Conversations with Jordan Gomez

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

Hi Jordan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been an art kid as long as I can remember, with drawing being my first love. As an adolescent, I began releasing my creativity by cutting and sewing together clothing and refashioning all my garments. This interest paved the way for me to explore fashion design in college. After getting a bachelor’s degree in Apparel & Textile Design in 2011, I decided the fashion industry was not for me. I loved sewing more than fashion so I went to work for myself, running a sewing business out of my home.

My business has morphed quite a bit through the years, but has always had a focus on building my sewing and textile design skills and sharing that with others. Having spent many years doing production sewing and patternmaking work in Kansas City, I am now settled on teaching sewing lessons (online and in-person), getting back into custom clothing design work, and developing a studio art practice. Now that both of my children are in school full-time, I am using the new-found time to circle back to my art kid days and explore my creativity in the sewing studio. Combining my old loves of drawing and painting with my current power tool-of-choice, I’m working to create artwork by ‘drawing and painting’ with my sewing machine.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has mostly been a smooth road. I’d say my biggest struggle has been balancing all the hats and making time for my business. I started my business when I was six months pregnant with my first child. I wanted to be able to build a career while also being the primary caregiver for my son. Running my sewing business from my home was how I made it happen. The growth has been slow and steady alongside my growing family. The patience needed for this has always been a challenge, but good practice.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known for my love of sewing! I think the most interesting sewing I do is drawing and painting with my sewing machine. While creating this type of work, I use a sewing machine with the feed dogs disengaged. This is free motion stitching, where the needle acts as my drawing tool and the thread is my way of mark making. I want to explore and push the boundaries of traditional sewing techniques and showcase the act of sewing in a versatile way.

Oftentimes, I dissolve the base fabric I stitch upon, leaving nothing but the interconnected stitches of thread. This creates a work that seems as though it’s teetering in a state between stability and unraveling into the abyss. It is also a fascinating way to expand on my drawing skills.

As an artist, I want my work to tell a story of our simultaneous magnificence and insignificance – the individual lockstitches symbolizing the microcosms that we all are within this vast universe. My creative process speaks to finding these dichotomies within us and around us and allowing them to just be – harmonious and inseparable.

One of my greatest strengths is my curiosity. I am a lifelong learner and find inspiration in experimenting and trying new things. I intend to always be teaching and spreading my love of sewing back to others. I’m proud of how I’ve pierced my own skills and interests together to create a unique space for myself in this world. I hope to continue improving my studio practice and exploring my ideas.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
All small business owners, artists, or friends who openly share experiences/information/advice deserve so much credit! Running a business and building an art practice has been a mostly self-taught path for me. The bits of knowledge I’ve gained from others sharing their experiences have been pivotal to my success.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.Jordsen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordsen.sewing.studio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordsen
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-hDZCWMdrvnarQpSt5uvYQ/featured
• Other: https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Jordan-Gomez/936043758

Image Credits
Jordan Gomez
Justin Gomez