The Libasm" and other fine candy, please visit his gallery here.

Accomplishments.....

2010
~ Accepted into Gallery 131 at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, Massachusetts with ongoing representation
~ Originals and Giclee prints now available at Brazen Betties in Torrington, CT
~ 1st Place for "Lizzie's return to Centre County", Monson Arts Council Spring Art Show and Sale, Monson, MA
~ Group show "Two Women, Three Men, a Retrospective", Tolland Arts Center, Tolland, CT
~ Group show "New Englands Finest", Giclee of New England, Palmer, MA

2009
~ "The Libasm" accepted into the Piedmont Art Show, Somers, CT
~ Solo Exhibit, William Penny Art Gallery, Suffield Memorial Library, Suffield, CT
~ Booth at the Tobacco Valley Artists Association Kinghouse Museum, Suffield, CT

2008
~ "The Defeat of 147b" accepted into the Piedmont Art Show, Somers, CT
~ "The Defeat of 147b" made front cover of Hartford Courant iTown paper

2007
~ "Modi and his Penny Farthing" accepted into the Piedmont Art Show, Somers, CT