Jordon is a student-now-turned-alum who participated in our Interagency program for the last couple of years, including our Print 4 Life class with Teaching Artist Greg. In her time with us she has created multiple screen print designs, both for commissions and to sell at the Columbia City Farmers’ Market, and she has shown her work at Arts Corps’ galleries at ACT and at Windermere Mt. Baker. Recently, one of her pieces was displayed at the Seattle Art Museum. Jordon graduated from our program this spring and is now getting ready to start her undergraduate studies in art. We’re so thankful to have her share a little about herself before continuing on her journey!
You’ve participated in Arts Corps programs for the last couple of years. Can you share a little about your experience?
I came to Interagency High School in late 2022. I was extremely excited and nervous to be back in an educational setting following many years of attending school on and off. The only thing I was truly confident in was that I knew how to draw; I was sure I’d be able to at least rack up art credits. On my first day, I happened to meet Mr. Greg. We talked idly about Townes Van Zandt and other pop cultural nonsense. I’d identified myself as a “good draw-er” and showed him some of my drawings, and he told me about screen printing, something I’d firmly associated with Andy Warhol. Over the 11th-grade year, I changed a bit, becoming more confident—I’d credit that to screen printing. I had a pretty good mentor-student relationship with Greg; I learned I could make money and make connections with art, and I had a lot of really great opportunities to just learn. I guess the best part about the last (almost) two years has been that I’ve felt like I’ve become a better artist, like I’ve gotten advanced and I’m ready to take it farther.
When creating art where do you get your inspiration for your work?
Well, I’m not sure what that means. I just do it because it’s all I can do.
How did you feel about seeing your artwork up at the Seattle Art Museum?
It was cool. I had never been to SAM before, I’d only ever driven by it. When I was little, I’d look at the hammering man sculpture outside and wonder what was inside and sure enough, the first time I went in, I found my own work in there.
What is the thing you are most proud of that you have accomplished?
Well, I’m going to college pretty soon—for drawing. That’s crazy to think about, the idea that I’m taking this whole art thing further and deciding to get an actual education in it feels like a huge milestone. It makes me really just… excited, but in a way, I’m also scared I won’t do well or have the skills necessary—but then I remind myself that I’m there to learn, no pressure. I’m proud of myself for getting this far, really.
What are the biggest challenges you face?
Biggest challenge, well… I’m kind of on a roll right now. I’ve had a good last couple of years, and I’m hoping to have a good many more, so I’m not so focused on the challenging stuff. I’d say… I’m kind of scared for the future, but isn’t everyone at 19?
What is something being an artist helped you overcome?
Mmm…I don’t know, man, it’s a skill but it isn’t a superpower, it didn’t save me from a real life or death scenario, but it’s just always been something I was confident in. If somebody was mean to me and I couldn’t really come up with a good comeback, all I had to do was just draw a good, mean caricature of that person and my point was made, you know? It was the one thing I felt I couldn’t fail at, being an artist.
Give us a list of five people or things that have influence you and why?
It’s awful if I don’t give the first spot to a family member, so
1. Mom and Dad, I’m grouping them together because they’re pretty equally great – my father taught me how to draw in the first place, it was his sketchbooks that I was flipping through, he was the greatest visual influence from my early life – and my mother has always been the dominating force in my life, and their opinions are the only ones that genuinely matter to me.
2. Orson Welles, not to sound big-headed but I just relate very much to his perfectionist nature and work ethic. I don’t think I could make anything as good as Citizen Kane, really, but I like to think I could have a good career.
3. Kurt Cobain, does it even need to be said at this point? It feels redundant to say, but of course he’s a huge inspiration, his influence is everywhere.
4. Andy Warhol – because no matter how lazy I feel, I’ll never be Warholian lazy.
5. Mr. Greg. He’s the… Well, he’s taught me a ton, I guess he’s the Warhol to my Basquiat (hahahaha) and likely the most honest teacher I’ve ever had.
