CALLIGRAPHY BY JASON JORDAN
Something we're so passionate about at A Vacation Different is the personal touch. We not only want to deliver the best Santa Fe vacation experience possible, but we want to leave you with warm memories of the little things - fresh flowers upon your arrival, handwritten welcome notes, scrumptious cookies during the holidays, your very own A Vacation Different cookbook, and so on. The personal touch adds so much to your stay, and we are always dreaming up new ways to deliver!
We recently interviewed local calligraphy artist Jason Jordan about his craft and how his labor of love is another special addition to the A Vacation Different experience. Upon arrival, you'll notice an envelope with a uniquely designed note courtesy of Jason. As we usher in a new year, we wanted to introduce you to some of the faces behind the AVD experience. So, without further ado, we welcome Jason Jordan!
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Tell us a bit about yourself, Jason! How did you get started as a calligraphy artist?
"I've had an interest in art from my earliest days as a child and have worked to develop creativity throughout my life. I've continuously experimented with different mediums and styles of expression. I've had a long-time fascination with various forms of communication, including written and symbolic languages and images, such as petroglyphs, calligraphy, graffiti, and music, just to name a few. As a native New Mexican growing up in the 80s and 90s, I became enamored with graffiti and street art and was enticed by the secret language that it conveyed to those who understood how to read and write it."
If someone were to experience your calligraphy for the first time, what do you hope they feel or take away from it?
"I want them to feel an honest moment - a genuine moment from feeling something handmade and simple with a touch of wonderment. Appreciating something simple and real while savoring the moment. We live in a fast-paced world where things are made in a rush. I wanted to leave them with something tangible and made by hand."
Do you have a go-to spot or routine that helps you get into the creative zone when working on your calligraphy?
"Evening makes me come alive! I make sure to create daily and practice my art every day, even if it's not perfect. Calligraphy is a very accessible form of art, and I usually do a practice run and then create a bulk of cards at once, so there’s a bit of a shared thread between all of them. I think, as an artist, it's important to embrace the frustration and learn from your mistakes! People often focus on learning from their success, but mishaps are equally important and will only make you a better artist in time."
What makes Santa Fe special to you?
"It's a beautiful, small community. The city is stunning. I love driving the back routes and avoiding major streets by getting off the beaten path - and you can usually get wherever you need to go by getting off the beaten path. There are little discoveries with each drive that continue to wow me - handcrafted doors are my favorite. Front yard gates and doors with ristras. I really enjoy the tucked-away beauty and how the entire town is a work of art in itself."
What’s your favorite memory of creating art so far in your life?
"My Grandpa was an excellent painter. You could call him Bob Ross of the Southwest! He had a studio set up in his garage, and he'd paint scenes of New Mexico, like white sands and yuccas. Watching him create and then, in turn, sharing my drawings with him was really meaningful and impactful."
Can you describe your ideal night out in Santa Fe?
"I'd say a stroll around the plaza, people watching and admiring the architecture, exploring the shops, and wandering the art galleries - especially Keep Contemporary and Pop Gallery. Followed by dinner with my wife, Ursula, at our favorite restaurant, Atriscos."
How has being an artist changed you as a person?
"I find creating art to be the best way to justify existence. To make sure my life is rich. It makes me happy knowing that I've lived a fulfilling life with art being a part of it. When I create, it's quite meditative, and it's easy to get lost in the practice of it. You could say it's like playing chess with myself! I contemplate, think things through, and slow down. It’s all freestyle and in the moment while being engaging and intellectually stimulating. Since April 2020, I have been doing art each and every day - even when my father passed away. Making art daily helps me to reflect on my days."
Jason's calligraphy is a welcome addition to the AVD experience - transcending the typical stay and taking our guests on a unique journey into the heart of Santa Fe's artists. We are so grateful for him, his time, his creations, and the personal touch he adds to the guest experience!
Are you, or someone you know, in search of a talented Santa Fe Calligraphy artist? Jason specializes in creating exquisite pieces for various occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings, among others! You can reach him directly here.
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