May 11, 2015
ARTIST JORDANA HENRY
“I have always had a romantic interpretation of art, that everything is art and that almost any act or gesture can be artistic,” says artist Jordana Henry. “It’s all about the process for me. The ‘doing’ part of art-making is addictive. Transient in a way.” Jordana was born in Sydney but lives in Byron Bay on the north coast of NSW. She moved up there to study visual arts at Southern Cross University. Her major was print making. Six years later she is still based in Byron and paints out of her home studio. She has exhibited locally and collaborated with the likes of Pampa. “My work has seemed to take an organic direction towards interiors and interior styling,” she says. While that wasn’t her original intention, she’s quite taken with the momentum it has created. “I love to paint and spend time in my studio; if there is interest or if work sells then that is an encouraging bonus.”
Which five words best describe you? Curious, restless, sensitive, gestural, creative.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? My career in art began from my gathering of courage to finally put my artwork “out there”. I began to organise my own art shows and exhibit with friends and other artists in almost any appropriate space - for example, an old mechanic’s warehouse in Mullumbimby. This gave me a little exposure and began the slow and steady growth of an artist’s career.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? To always be proactive and not to forget the reasons why I make art.
What’s your proudest career achievement? I feel proud when my work is styled/ displayed along with amazingly creative and talented designers or artists.
What’s been your best decision? To transform a space in my home into a fully functional studio, a place where I feel productive and inspired.
Who inspires you? Cy Twombly, Robert Ryman, Agnes Martin, beautifully built buildings, Murray Paterson, my friends and family - especially my mum: the hardest working, most determined person on the planet, landscapes and collaborating.
What are you passionate about? Education - in all shapes and forms.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Cy Twombly
What dream do you still want to fulfil? More time in the studio and less time worrying.
What are you reading? Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey - I am a sucker for Australian novels.
images courtesy of jordana henry; photography pampa (images 2 and 4), holly mccauley (3); portrait nick parkinson