Pathfinders: Art as a way of being
A conversation with artist Jordan Eudaly about the importance of play, the joy of summer, + pro tips for vending at local arts/crafts festivals
I was first introduced to Jordan through a mutual friend years ago, when I moved back to Kansas City.
This friend said Jordan was someone I should know and she was so right. I don’t remember our initial meeting, but I remember seeing Jordan everywhere- as a host for our local Creative Mornings chapter, at the cool co-working space I frequented, or showing her art at KC’s seasonal Strawberry Swing festival.
She was like this lovely butterfly, cross-pollinating everyone with her joyful spirit.
Our paths continue to cross and I’m so grateful to call her a friend and share her story. (It’s also her birthday week, so let’s give her some extra special lovin’!)
I’ve been thinking a lot about how hard it is to call ourselves artists before we have the external validation/proof. I’m curious what has that journey been like for you?
Hmmm, I have to take a few moments to reflect back in order to answer honestly.
I always viewed myself as “crafty” and I would make cute little name signs in grade school and was even in this hand lettering club in high school, but I never really viewed myself as an Artist…
I watched my Mom go on her own journey with art making around the time I left for college (15 years ago-ish) and I honestly was so intrigued by her mark-making on large canvas, I knew I had to also give it a try.
I dabbled for a while but it really wasn’t until I signed up to attend my first art retreat called Legendeer Zion where I was in Zion National Park with 40 other artists from around the globe, I finally felt like I found my tribe of people and I left that trip and could finally call myself an artist with confidence.
I realized that being an artist was a way of life, not just a job. It is a way of seeing the world and making sense of it all.
I was ready after that trip to own the fact that I could spend my days making work from my own unique perspective of the world and be paid to do so.
When were you confident enough to start calling yourself an artist out-loud to other people and did you ever follow the “fake it till you make it” advice?
In 2017 I felt it was important for me to make an Instagram handle that was different from my personal page. I wanted my own separate corner of this app where I could be this creative genius ha!
Oh man, I definitely did and sometimes still struggle with imposter syndrome – in my early days of doing commission work especially, I’ve always been strong at putting myself out there and getting a sale, but then when I was home alone with this huge task before me I would think “OH CRAP, how do I create what I’ve just promised my client?!”
I’m convinced when it comes to producing good art, of any kind, there are just no shortcuts.
Putting in the time really does build confidence. I feel confident in my work now so much more than when I first started making fine art. I have experimented with materials, paints, supplies, surfaces, methods, techniques, how to make marks, etc., and am continually learning and evolving.
Yes, I am totally embarrassed at some of my early work, but it is also special to me that I kept it and can now see my own growth journey.
You can too, just look at my first photos haha @Jordanhaleyart it is all out there.
I love that you hold a special place in your heart for your earlier work. It’s that both/and of honoring where we started and also feeling a bit cringy about it too!
You recently re-located your family to Eureka Springs and have been living in a camper with your husband and two little ones. Tell me more about that! Are there aspects of your art you’ve had to put on the back burner or have you seen any growth in your creativity in response to your new adventures?
I’ll be honest, this is a tad tough to answer because I’m still IN IT you know? We are still living in our trailer and will be moving into our metal building very soon. But I do have my very own studio space now and that has been a HUGE GAME CHANGER for my work.
Eureka Springs in and of itself is this rich creative artsy quirky small town in Northwest Arkansas and it has already fostered my art path too.
For example, I took my first abstract painting class recently at Eureka Springs School of the Arts and loved every minute. Our instructor Dana Finimore really equipped me with a method of working that felt conducive to my mark-making style, plus getting to try out new materials and have so many of my questions answered I’ve wondered for years.
Classes are such catalysts in the learning process, and can be so fun!
I had the huge privilege of taking some one-on-one art classes with you just after my Dad passed away. We spent most of that time talking about play and “making marks.” Mine never turned out quite as beautiful as yours but it was such a soulful and rejuvenating time for me. Can you share more about the practice of play in your art and what it means to make marks?
This was such a sweet and sacred time for me Mariah. I felt SO inspired and empowered by our sessions together. I’ve honestly just launched a new endeavor as I’m exploring what it looks like in my own art business to host watercolor workshops and provide a safe space for others to creatively engage with their own curiosity + mark making.
The practice of play - I think play comes so naturally for kids and it sorta just vanishes as we get older, it is like all of a sudden life becomes so serious, and making money becomes the focus.
I honestly just believe in my core that societies would be healthier if we engaged in play more and worked with our hands more in general.
I couldn’t agree more! There’s a lot of attention around this ideal of a work-life balance, especially for creative mothers who are also trying to run their own business or put their creations into the world. What’s your take on that elusive balance? Is it possible or even desirable?
You know I have never identified with this phrase ‘work life balance.’
A wise friend was just saying to me the other day that he calls it “work-life harmony.” He said, “There is no balance because it is always in motion,” and I really liked his reflective words here.
Achieving balance seems way too stagnant.
I honestly feel like my life is water constantly flowing and moving, but when I feel out of alignment, I certainly try and lean more into the other thing to keep the see-saw going.
What’s bringing you joy right now? Is there anything you’re excited about exploring in your art-making? Where do you draw inspiration to re-fill your well?
This totally changes on the daily.
