IllustrationX - Go Suga portfolio

Beautiful, mystical, abstract, naïve – there are so many ways to describe this fascinating Japanese-Australian artist’s work that this is just a start. It’s also bold and colourful, and Go Suga brings a unique aspect to any project he touches. With a background in graphic design, Go believes in the process of experimentation. For him it is anathema to learn something by watching videos on Youtube or even by sitting in a classroom. The way to perfect your art is by painting, drawing and trying out new techniques and new materials. He believes you’ll find a new skill or style along the way that will make your work totally individual. Born in Hiroshima, Go now lives on the Gold Coast and combines his native culture with the surf lifestyle of his adopted home. Surfing keeps him mentally balanced, while he draws deeper inspiration from the musings of British philosopher Alan Watts, and the music of RY X.

Training

Go has a diploma in Graphic Design from TAFE Gold Coast in Australia, but attributes most of his illustrative skills to his self-taught process of experimentation.

Approach

Composition comes first for Go, and once he has a few sketches ready he decides on his colours and narrows down which ones to progress into full paintings. He uses acrylic on board, as well as pen on paper.

Styles

Go’s style offers an individual, naïve mix of abstract and graphical forms, folksy patterns and textures, along with bright colours. It’s fresh, full of the unexpected, simple and bold. “I’m into simplicity and bright colours. A lot of my paintings are themed around surfing, the universe and elements like the sun, wind, water, time and civilisation,” he says.