Collection: Studio Works by Maria Go

Born in Taiwan in 1973, Maria Go is a multidisciplinary artist who has called South Pasadena home since 2001. Her creative journey began in childhood, where she felt a relentless drive to create—even mimicking Expressionist masters with fingerpaints as a young girl. This early passion was nurtured by her sister, an art major who helped her find the courage to express herself authentically. While Maria’s academic path led her to language studies at UCLA and a career as a middle school special education teacher, her "insatiable love for art" remained a constant. For over fifteen years, she gained international recognition as a "teddy bear artist," designing one-of-a-kind collectibles shown in California, England, and Japan.

Maria’s current practice is an intuitive fusion of watercolor and collage, shaped by her unique life experiences as a missionary child and her deep admiration for Expressionist legends like Alexei Jawlensky and Franz Marc. Her work explores the profound depth found in simplicity, utilizing bold geometric forms to reflect her theory that there is "perfect balance in imperfection." Drawing from a diverse technical background that includes photography and fiber arts, she now focuses on capturing the beauty of the natural world through layers of paper and saturated pigment. Her work has been featured in prestigious juried shows, including the Brand Library and Art Center’s Annual National Juried Exhibition and the Sanchez Art Center’s 50|50 show.

For Maria, the purpose of art is to provoke curiosity, wonder, and emotion through human connection. She is a strong advocate for "third-space" exhibitions, believing that placing original artwork in community hubs like Jones Coffee Roasters creates the "magical possibility of accidental inspiration" for neighbors and friends. Whether she is working with vibrant Japanese watercolors or intricate paper bits, Maria finds joy in the process of making art accessible to all, seeing it as a vital thread that connects her amazing family, her local community, and the natural world.