We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jordann Wine. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jordann below.
Hi Jordann, 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 learned to do what I do today with lots of trial and error and time. As a kid I always took art classes and continued in high school, so making art was always something I was doing. I continued my arts eduction after college at the Aegean Center for the Fine Arts in Paros, Greece. It was here where I learned more traditional art skills and techniques like figure drawing, oil painting, and painting from life. In my free time, I experimented with glitter and geometric abstraction. I believe the traditional foundation gave way to truly push my geometric abstraction work.
Knowing what I know today, I’m not sure I would have done much to speed up my learning process. I am happy with the journey that life has taken me on, and while learning can take time, sometimes you need that time to truly absorb information, learn it, and grow.
The greatest obstacle that currently stands in my way is finding the dedicated time to commit to learning, I get focused on my work, commissions, running a business, and just having a life, so it can be challenging to create time for learning.
Jordann, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a visual artist based in Washington, DC. My work is Inspired by sacred geometry, and I draw on classical forms and patterns in my work to reference mathematical concepts that reflect the wonders of the universe. Working with the golden ratio, fractals, and gradients I aim for my geometric abstract paintings, drawings and murals to connect to notions of deep space in time, as well as deep space found in meditation. I have evolved my practice by introducing glitter. Glitter, commonly dismissed as an ordinary craft material, is elevated to a painterly standard as I foreground the material’s inherent qualities of holding and releasing light. Making use of the medium’s full range of iridescent, opaque, and translucent color qualities, glitter is transformed from the childish or garish reputation into a reflective cosmic field.
I got into making art professionally from a need to make art for my own well being. I struggled with depression, and making art was a huge part of my healing. I hope that viewers/clients/followers can feel a sense of calm or balance when seeing my work. Perhaps it can provide them with a respite from the ever chaotic world we live in.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the impact that my work can have on other people. If my work can make one person smile or have a more positive experience in their day, then I feel like I’ve done my job.
I also love sharing my art based business knowledge with other artists who are trying to make a living from art. It is incredibly rewarding to be of service and help other artists make their artistic careers/goals a reality.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I had the luck of studying entrepreneurship in college, which created a great foundation for running a business as an artist. Two of the most impactful books that I’d say still influence my thought process today are: “Let my People Go Surfing” by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia and “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss. Both books highlight what it can look like if you follow your own path. I am huge fan of doing what works for you, and not trying to fit yourself into the expectations of other systems or people, entrepreneurship is all about trying something different and going for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jordannwine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordannwine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordannwineart/
Image Credits
Jordann Wine Birch Thomas