Geoffrey Chandler

1951 - 2017

Geoffrey Chandler

January 17, 1951 - July 15, 2017

Geoff portrayed the cosmos, with pen and ink, acrylic paint and pixels. His paintings revealed the sublime wonder of the universe, the luminous beauty of distant galaxies, and the conceptual leap to infinity. Rooted in scientific fact and theory, the unseen mysteries emerge tangible and harmonious. His work transcended the genres of astronomical and space art, with his unique vision and technical ability.

Geoff grew up in Portola Valley, attended Woodside High School, and was educated at California College of Arts & Crafts (CCAC) in Oakland.

In addition to numerous group exhibitions, he had solo shows of his paintings at The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, and the Oakland Museum. Another solo exhibition of his drawings was held at the San Jose Museum of Art. He organized and curated a show of Space Art at the Ames Research Center in Mountain View CA. His paintings were featured on covers of Time and Omni Magazines, numerous books, calendars, posters and note cards. During the 70s and 80s, he exhibited frequently at the Illuminarium Gallery, the premiere showplace of Visionary Art. He later mastered Photoshop, and made surreal and complex digital collages.

Geoffrey, the man, had a hearty appetite for life and strong opinions. He loved surfing as a participant in his youth and later enjoyed surfing films. He came of age at the height of the cultural renaissance of the 1960s and 70s, and experienced the full measure of the time. He enjoyed hosting parties of his friends, the community of artists in the Bay Area. He had a great knowledge of classical music and psychedelic music of the late 60s. He produced an album of his own space music in the 70s. Geoff also loved the outdoors and his estate is donating to his favorite charity, Save the Redwoods League.

Scientists, New Age mystics and laymen alike can marvel at his work and observe the essential message, truth is beauty and beauty is truth.

Geoff is preceded in death by his parents, A. B. and Marne Chandler, and older brother, Chris Chandler. He is survived by his sisters, Helene Williams and Tory Fuller, the art to which he dedicated his life, and his many friends and fans. A memorial will be announced at a future date.