We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jordan Young a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jordan, 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?
I feel my career in ceramics was by total chance, originally I was attending Orange Coast College to receive an Associates Degree as well as finish the EMT course they offered as my plan was to become a firefighter. With any degree an elective is required and I ended up taking ceramics, from the very first day inside the studio I found my passion. Realizing I could have a career creating art, I followed through by attending California University State Fullerton and received a Bachelors of Fine Art in ceramics. Since the start of my journey in ceramics over ten years ago, I have had success stories, failures, and roadblocks, but it’s the passion to be creative that keeps the artist making new work.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
The best thing about being an artist is you don’t have anyone telling you, you can’t do that. Trying out an idea that doesn’t work just means you get to problem solve to fix the issues. In the past few years I have been focusing on utilitarian pottery and fine art pieces for the home. The fine art pottery I create is beautiful, colorful, and unique. Although recently I have gone back to my roots of handbuilding, here I can make any of the wild ideas that come to me. When handbuilding with clay one is not restrained by the confines of the potter’s wheel, the artist is able to be more freeform or even geometric if desired. I sell my work at shows, art galleries, and online. My work is always for sale and this year I plan to expand my Etsy page with more of the newest and best work.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe some of the best qualities to focus on when beginning ceramics would be patience, determination, and a solid work ethic. While running your own art studio has perks, forcing yourself to make art everyday is a sole responsibility. Learning a new skill, especially ceramics, takes a lot of time and effort. Skill comes through practice, repetition, and study of the material. I’ve had many failures in the studio discovering new techniques and trying out new designs, call it determination or stubbornness, but I always problem solve until my idea comes to fruition. To all the people interested in becoming an artist, I would advise you to make art everyday. Give yourself the time to learn and excel in your craft and do not have expectations because it is through practice and repetition where you will gain your skill.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
I believe the biggest challenge with many artists who are just beginning is exposure. While technology has made it easy and accessible to post your art online, I feel most artists do not get the attention or support they deserve. Support your favorite local artists, attend a local art show or consider purchasing a piece from their collection.
Contact Info:
- Website: jordanyoungart.gallery
- Instagram: JordanYoungArt
- Other: etsy.com/shop/JordanYoungArt
