creative highlight
MEMBER from our community
JUDI JORDAN
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I am mostly a self-taught artist, but had always dreamed of being a professional artist. Life's journey prevented me from receiving the art training I had hoped for, but I studied and experimented on my own. The journey took away my art for 20 years, but God restored my art for his purposes.
My art is mostly Christian prophetic art, though I had little understanding of the meaning when I began painting this art twelve years ago. The Lord reminded me a few years later, that as a child he had spoken to me that I would one day paint prophecy.
I am most inspired to paint the art God gives me and that is where my passion lies.
Instagram: @judijordanart
Facebook: http://facebook.com/judijordanfineart
Email: [email protected]
Website: judijordanfineart.com
YouTube: Judi Jordan
My art is mostly Christian prophetic art, though I had little understanding of the meaning when I began painting this art twelve years ago. The Lord reminded me a few years later, that as a child he had spoken to me that I would one day paint prophecy.
I am most inspired to paint the art God gives me and that is where my passion lies.
Instagram: @judijordanart
Facebook: http://facebook.com/judijordanfineart
Email: [email protected]
Website: judijordanfineart.com
YouTube: Judi Jordan
Can you tell us about your introduction to art? How did you know you had a creative gift?
I was blessed with a gift for doing art. As a child I was always drawing or sewing my designs for my Barbie doll. My Father was good at drawing and design, as was my younger sister. My Mom and all three of us girls made our clothes. A couple of my teachers in grade school saw my drawings that I had done and gave me some instruction during study hall, because they were artists and wanted to encourage me. I believe everyone is creative in some way, even if not gifted in painting, dance or music. We were created by the creator, how can we not be creative.
Did you ever think you'd be selling your art or teaching art?
I have sold some of my work over the years to friends, co-workers and more recently through a local art alliance I belong to. I have only sold a few pieces online. I was never represented by a major gallery. There was also about 20 years that I did very little serious art. Had to build new body of work after that time away from art production.
I’ve had people ask me to teach art at my church, but do not feel qualified to teach art when I’m still teaching myself, but that could change.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don't find themselves in a creative background or field such as family/friends/strangers?
I have found in the area where I live as well as online that even many Christians do not understand prophetic art, although I think that is changing. Many observers state that my art is bold and illicit strong emotions. If it touches their hearts and makes them think, it has served its purpose.
I was blessed with a gift for doing art. As a child I was always drawing or sewing my designs for my Barbie doll. My Father was good at drawing and design, as was my younger sister. My Mom and all three of us girls made our clothes. A couple of my teachers in grade school saw my drawings that I had done and gave me some instruction during study hall, because they were artists and wanted to encourage me. I believe everyone is creative in some way, even if not gifted in painting, dance or music. We were created by the creator, how can we not be creative.
Did you ever think you'd be selling your art or teaching art?
I have sold some of my work over the years to friends, co-workers and more recently through a local art alliance I belong to. I have only sold a few pieces online. I was never represented by a major gallery. There was also about 20 years that I did very little serious art. Had to build new body of work after that time away from art production.
I’ve had people ask me to teach art at my church, but do not feel qualified to teach art when I’m still teaching myself, but that could change.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have in explaining what you do to others who don't find themselves in a creative background or field such as family/friends/strangers?
I have found in the area where I live as well as online that even many Christians do not understand prophetic art, although I think that is changing. Many observers state that my art is bold and illicit strong emotions. If it touches their hearts and makes them think, it has served its purpose.
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How do you encounter the Lord in your creativity?
My Christian art is inspired by images I receive during worship, from scripture or the spoken word. That might come from a sermon, a Christian book or the Holy spirit. I always have worship music on while painting. When I feel stuck, as if something is missing, I’ll pray and worship until the answer comes.
What are your favorite ways to express your creativity?
