Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Brooks.
Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve lived in Topeka and Lawrence, Kansas, most of all. Heavily influenced by the campus of KU and the older, lining hippie vibe of that area, my surroundings have affected a lot of my artistic purpose, to inspire and create. My website has allowed me to display my mix of academic design with my modern, conceptual, provocative, and socially conscious thought drive. In 2011 I had my first international group exhibition at the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada. I was honored to join their permanent collection with “Gallery of Hearts.” This only inspired me to move forward! In 2013, I was blessed to be a part of 100 international contemporary artists worldwide in my first New York exhibition in Historical downtown Harlem. “Power of Perception” was the publication produced by this inspiring collection.
In 2015, my local city (Topeka, Kansas) honored me by becoming the 10th annual Aaron Douglas Artist of the Historical Aaron Douglas Art Fair! It was surreal but a dream to be acknowledged or referred to as a childhood hero of mine, but it only inspired me to move forward. You can often find me at my (public art Space @ Amused Art Gallery located in Topeka’s growing Art district NOTO.) From every Art-walk(First-Friday) too, where I teach creative drawing lessons weekly! Stop by and visit (907 North Kansas Ave.) in NOTO! I am working on a new mini collective of paintings and, more importantly, several illustration projects, all written & designed by me, that I am so freaking excited about! (Illustration page) Being a proud recipient of the 2018 International Raffaello Award, Curated by Salvatore Russo & Francesco Saverio, is amazing! These recent international/national, and local achievements have only intensified my excitement for so much more.
In 2018 I was selected as one of 31 artists to contribute to Artsconnect’s Brown Vs. Board Mural project (Topeka, KS) Located north of the National Parks Brown Vs. Board Education Museum. Working on carrying out the vision of Michael Toombs and his amazing supportive Kansas City artisan has been a pleasure. Support for NOTO arts center and Shawnee county parks, I have had the pleasure of having my mural Located in NOTO’s Veteran Park walkway.
In mid-2021, a random public art piece was lucky enough to capture national attention inspired by BLACK LIVES MATTER, inspired by the killing of “George Flody.” I couldn’t take it, so I painted a piece on an abandoned building that was picked up by the news and published with many beautiful human messages on USA Today.com. It’s nice to have your expressions embraced by the community and beyond! I am currently working on a new project, “What Black America Means to Me,” a collective of art & short writings, as well as my first children’s book illustrated and written by me. I am hoping for a late 2023 release titled “The Artist Who Found His Colors” I am also hoping to be working on a new city park mural in North Topeka at the Mckinley Park Walkway area. This one-of-a-kind Walking mural will be painted with designs inspired by the rich Kansas history especially being so close to the Kaw River.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
Only 5% of the world’s artists or less can start at the beginning of their career, being described as smooth! In many industries, having more than one skill set may determine how far your true talent can be uplifted and appreciated, meaning valued financially. Professional and hobbyist separate, but both still probably dream of similar things. It comes down to your personal story, realizing your power, and using your talents and network to help encourage each other to grow. That’s the nature of art, is some struggle but discipline in the practices allows artistic happiness to shine. When one’s art is appreciated by others around you have never met or met many times but never connected until then! I am unsure about others, but my biggest struggles have believed that no’s will lead to yes’s! Thinking stereotypically, art stayings don’t apply to me or many I know unless we let it. I have one that has struggled with mental health, but the appreciation for this struggle shines an original light on my human condition. Others relate too down to their DNA. I could remember my first NYC international group show in legendary Harlem. I was told my artwork was almost stolen and misplaced after a sale of 3 large works! It took pressure from a local law firm to convince a former Art representative to magically find my work and ship it back free of charge! All my mentors said this could discourage you but look at it as the market is real for an artist of your Calibur when you’re ready. Knowing some lawyers that were supporters of my work helped, haha!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a visual artist from the Topeka, Kansas, area. I am known for community murals to art education. In Topeka’s Art District NOTO, I have a public studio in AMUSED ART GALLERY, where I regularly display my work and do “CREATIVE DRAWING ART LESSONS” for ages 7 and up! My goal as an artist is to establish my artistic practice the best and consistently I can. I love to paint everything, mostly combining illustrative ideals with fine art perspectives. I am most proud of being able to have an International Art impact, especially with Italian support! As well as local and national! This balance is the reason that has set me apart, especially from local artists that may have more degrees than me. Starting to build confidence in my original artistic journey and valuing my visual maker experience inspires me to a different kind of Artistic Force of Nature. This will only be proven when more artistic Avenues and doors open for me soon.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
As an artist, I am a risk taker, deciding to put my internal thoughts, passion, and mistakes displayed and framed for strangers’ entertainment. For many artists, this is the hardest part, getting over the idea of what others will say, especially if you put in public for them with a tag valued at some dollar number they probably don’t get. Every show is a bit of a risk of hearing something negative, but I believe it is more like therapy. Hearing constructive criticism is different from an empty opinion just looking for a dopamine high! People who appreciate art, even if they don’t care for yours, respect the risk all artists take enough to give honest feedback. Those are usually the ones who learn about your work, story, and pain, as you’re a wine that isn’t their taste but appreciates the preparation regardless.
Pricing:
- 100.00-5,000.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jordanebrooks.com
- Instagram: jordan_e_brooks
- Facebook: KansasArtistJEB
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-brooks-70a23132/
Image Credits
Jordan E. Brooks
