Artist Gavin Jordan is leading a new style of multimedia paintings he describes as “sculptured paintings”. His artwork uses thousands of screws uniquely placed at the correct position and spatial depth, bringing to life the image in three-dimension. Yello caught up with Gavin to learn more about how he experiments with different techniques and styles to create dynamic pieces of artwork for others to enjoy. 

Gavin, please tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m from Kingston, Jamaica, but I now reside in South Florida. I’m currently the chief operating officer for a corporate entity and a visual artist. I’ve spent over 20 years in finance and accounting. However, I have been an artist for seven years.

Although I maintain my day job, in my spare time, I become creative. Art is more than just a hobby or a side passion for me. It’s an integral part of my identity and purpose. I find joy, fulfilment, and motivation in creating art.

How would you describe your work?

I’m known for my unique style that blends modern impressionism, pointillism, and perceptual art. Through my works, I aim to explore hidden narratives within everyday scenes involving people of colour, evoke emotions, and encourage viewers to imagine new perspectives beyond the surface.

You describe your work as a blend of modern impressionism, pointillism, and perceptual art. What encouraged you to create this unique art form?  

My journey as an artist led me to experiment with different techniques and styles. This blend of modern impressionism, pointillism, and perceptual art resonated deeply. The combination allows me to convey emotions, tell stories, and explore the complexities of the human experience in a way that feels authentic and powerful.

Impressionism lets me capture the essence of a moment; pointillism adds texture and depth, and perceptual art encourages viewers to engage with the hidden narratives in my paintings. This unique fusion allows me to push the boundaries of traditional art forms and create visually captivating and emotionally evocative works, offering a fresh perspective on the stories I want to share.

There are a lot of intricate details in your work. How long does it typically take to create one of your pieces?

The time it takes to create one of my pieces can vary depending on the size, complexity, and level of detail I want to incorporate. On average, a medium-sized painting from start to finish might take me several weeks to a month. This process includes the initial idea conception, sketching, colour planning, layering, and the meticulous process of incorporating the intricate details that are a hallmark of my work.

I often work on multiple pieces simultaneously, immersing myself in each and fine-tuning the details as I progress. It’s a labour-intensive process, but the result is a piece that reflects the depth of emotion and narrative that I strive to convey in my art.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is the ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level through my artwork. When someone views one of my pieces and feels a strong resonance, it’s incredibly fulfilling when they see the hidden narratives and layers of emotion.

The conversations and discussions that stem from my art, how it encourages people to imagine, feel, and think beyond the surface – truly drive me. Art can evoke powerful emotions, inspire new perspectives, and spark meaningful conversations. My ultimate reward as an artist is knowing that my work can do that and positively impact someone’s life.

Where do you look for inspiration when you need it?

When seeking inspiration, I often turn to the beauty of nature, human emotions, and the intricate details of everyday life. Nature’s vibrant colours, expressions on people’s faces, and stories beneath the surface of ordinary scenes all serve as rich sources of inspiration for my artwork. I also draw inspiration from my travels, cultural experiences, and the diversity of the human experience.

Who are your top artistic influences?

I sincerely appreciate various artists who have contributed to the world of impressionism, pointillism, and modern art. Some of my top influences include Barrington Watson, Michael Murphy, Peter Terrin, and contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley. Their innovative techniques, use of colour, and ability to convey emotions through their work have significantly impacted my artistic journey.

What are some of the places where your work has been exhibited?

My artwork has been exhibited in several notable venues and events. Some of the exhibitions include:

• Group exhibition “The Liguanea Art Festival” in Kingston, Jamaica (December 2017)
• Solo exhibition “Moments in Time” at The Sky Gallery, Kingston, Jamaica (November 2022)
• “Home Is Where the Art Is” at The ROK Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica (March 2023)
• Spectrum Miami Art Fair during Art Basel week (upcoming, December 2023)

What goals do you wish to accomplish with your work?

My main goals include creating a profound impact through my artwork and contributing to a broader dialogue about hidden narratives, emotions, and the human experience. I aim to create art that resonates deeply with viewers, evoking a wide range of emotions and sparking their imagination.

I want my artwork to engage the audience emotionally, inviting them to explore the stories and feelings encapsulated within each piece. I hope to challenge conventional perceptions and narratives through my unique art style. By presenting scenes from everyday life with a fresh perspective, I encourage viewers to look beyond the surface and discover hidden meanings and stories.

As a Caribbean artist, I want to contribute to representing diverse voices and experiences in the art world. My work often features people of colour and explores their experiences, emotions, and stories. I aim to promote greater cultural diversity and understanding. I aspire to create a body of work that will leave a legacy, inspiring future generations of artists and art enthusiasts.

What is the most important thing you want people to know about your work?

The most important thing I want people to know about my work is that it goes beyond the canvas. My art is a vessel for emotions, stories, and hidden narratives that invite viewers to explore the depths of human experience. It’s not just about capturing a moment. It’s about capturing the essence of that moment, the emotions it evokes, and the stories it holds.

Each brushstroke, each screw is meticulously placed, and each layer of colour is a deliberate choice to convey a specific emotion or narrative. My artwork invites the viewer to look beyond the surface and engage with the layers of meaning embedded within each piece. I want viewers to feel connected, resonate with the emotions depicted, and be inspired to question, reflect, and reimagine.

My work is a celebration of diversity, a testament to the power of storytelling, and an exploration of the universal human experience. It’s an embodiment of my journey, my passion, and my purpose. When people encounter my art, I hope they don’t just see a painting. I hope they feel the emotions, hear the stories, and experience the world I’ve created.

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Gavin’s stunning paintings show commitment, dedication, and passion. You can explore his artwork, learn more about his creative journey, and get updates on upcoming events through his official Instagram account @gavinjordanart or website – www.gavinjordanart.com.