We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gavin Jordan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gavin , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose was a transformative journey that involved self-discovery, introspection, and a willingness to explore new paths. Here’s how I found my purpose as a Caribbean Black artist:
Reconnecting with Childhood Passions: I started by reflecting on the activities that brought me joy and fulfillment in my early years. I remembered my love for art and how I used to sketch and create as a child. This initial connection with creativity provided a clue to my true passions.
Taking Small Steps: I started sketching again as a hobby, not with the intention of pursuing it professionally. However, these small steps reignited my creative spark and reminded me of the joy I found in art. These incremental steps helped me build momentum and confidence in my abilities.
Seeking Feedback and Validation: Sharing my artwork with friends and family and receiving positive feedback validated my talents and boosted my confidence. This external validation played a role in helping me recognize that my passion had potential beyond just a hobby.
Exploring New Horizons: I immersed myself in the art world by studying various techniques, learning from other artists, and participating in art communities. This exploration allowed me to refine my skills, expand my knowledge, and gain a deeper understanding of the art landscape.
Defining Values and Passion: I spent time reflecting on what truly mattered to me. I realized that expressing myself creatively, evoking emotions through my art, and contributing to cultural enrichment were values that resonated deeply with me. This helped me define my artistic mission and purpose.
Embracing the Journey: Finding my purpose wasn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process of growth and evolution. I embraced the journey with an open heart and a willingness to learn from both successes and challenges.
Aligning with Authenticity: Ultimately, I found my purpose by aligning with my authentic self, embracing my artistic talents, and recognizing the impact I could make through my work. This alignment brought a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose that I had never experienced before.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Gavin Jordan, a Jamaican-born artist, and my creative journey has been a profound exploration of human emotions and hidden narratives through art. What started as a rekindling of my childhood passion for sketching has evolved into a creative journey that focuses on evoking feelings, challenging perspectives, and telling stories through my unique style of sculptured paintings.
My artwork stands out due to its innovative technique that combines elements of impressionism, pointillism, and perceptual art. I create what I call “sculptured paintings,” where I use industrial screws to give a three-dimensional effect to my pieces. This approach brings depth and texture to my art, enhancing the interplay of light and shadow, and giving life to the central figures of my paintings.
What excites me the most is the ability of art to transcend boundaries and evoke emotions that connect people across cultures. I want viewers to look beyond the surface and delve into the nuanced narratives I embed within each piece. My work explores the “dangers of the single story,” inviting viewers to reimagine scenarios, feel resonance, and engage with the universal human experience on a deeper level.
As for what’s new, I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of my own gallery space, the “24 Marie Fine Art Gallery,” located in Flagler Village, Fort Lauderdale. The gallery is scheduled to open at the end of October and will showcase not only my own new projects but also the works of emerging contemporary artists from the Caribbean. This space is a culmination of my artistic journey and a place where I hope to connect with art enthusiasts, fellow creatives, and the community.
Additionally, I’ll be showcasing my work at the Spectrum Miami Art Fair during Art Basel week, providing an exciting platform to reach a diverse audience and engage with the art world on a broader scale.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities that have been particularly impactful in my evolution as an artist.
Resilience and Perseverance: The creative path is often marked by challenges, self-doubt, and setbacks. Resilience is key in overcoming these obstacles and continuing to push forward. Understand that growth and mastery take time. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone toward improvement. Stay committed to your craft even when faced with difficulties and remember that progress is often nonlinear.
Advice: Cultivate a growth mindset that embraces challenges and setbacks as part of the learning process. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow creatives who can provide encouragement and constructive feedback. Celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation.
Continuous Learning: The creative journey is a journey of exploration and learning. Embrace curiosity and a willingness to constantly improve your skills and expand your knowledge. This includes studying various techniques, art history, and even related disciplines that can inform your work. The more you learn, the more tools you’ll have at your disposal to express your ideas.
Advice: Never stop learning. Engage in workshops, courses, and online resources that align with your creative interests. Experiment with new mediums and styles to keep your artistic expression fresh and dynamic. Seek inspiration from diverse sources to enrich your creative perspective.
Authenticity and Self-Expression: Authenticity is a cornerstone of creativity. Your unique experiences, perspectives, and voice are what set you apart as an artist. Embrace your individuality and use it as a driving force behind your work. Be fearless in expressing your thoughts, emotions, and stories through your art. When you create from a place of authenticity, your work will resonate more deeply with others.
Advice: Spend time exploring your own identity, values, and passions. Understand what motivates you to create and infuse that into your work. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Trust in your artistic intuition and let your creativity flow without overthinking.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has played an important role in my development as an artist is “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield. This book offers valuable insights and guidance for overcoming the obstacles and resistance that can hinder creative endeavors. Here are a few impactful nuggets of wisdom from the book:
Resistance is the Enemy: Pressfield introduces the concept of “Resistance,” which is the force that opposes creativity and seeks to keep us from doing the work that truly matters to us. Recognizing and acknowledging resistance is the first step toward overcoming it.
Professionals vs. Amateurs: Pressfield distinguishes between professionals and amateurs in the creative realm. Professionals approach their craft with discipline, dedication, and a commitment to consistently showing up and doing the work, regardless of external circumstances. Amateurs, on the other hand, are easily swayed by distractions, excuses, and the allure of instant gratification.
Consistent Action Creates Momentum: Pressfield emphasizes the importance of establishing a regular routine and committing to the creative process. By consistently putting in the effort, even on days when inspiration is lacking, you build momentum that can carry you through challenges and periods of self-doubt.
Resistance as a Compass: Instead of viewing resistance as a negative force to be avoided, Pressfield suggests that we can use it as a compass. The things we resist the most are often the things that matter the most to us. Therefore, resistance can serve as a guide to identifying our true passions and calling.
Professional Mindset: Adopting a professional mindset means treating your creative work as a job, regardless of whether it generates income. Approach your craft with seriousness, respect, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This shift in mindset can lead to greater consistency and higher-quality output.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gavinjordanart.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gavinjordanart
