How Staying True to Your Passion Makes all the Difference| Dana Goh

Dana Goh is a talented textile artist from Singapore who finds beauty in life’s small, quiet moments. Her art transforms these fleeting experiences—like sunlight streams through a window or a soft breeze through flowers—into beautiful, tangible works. In this interview, Dana talks about what inspires her, from her mother’s creative cakes to the joy of working with her hands. She shares the challenges of creating meaningful art, the unforgettable experiences that have shaped her journey, and the heartwarming connections she’s made along the way.

Dana Goh (b. 2001, Singapore) is a multidisciplinary textile artist based in London and Singapore. Her work is inspired by her surroundings, capturing the ephemeral beauty of soft, gentle moments—like the faint twinkle of a crystal on a keychain or the soft wind that stirs a bouquet of flowers. Through her textile-based sculptures and installations, Goh transforms these fleeting experiences into tangible forms that celebrate serenity, lightness, and quiet wonder. Central to Goh’s practice is the romanticization of the everyday. She reimagines subtle interactions with her environment as poetic narratives rendered in textiles. Drawing from the spirit of Impressionism, she uses light, color, and texture to evoke the emotional resonance of transient moments. Pastel tones are integral to her work, mirroring the delicate beauty of these scenes and imbuing her pieces with an ethereal, dreamlike quality.

Employing techniques such as hand-dyeing, tufting, weaving, and fabric manipulation, Goh crafts intricate, layered artworks that resonate with softness and tactility. Her creations invite physical engagement, encouraging viewers to interact with their textures and uncover the emotional depth hidden within their folds. Whether capturing the glow of sunlight through a café window or the gentle sway of leaves in the breeze, Goh’s works reflect her inspirations’ visual and emotional essence. A graduate of the Royal College of Art (2024), Goh has exhibited internationally in cities including London, New York, Vienna, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Liverpool, Shanghai, Singapore, and Seoul. She is a finalist for the VAO UK & International Emerging Artist Award 2024 (Young Artist) and a selected artist for the Emerging Woman Artist Award Art Prize.

1. How would you describe your art style, and what inspired you to become an artist?

Soft, gentle, and pretty. I have always been a kid who had to make something with my hands. I would doodle on the wall or create a mess with homemade clay. My mother, who loved baking cakes decorated with sculptural flowers and figurines, is a major inspiration for me.

I tell myself that there is nothing bad making works that are purely for the joy of making and prettiness.

Dana Goh

2. Describe a memorable experience or project that significantly impacted your career?

The London Design Festival 2024. The chance to hold an exhibition with amazing textile artists evoked interesting conversations and new knowledge. Besides, many visitors were involved in the arts, and my dialogues with them were inspiring and motivating.

3. What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how did you overcome them?

A major challenge is creating artwork with a strong concept and meaning. I tell myself that there is nothing terrible about making works that are purely for the joy of making and prettiness.

4. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your art journey?

The conversations I have during exhibitions and even messages on my social media. It is truly inspiring and motivating and makes my heart warm.

A major inspiration for me is my mother who loved baking cakes, cakes that were decorated with sculptural flowers and figurines.

Dana Goh

5. What advice would you give to the aspiring artists?

Just keep going.

Dana Goh’s art is about finding beauty in life’s small, quiet moments. Her journey shows the power of creativity, resilience, and staying true to what inspires you. Through her work, Dana encourages us to slow down and appreciate the magic around us. To learn more about Dana, visit the links below.