Life & Work with Jordan Young

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Young.

Hi Jordan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I took a few ceramic classes at Orange Coast College and after about three semesters I thought the idea of being creative as a career and making art could be a possibility. The instructor was incredible and would always encourage his students to be creative and explore new ideas, he would also assist with any difficulties or struggles we might encounter throughout our projects. After graduating from OCC, I transferred to Cal State Fullerton to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in ceramics. The past year and a half I have been working at vendor markets and craft fairs to sell my ceramics. It has been a wonderful experience to interact directly with the buyers of my art at the markets, it also gives an opportunity to expose the public to my ceramics.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
On the business side, working a job to sell art is difficult at times and can be subject to the economy. There will always be struggles but having the passion to create art as a job has overcome any hardships I have encountered.

On the artistic side, having creative freedom has its own difficulties. There are so many paths to take in ceramics but attempting to forge a new path can be very challenging. In finding a new unique style, there were many failed attempts and broken pieces. There will always be some self-doubt every time you try something new in the studio and there will always be mistakes and failures, but it’s what you learn from those mistakes that make you a better artist.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the moment my studio is best known for its horsehair pottery, I have been making horsehair vases for the past 8 years. These vases are hand-polished and horsehair is burnt onto the piece creating a distinctive pattern. The newest creations coming out of the studio are what I am most proud of, it has taken about two years of trial and error to bring this idea to life. These new pieces are completely unique and full of color. The hopes are that this new technique will set myself apart from other ceramic artists.

What makes you happy?
Being able to think creatively and work to execute those ideas are where I am most at peace. All other thoughts and worries tend to float away when you have that creative flow in the studio.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jordanyoungart.gallery/
• Instagram: Jordanyoungart