Jordan Hart completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts/Honors at the University of Southern Queensland in 2007. Whilst balancing a career as an arts teacher at Dalby State High School, Jordan also exhibits in regional and metropolitan art spaces.

Jordan will be presenting a workshop for young artists on stencil art at the upcoming Young Artist Development program, ArtizPUBLIC@Toowoomba. We sat down with him to ask him about his art.

 Tell us, Jordan, who has been your greatest influence or mentor?

My greatest influence would be anyone that has discipline.  Professional artists who constantly work hard on their skills will always be the people who influence me.  At the moment the artwork I am the most interested in is the illustrations of James Jean.  His stuff is amazing and I love his line work.  My university lecturers Simon Mee and Stephen Spurrier turned out to be great influences.  Simon would always encourage/push/hassle me to ‘make’ work rather than talk about it.  Being a bit of a dreamer I could always talk about ideas but would never just make the work.  I have always got his voice in my head when I start dreaming of all the work I want to make.

As a practicing artist what are the three things you couldn’t live without?

I feel this is a bit stupid to say, but belief in yourself.  It doesn’t really matter if you aren’t having your version of success early on, it matters if you just work at it.  Your practice matters. If you are spending time concentrating on your own personal creativity and believe that you can only improve, then I reckon that’s an awesome attitude to have. Always have a book and pen ready.  Critics.  I need more critics in my life.  As long as you trust certain people to give you honest and helpful advice, then these people are good to have around.

What are some of the challenges you’ve had to overcome to get where you are as a professional artist? 

Time.  It’s always been the biggest hindrance to creating and getting anything done.  That’s always going to be the case.  I spent 6 ½ years teaching Art at a high school, which hasn’t allowed me to spend much time on my own work. In 2016, I have taken on a different role, which has freed up a lot more time for my own practice.  

Absolutely! It’s one of the challenges I think a lot of us face. Just one more question – what advice would you give to aspiring young artists?

Just work, work and work.  Don’t stop creating.  Always spend time making, and make time to create.  It doesn’t matter what stage you are at, success wise, just make and let your creativity develop.  It is essential to relax and let your inspirations have their influence on your own style.

Allow yourself to make a lot of mistakes and don’t fear them.  If you fear what something could turn out to look like you will be put off doing anything at all.  Trust in your creative instincts, because they are there for a reason and need to be listened to.

Jordan will be presenting a workshop for young artists on stencil art at our upcoming Young Artist Development program.

ArtizPUBLIC@Toowoomba

5 Apr @ 5:00 pm – 8 Apr @ 6:00 pm
Flying Arts Alliance and USQ are joining First Coat to bring you ArtizPUBLIC@Toowoomba. Over three days young artists will take part in a program of contemporary street art styles and gain valuable insight into further training, education and career opportunities in the arts.
Bookings close 4 March.