The Creative Edge: Terry Goff Explores Creative Side Through Paint Pours
Anyone who knows Terry Goff of Joplin, Missouri, could describe him as exuberant, fun and full of contrasts. His paint-poured artwork could be described much the same way.
Terry’s pieces are created using multiple complimentary colors of acrylic paints thinned with Floetrol to improve flow and poured onto a canvas, stone tile or other blank slate such as glass ornaments, ceramic Easter eggs and even vinyl records. The colors run, fan out and at times combine to form a unique piece of artwork that is abstract with layers of details.
“I’ve always been artsy,” Terry says, “but I never felt like I was very creative. I couldn’t paint an original landscape, but I could reproduce it beautifully.”
Terry loved his art classes at the former Parkwood High School in Joplin, but life took him down a non-artistic path. Art was a creative outlet in his spare time during his working years, and he painted many theatrical sets for church productions during vacation bible schools, and superhero scenes onto friends’ children’s bedroom walls.
Now retired from the workforce, Terry has branched out from production sets and taught himself how to create abstract works of art through paint pouring.
“In 2022, I saw an acrylic paint pour video on Facebook, and I was intrigued because this artwork becomes whatever it’s going to be through the flow of paint. It’s a different way of being creative.”
When the Food Network show “Best Bites” filmed its episode featuring Joplin restaurants in 2023, some of Terry’s paintings were on display at Finn’s restaurant. One of his pieces happened to be in the background when Finn’s chef was interviewed on “Best Bites,” and Terry screenshot the image and posted it on social media the following day. A buyer from Guatemala saw his post and purchased the painting.
Terry’s work also appears in locations throughout the U.S. and Ireland.
So far, Terry has participated in one public art show, and he is open to doing commissioned projects.
“I work with customers to decide on canvas size and colors,” he says. “People have their favorite colors, but the colors someone chooses might not always be complimentary. I try to guide them toward colors that will look great together. I want us both to be pleased with the color combinations we put together.”
Terry plans to explore other techniques for paint pouring in the future.
“Each paint-pouring technique results in such a different look. There are so many techniques out there I want to try.”
Over the years, Terry has experimented with multiple techniques and materials, and he has learned from each one.
“My first attempts were pretty bad,” he laughs. “But as with anything, you practice and learn what works best for you and the results you’re looking to achieve. Half the fun for me is trying new things to get a different look and feel of the artwork.”
Terry also offers paint pour gatherings, such as girls’ nights or an evening of family fun, in a casual atmosphere.
“It’s a fun and relaxing way for a small group to get together and create something unique. I have fun creating poured pieces and enjoy sharing the experience with others.”
For more information, contact Terry at ttgoff@sbcglobal.net or 417.483.7468.
