Hey there! I'm Jordan West, an artist with a story to tell - through my work.
My love for art goes way back to my childhood, trading drawings with my mom (who is also an artist) and getting inspired by my stepbrother’s graffiti art. At 16, I sketched the iconic Mr. Peanut, and that was it - I was hooked.
I started with pencils and chalk, but when I picked up a paintbrush, something just clicked and I’ve never looked back. Now, I've been painting for 11 years, and my style has evolved into what I call pop surrealism. It's all about shining a light on the beauty and plight of endangered animals, along with blending a bit of the real with the unreal.
My inspirations? They're everywhere - from other artists like Irene Wilson and Steven Stavast, to the everyday wonders of nature and family support. My art is a mix of what I see and what I imagine - think: animals in a whole new dimension, landscapes like you've never seen, and add a touch of fantasy.
Creating each piece is a journey. I dive deep into research, sketch out my ideas, and then bring them to life with acrylic or oil paints. I love playing around with greyscale and glazing - I think it gives my work a unique feel.
One of my proudest moments was when Stephen Stavast, a big influence on my work, bought one of my paintings. It was a real 'wow' moment for me.
Through my art, I aim to create a safe haven for animals, a place far from the troubles of their real-world habitats. It's my way of coping too, just like the piece “You Drown My Fears” which was a personal milestone for me.
Art isn't just what I do; it's a huge part of who I am. If I'm not creating, something feels off. It's about more than just making beautiful things; it's about raising awareness and hopefully inspiring others.
Handling the business side of things can be tricky, but I've got great support, especially from my buddy Aaron Mullins. Life's thrown some curveballs, like a back injury that had me out of action for a while, but I’ve bounced back even stronger and more focused.
My studio is my sanctuary, filled with my favorite paints and brushes, along with all of my favorite paintings. I'm a firm believer in the power of learning and experimenting - it's how you grow. And when I'm not painting, you'll find me strumming my guitar, getting lost in music, or wandering around outside, observing nature.
So, that's me, Jordan West - an artist on a mission to bring a bit of imagination and awareness to the world, one painting at a time.
Stick around, and let's see where this journey takes us.