We were lucky to catch up with Jordin David recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordin, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I found my first mural project in 2020, even though my largest piece at that point was a 4’x6′ oil on canvas. Being that my prior studio art education did not include instructions on how to paint a wall, ceiling, or fireplace, I went into the project with the same approach as my acrylic and oil paintings – using the same 1 inch brushes I’d use on anything else. It took me nearly three months to finish that first mural, but each one after that went smoother and quicker. I learned through trial and error; experiment and research; and collaboration with a seasoned muralist: my partner in paint, Sean Curtis.

Jordin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, my name is Jordin David and I am a muralist and art teacher living in San Diego, California. I have been studying art seriously since 2016, but have been playing with art supplies since before I can remember. By weekday, I teach students 4+ how to master the mediums with a classical training approach. By weekend, I am painting murals for private and commercial residencies. My painting partner, Sean Curtis, and I founded Pursuit Of Paint Murals in 2021, with a mission to “Put Paint Where It Ain’t!” The work of muralists proves that more art adorning more walls brings more eyes and culture to a community space. With the increase of graffiti during the lockdown, many business owners found that our full scale masterpieces helped to prevent unwanted writers as well as encourage foot traffic when everything opened back up.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In June of 2022, Sean tragically passed away and I lost my friend, mentor, business partner, and brother. This grief has been a heavier heartbreak than any other I’ve experienced. I wasn’t sure how to move forward in regards to murals, or daily life in general, but after spending over a year in hibernation, I know it’s time. Working without him now is emotional and surreal, but he taught me so much, and I know he is right there with me every time I spill paint and make “brain vomit.” Pursuit Of Paint is now dedicated to the legacy of Sean “Saniac” Curtis and his instinct to “Put paint where it ain’t!” We had big plans, and I’m determined to see them through.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The aspect of learning and watching others learn has been incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s seeing my students understand new concepts and develop their skills, or noticing my own technical growth; the evolution from creation is unmatched. The act of producing something that wasn’t there before is a mental game and therapy dupe. You study and build on past experiences; experiment while unlearning bad habits; push yourself out of your comfort zone and into new obstacles; and eventually come out the other side with something beautiful and ugly and raw with heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: jordindavid.com
• Instagram: @jordin.david / @pursuitofpaintmurals