Artist Interview - Siobhan Jordan

Today I’d like to share an interview with Siobhan Jordan, a lovely creative soul living in Ireland.  Siobhan has many interests and inspirations two of which are family and memories.  We are so lucky to learn more about her in this interview today.  As you will see, she is an interesting and vibrant personality.  

Do you remember when you first really started to enjoy creating things?

I’ve always loved to make things; one of my earliest memories is making jam tarts with mam, and making poor daddy eat them! We were lucky and given free reign creatively at home. I used to paint murals on my bedroom walls, knit little teddy’s, draw our toys, make spaceships from cornflake boxes, etc. I loved painting on walls though - it was scary and you couldn't afford to make a mistake.

Who are some artists that have inspired you or are still inspiring you along your creative journey?

I painted when I was 15 with a local artist Tommy McAssey for an entire summer - it was magical! I loved his studio, the smell of turps and oil paint, the old rags, the organised chaos. He celebrated his 77th birthday when I was with him and his practice still resonates with me and inspires me, his constant learning and searching.

(Photos courtesy of Siobhan Jordan)

Do you have a muse or an inspiration that helps you with your creations and design?

I tend to get bored quickly so I need to challenge myself. I was terrified of drawing and illustration so at the moment I’m doing that. I love to paint - I love the process, expectation, disappointment and exhilaration that comes with it. It’s what motivates me to keep going.

If you could have lunch with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be and why?

Immediately I thought my gran and cousin Robert (both have passed away); I’ve forgotten their voices, that really upsets me. Plus they were a fountain of knowledge, a great laugh and just great honest to decent people.  

If you weren’t an artist, what do you think you’d do for a living?

I probably would have applied myself better to any of the day jobs I’ve had and excelled - so I could have been, a barmaid, a cleaner, a shop assistant, a charity fundraiser, a pizza chef, a tour guide, a receptionist, a supervisor, a  call centre manager, a florist, a production worker, a sandwich maker, a babysitter, a dog walker.

I remember thinking when we had to fill in college applications that I had no desire to do anything else, and I had to make this work for me.

What is your favorite quote, motto or affirmation?

Be brave, and just do it.

Do you have a community of other artists or friends/family members who you consider to be supportive of your creative endeavors?

I’m very lucky to have a great network of artists from college; my family are all artists and my husband is a musician so I’m surrounded by creatives who understand - I’m also a member of a artist collective ‘ The Swan Society’. We draw, paint and exhibit together and will be back up and running in the new year after a year off. And of course I’m a new recruit to the world of blogs and on-line support networks - these have been invaluable for me.

If you have an afternoon free, all by yourself, what would your dream day look like?

That seems so far-fetched at the moment! If I was just at home I’d probably go for a walk or weed the garden. We’ve just moved to a 1900’s granite collage which could do with a bit of tlc so I’d probably work on something in the house. If I was in a city or town I’d spend the afternoon going to galleries and drinking coffee!!

Do you have any favorite blogs you enjoy reading and would you share them with us?

Again - there’s just so many to mention (I think I follow over 250 on blogger alone!) But a quick list - Kelly Rae Roberts, Tim Sally, Carol Marine, Greenside Up (gardening blog - FAB!), Earth Angels, Foxglove Lane (nature blog - beautiful!,) Lhogan ( hand spun and handdyed yarns - mind blowing!), Artists who blog, blind elephant illustration collective , the pen mover, I love following pages on facebook to keep up-to-date with artists too.

Do you have any future dreams or goals that you are working on or dreaming about?

Of course - world domination!!

   

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who truly want to live a creative life?

Be prepared to work harder than you’ve ever worked in a day job, and probably spend years not getting paid for it.... but don’t give up.

www.siobhanjordan.com

www.siobhanjordan.blogspot.com

www.flickr.com/siobhanjordan

www.facebook.com/siobhanjordanartist

A big thank you to Siobhan for participating in this interview.  I loved getting to know more about her and I especially enjoyed hearing about her creative childhood.  Her art caught my eye instantly as it is super unique, like nothing I've ever seen before.