I find so much joy in the simple parts of life, the little things my children say, the shape of the clouds, something funny I heard on a podcast, just simply being in my studio space, watching Outlander (no spoilers please I’m only on season 2).
For me being an active participant in LIFE is really what fuels me.
Being in nature is my biggest source of energy soak up, summer is also my favorite season. I come alive. I have a paddleboard and I feel most free when I’m on the water, sun on my skin, and I’m floating with the current with the option to fully dive in the body of water below me. I feel like Moana. Ha!
I’ve also been juicing (a practice I do every summer) and there is something invigorating to my body to consume beets, watermelon, cucumber and lemon all juiced together cold from a mason jar, total bliss. I’m not the best at taking care of my body, but I am learning.
Is there a dream collaboration or connection you’d like to make? Someone or something you’d like to work with?
Oh! Gosh - so so many!
I walk into Anthropologie and I can always envision my art on the bedding there, maybe on some plates or even on apparel there.
Women leaders always deeply inspire me.
I love what Erin French has built with the Lost Kitchen in Freedom Maine, I could totally be stoked to design her some cloth napkins or something fabulous for her cabin retreats she has in Maine.
My brain gets stuck on these ideas, like right now - I’m obsessed with the thought of my artwork being on little kids' pajamas. Probably because I don’t like anything I find for my own kids, ha! I can be a design diva sometimes.
I love it! Speaking of design, you and your husband are both well-rehearsed in the arts and crafts scene. What advice or guidance would you have for someone interested in setting up their own booth and applying to local fairs?
Oh yes - we are VERY seasoned in this department.
Build a system for yourself that serves YOU - meaning my husband Brent actually built himself a custom-made shelving unit that is on wheels that he can roll on a dolly in and out of our white trailer we call O’Hauley.
I’m not this fancy and I just have sturdy tubs from Home Depot labeled with white duck tape and sharpie, but the point is, invest in the time to build an inventory system that works for you!Do a practice run and set everything up at home - doing this will take time, energy, and effort but it will allow you to feel more confident when show time comes. This forces you to really see and learn where your gaps are. It reveals your needs. Could your booth benefit from a solid tablecloth? Do you even own 6ft or 8ft tables? How will you display your products? How can you stand out among the crowd in a good way?
Think about signage and Branding - do you have a logo or can you have some signs made that easily communicate to your ideal customers who you are and what you sell? It doesn’t cost much to have a vinyl banner made at your local print store.
Build up your inventory - the first show is the most challenging at knowing how much inventory to bring, but go with your gut and you will learn over time how much inventory and even what kinds of products to bring to certain shows.
Be prepared - along with your products make sure to have a method of payment setup and ready to go and signage that lets your customers know what payment methods you accept, have bags ready, more business cards, a chair (or 2) cell phone charger, petty cash, pack lots of snacks and a huge container of water, a notepad and pen, a sign-up sheet if you collect emails, QR codes if you want potential customers to follow a Call-to-action meaning if you want them to follow you on Instagram, then make a QR code that will lead them there.
What do your next few months look like? Are there any upcoming projects or events we should know about? How can we support you as a community?
Ah Summer! Oh how I love sweet sweet Summer, this is honestly my FAVORITE time of the year, I’m kinda in my thrive. Yes, I do have some thrilling things on my radar.
August 8th - I turn 33 years old!!!
September 9th I will be doing a pop-up demo show at the gallery I am a part of in downtown Bentonville it is called Art On The Square.
September date TBD I will be having a show all month long at Gotahold Brewery here in Eureka Springs AR, it is the best taco food truck + delish beers on tap!
My work is up all year long at Art On The Square in downtown Bentonville and I also have work currently in Adventure Art in downtown Eureka Springs.
Follow my art journey on Instagram is where I am most active @jordanhaleyart
And if you want to inquire more about what it would look like to host me as your Art Guide, and lead a watercolor color workshop, that is an area I’m thrilled to be experimenting with and building out more.
Please reach out and let's dream together!
It sounds like we all need to make a collective road trip down to Eureka Springs and Bentonville, ASAP! I have learned so much from your bold, outlier soul and I’m so grateful you took the time to invite us into your life. Thank you, sweet friend. 💗
Do you have a question for Jordan or want to connect? Please support her by leaving a comment, buying her art, following her on Instagram, or reaching out for a collaboration!
Let’s build a thriving, collaborative community together and help each other grow!
P.S. If you’d like to be interviewed for our Pathfinders series, please reach out here or send me an email at thebarefootbeat@gmail.com
Nurture your creativity in community
Join
and I this Sunday as we connect with the new moon in Leo energy to help transform self-doubt into destiny. It’s normal to be scared, to want to take up less space and hide your light.We all need encouragement and practical tools to face our fears with courage and heart.
Join us for an hour of play, journaling, and transformation.
Post a listing in our new community bulletin (paying members only).
Participate in a monthly art share for artists of all backgrounds and skill.
Download the free Creative Contemplation journal, a monthly new moon journal with affirmations and creative prompts.
Upgrade your membership to receive field notes from my artist dates, poetry, and more!
The best way to support my writing and grow this community is to share this newsletter and become a paying member of Heartbeats or by making a one-time contribution through Venmo @thebarefootbeat or Paypal. Thank you for your gift of reciprocity. It means the world.
Inspiring. Art is life. ❤️🙌