Artist statement

Monterey and the complex history of my Japanese American heritage here, has deeply shaped my identity and so shaped my work. Four generations deep, I am rooted here like the cypress’ that line the coastline.  People may have tried to push us out, but we persevered. Inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the peninsula, the charm of its inhabitants, the nature, people, and social issues of the past and present are my muse. 

I create mixed media paintings and collages that float in between abstract and realism, using impasto strokes, heavy medium and personal experience. My subjects tend to gaze back at the viewer and tell a narrative though woven symbolism. 

My work regularly consists of collaging materials that carry deep personal meaning.  The use of layers in my work is very important. With each additional layer of paint, medium, fabric or wax, builds up layer by layer to create both a physical and metaphorical representation of the effect of time and meaning.

P.S. Everything you heard about me is true.

Adam Gota

adamgota@gmail.com

www.adamgota.com

(831) 224-2920

Bio

Lives and works in Monterey Ca.

Education

2020 BA Visual Public Art, California State University Monterey Bay

2015 AA Graphic Art, Monterey Peninsula College

Exhibitions

2021 “ Rumors Arose part II | Paradise ” Solo Art Show “ Pacific Grove Art Center, Pacific Grove, CA

2020 “ Rumors Arose” Solo Art Show “ Pacific Grove Art Center, Pacific Grove, CA

2019 “Fall Art Competition” 2nd place, Avery Gallery, Seaside, CA

2019 “Swipes” Scratch Exchange, Monterey, CA

2019 “Featured Artist” Never Bored Magazine Vol. 8

2019 “Exhibiting Artist’, “Site Specific 7: an Art Fair,” Visual & Public Art Dept., California State University, Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA.

2018 “Featured Artist” @ TreeHouse, Soquel, CA.

2018 “Live Painting” West End Festival, Sand City, CA

2018 Exhibiting Artist, "2nd Annual Monterey County Studio Tour @ East Garrison," In conjunction with CSUMB's Visual & Public Art Dept. & Arts Habitat, East Garrison, CA 

2018 “Fall Art Competition” 3rd place, Avery Gallery, Seaside CA

2018 “VPA Class Mural”, Seaside CA

2018 “ Punk Is Not Dead” Mural, Seaside CA

2018 Site Specific Six Art Fair, CSUMB VPA

2018 “Conversation of Love & Barriers.” Museum of Art & History, Santa Cruz CA

2018 “Arts for a cause” Café Luminar, Monterey CA

2017 Valley Greens Gallery, Carmel Valley CA

2017 First Friday, Salinas CA

2016 “Salinas Valley Food and Wine” Featured Artist 

2016 Wire & Shade, San Francisco CA

2015 “Local Landscapes’’ Del Monte Aviation. Monterey CA

2015 “BAW” Vape3one, Marina CA

2014 Shy Salon, San Jose CA

Professional Experience

2020 “Artist in Residence” Monterey Regional Waste Management District, Marina, CA 

2019 City of Monterey Cultural Arts Intern

2015-Present, Freelance Graphic Designer.

2016 Urban Arts Collective Artist Volunteer.

2016 Mural Seaside youth center

2013-Present, Commission Paintings