With over a decade of work under her belt—exhibits, residencies, and recognition both locally and internationally—Golda King has firmly established herself in the art world. Known for her mastery of color, pointillism, and intricate circle grids, her work is deeply personal, balancing softness with intensity.
But while her art has taken her places, it has also led her somewhere new—the classroom. Now a faculty member at Cebu Institute of Technology University, Golda is shaping the next generation of artists, sharing both the joys and challenges of the craft.
The artist’s fulfilling (albeit lonely) road
Golda’s journey into art began when she was just six years old, taking her first art classes. But it wasn’t until she studied at the Academy of Art in San Francisco from 2009 to 2014 that she truly embraced her path as an artist.
“My art journey is a fulfilling one, but it’s been quite lonely, and yet I won’t trade it for anything,” she shares.
Golda often spends 12 or more hours alone in her studio, left to her thoughts and devices. While this solitude grants her artistic freedom, she admits that it also comes at a cost. She claims that the solitary nature of her profession is both “a gift and a curse”—in a sense that her freedom costs her some of the joys in creating, as she has to treat her art as a business.
Balancing creativity with discipline is essential, from managing time and meeting deadlines to understanding what sells and what resonates with audiences. Making art as a career may give you the freedom a 9 to 5 doesn’t offer, but it also means having to be your own boss, which means you’re liable for yourself.
Golda also acknowledges the unconventionality of her path, especially as a Cebuana artist.
“It was much harder to be an artist back in the day,” she recalls, recognizing the lack of financial stability and the pressure to pursue more traditional careers. Her contemporaries took the traditional route of helping in the family business, or studying in a field that’s more lucrative, which perhaps added to the solitude.
“You could fall out of love with it and think you can pursue or study something else, but it only means that you have to work to fall in love with it all over again.”
Pieces of introspection and the weight of the artist
“All my pieces are personal,” Golda says when asked about her favorite works. While she doesn’t play favorites, she holds a deep connection to the pieces she created when she was younger.
She approaches her series with introspection, digging deep into her consciousness before putting paint to canvas. “It takes a lot of time to come up with a series, and every piece is personal,” she says.
But not all pieces are meant to be seen. “There are paintings that sell—those go into exhibits. But there are dark and sad paintings I keep for myself,” she confesses.
Golda acknowledges that artists often go down a rabbit hole when creating, but she also emphasizes the responsibility that comes with being an artist. “An artist is responsible for the message they carry out into the world. Artists are also role models, so you have to be careful about what you are conveying through your art, especially in these volatile times.”
Golda jokingly admits that for all the work and struggle to keep one’s love in art alive, she sometimes feels art isn’t all that empowering, but takes it back pointing out the artist’s ability to empathize.
Much like writers, artists have the ability to absorb everything around them, even with their eyes closed. “We put everything in the canvas, and being able to share that energy to the viewer is in itself empowering.” The only difference is the use of lines and color, instead of words. And as creators that require no words—telling these stories, tugging at the heart strings of people and evoking emotions to the viewer—is empowering.
From canvas to classroom: A Cebuana artist’s advice
As a professor teaching freshman Multimedia Arts majors, Golda reminds her students to always approach learning with a beginner’s mindset. “There will always be better artists than yourself,” she says, emphasizing the importance of humility.
She encourages aspiring artists to stay curious—to read, research, and be aware of the world around them. “Stay updated—not just on art, but on current events, family, and personal matters. Everything influences your work.”
And in a field where criticism is inevitable, Golda stresses the need for thicker skin and managing expectations. “You can’t please everyone, and you shouldn’t have to. But maintaining good relationships is important,” she says.
Most of all, she tells young artists to know their values. “Know what your values are because they will ground you,” Golda reiterates. And for those who seek to follow her footsteps and other artists of renown, she advises practicing discipline. “No one can keep telling you what to do and what not to do, and if you fail, just keep going, keep painting.”
Golda assures that failure is indeed part of the process. “Keep painting even if your paintings don’t sell, because it doesn’t make you less of an artist.”
Creative blocks are opportunities
Creative blocks are inevitable, but Golda sees them as opportunities. “You will experience a creative block, and you shouldn’t panic. This is a good time to read, enjoy life, and not do anything.” She believes that even moments of emptiness can serve as inspiration. “Everything that comes your way is an opportunity—use it to your advantage.”
“Money is not constant. If you have exhibits—good for you—you should milk it. But expect lulls in between,” she adds. Golda doesn’t shy away from the financial realities of being an artist.
Her final advice? “Keep painting, even if your paintings don’t sell. That doesn’t make you any less of an artist. Your art will do the rest.”
The art of balance
These days, Golda splits her time between teaching and working on personal projects, leaving her with less time in the studio. But she welcomes the shift.
“Going back to the studio makes it refreshing again,” Golda says. She considers herself lucky to have made a career out of art. “I’m one of the lucky ones to be able to do art as a career.”
Follow Golda King’s journey and explore her emotive pieces on Instagram at @goldakingstudio.
Photography Kyrra Kho