Drawing, painting, sewing and gardening are my favorite ways to express my creativity. I did serious scrap booking for a few years, but not as much lately. I also write blogs about my art to help people understand the meaning of the art from my perspective. I’m learning to make videos for my art marketing.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
A couple of years ago I began to worship with prophetic flags and to make some for our church for others to use. I love how I feel the Lord’s presence more when I use them. I felt led to have some of my art printed on silk for worship flags and to offer them for sale as an option to reproductions on my website. I have made some slight digital design changes to make them work as flags and found the right person to do the printing for me. They are available now to purchase from my website.
Is it costly to be a creative/artist?
It is costly to buy materials to make the art, but also time consuming. I have always loved getting alone and being creative. Even as a child I often stayed up late doing my art or other creative projects, sometimes under the covers, so as not to wake my sister or outside on the back pouch as a teen. Sometimes I was caught and made to go back to bed.
How did you become productive and abundant in your artwork/and where do you see it going from here?
I’ve always made lots of art, but not ever sought out gallery representation in the early days. Not sure where God might take me from here. God told me awhile ago, that my art isn’t about career moves. I’m to follow what he gives me to do, not worry about it being popular to make more sales. He provides well for us, so I don’t want to get to far off tract with other things.
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
I’ve been learning more lately about marketing, especially making videos to promote my art. That is something people like to see in order to get to know the artist more and how they do their work. Also expanding my reach through new social media sites, to find new people to meet and interact with.
How do you juggle your business/family/social time?
I only have my spouse at home and he still works his contracting business, but is somewhat retired now. That leaves me pretty free to plan my time for my art, art events and family time is usually spent together with some of our children. They don’t all live nearby.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Always follow your heart and paint what you are passionate about, not only what people might buy. Your best art will come from that passion. Follow the Lord’s guidance, which can also come through other people.
My Christian art is inspired by images I receive during worship, from scripture or the spoken word. That might come from a sermon, a Christian book or the Holy spirit. I always have worship music on while painting. When I feel stuck, as if something is missing, I’ll pray and worship until the answer comes.
What are your favorite ways to express your creativity?
Drawing, painting, sewing and gardening are my favorite ways to express my creativity. I did serious scrap booking for a few years, but not as much lately. I also write blogs about my art to help people understand the meaning of the art from my perspective. I’m learning to make videos for my art marketing.
What do you feel God is calling you to in this season with your creativeness?
A couple of years ago I began to worship with prophetic flags and to make some for our church for others to use. I love how I feel the Lord’s presence more when I use them. I felt led to have some of my art printed on silk for worship flags and to offer them for sale as an option to reproductions on my website. I have made some slight digital design changes to make them work as flags and found the right person to do the printing for me. They are available now to purchase from my website.
Is it costly to be a creative/artist?
It is costly to buy materials to make the art, but also time consuming. I have always loved getting alone and being creative. Even as a child I often stayed up late doing my art or other creative projects, sometimes under the covers, so as not to wake my sister or outside on the back pouch as a teen. Sometimes I was caught and made to go back to bed.
How did you become productive and abundant in your artwork/and where do you see it going from here?
I’ve always made lots of art, but not ever sought out gallery representation in the early days. Not sure where God might take me from here. God told me awhile ago, that my art isn’t about career moves. I’m to follow what he gives me to do, not worry about it being popular to make more sales. He provides well for us, so I don’t want to get to far off tract with other things.
Some practical steps you'd encourage other creatives to take to become productive and learn business skills etc.?
I’ve been learning more lately about marketing, especially making videos to promote my art. That is something people like to see in order to get to know the artist more and how they do their work. Also expanding my reach through new social media sites, to find new people to meet and interact with.
How do you juggle your business/family/social time?
I only have my spouse at home and he still works his contracting business, but is somewhat retired now. That leaves me pretty free to plan my time for my art, art events and family time is usually spent together with some of our children. They don’t all live nearby.
Any encouraging words, words of wisdom from what you've learned to help other creatives on their journey to being abundant and thriving artists/creatives/makers?
Always follow your heart and paint what you are passionate about, not only what people might buy. Your best art will come from that passion. Follow the Lord’s guidance, which can also come through other people.