Meet Jordan Kownacki | Mixed Media/Epoxy Resin Artist & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Kownacki and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’d say risk has played quite the role in my life and career… in the way that it hasn’t stopped me whatsoever. I don’t think I’ve ever really been the timid type in giving something my all and risking the loss or letdown from failing. It’s part of who I am, and with that quality, I’ve grown exponentially as an Artist. It’s a large reason as to why I am where I am in terms of my artwork… I definitely have the scars and stories to prove it! You can watch all the tutorials you want, listen to different advice from people all over the world, tread lightly and try to narrow everything down to a science in trying to get the result you want. That’s just not the way I do things, and I’ve never been that type of artist. All I needed was the spark notes on how to not light myself on fire, keep my animals and I safe from the toxic fumes epoxy resin emanates, and from there I chose and continue to choose to dive in headfirst. I’ll always figure it out, even if I leave a path of creative glittery destruction behind me.

Having said that, risk has definitely gotten me hurt in my personal life in being vulnerable with my heart. But guess what has happened from some of the worst emotional pain? Within a few weeks, I had my own apartment, turned art studio. I came up with my business name, and a business plan. As a part time Nanny for a little boy, risk also put me in the position of experiencing the worst physical pain and mental trauma imaginable. At the time he was 4 years old and was attacked by a Belgian Malinois dog, and I fought like hell to get him free, and in turn I was attacked as well. We were both mangled…his arm and my leg. But guess what happened from that? He’s alive and thriving in sports, both our wounds eventually closed, and in the time I was immobile due to my calf injury, I launched my website/small business with over 50 unique pieces. In my first month I had 6 commissions!

From those temporary losses, I created a whole new life for myself. Playing it safe after any type of trauma is definitely more comfortable (not to mention-normal).. The risk of failing after putting yourself out there again and again is scary. Putting your passion out there means you risk being criticized on something so personal. Posting photos of art you’ve made with your own hands from a vision you’ve created in your mind…What if no one likes the photos? What if I don’t get the feedback I want? You have to see beyond that if you want to succeed-at least from a business perspective. My artwork has been the biggest outlet for me, and no one can take that away. I have been beyond rewarded by taking risks. They say “high risk, high reward” for a reason. Life is too short to stop yourself from doing something amazing because of fear. The endless beautiful experiences I’ve gained from “just going for it” are unparalleled and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create bold escapes in the form of epoxy resin artwork, influenced by the multifaceted and unpredictable features of the sea and in nature. My passionate and curious approach to capturing the essence of nature involves edgy color and medium combinations, and results in eye popping, dynamic realism. My unique style allows the freedom of personality and individualism to coexist with the familiarity of the ocean and nature. Life has challenged me with some pretty traumatic experiences, but art has always provided a safe place for me to escape and be consumed in a completely different world. The sometimes unpredictability that epoxy resin has, in a fascinating way, comforts me because my life too has always been somewhat unpredictable. I’m an adventurer and love being alone or with a loved one in nature for the calm it provides me with. Capturing this feeling in my artwork truly gives me purpose, because I want other people to feel that too. Working with bold and vibrant colors is something I grew up experimenting with, whether it was my hair color, nails, wall color… I always like it bold and beautiful. Incorporating these styles in my artwork gives the realism of the piece an added powerful beauty.

I’ve poured epoxy on just about everything, from laptop cases to repurposed cigar boxes and that’s just the beginning. I’m always on the hunt for new projects and ways to set myself apart… I want people to look at a piece of art and know that it came from me. It has not been an easy route to get to where I am. It takes a lot of time and money to be honest. When you go down this path, its about understanding that you are not just the artist anymore, you’re also the shipping department, accountant, social media manager, website designer, marketing director, and everything else that comes with owning a small business by yourself. But with that comes a very rewarding and independent feeling. If you put in the time to learn the skills from each department, you can use those skills in many other parts of your life.

I am very proud of myself for keeping up the momentum with my work, and for never giving up when circumstances got difficult. I have now entered 5 upcoming art shows in the San Diego Area and plan to continue to put myself out there any way I can. I’m a tenacious woman, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and my artistic journey… I can feel it in my bones that it is going to an amazing ride.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take someone visiting San Diego down to Belmont Park in Mission Beach. its one of my favorite places to go and walk around, grab a drink, and feel like a kid at. You can play mini golf which I love, then go jump in the ocean after. There’s so many places to grab a bite or a drink right there. Cannonball is a favorite of mine. You can ride the rollercoaster and then sit on the concrete wall that divides the boardwalk and the beach and watch the sunset. You can make the best day out Belmont Park/Mission Beach. Right across the way is Mission Bay as well, where it’s calmer and you can take out a paddle board for a relaxing day. Paradise Point is another favorite place of mine to grab lunch right by the water, and it’s an amazing atmosphere all around.

I love going to comedy shows, so I would definitely recommend shows by PB Backyard Comedy, or Candy’s Comedy shows down in Pacific Beach. The Comedy Store in La Jolla never disappoints as well.

Walking around La Jolla and popping in the art galleries is a favorite thing of mine to do. Although touristy… I do love to see the sea lions and scenery down at the Children’s Pool Beach.

I would take friends to hike Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, I go every week. I’ve seen whales, dolphins, fish, and more from the hikes and it gets your heart rate pumping and you can end it with a gorgeous walk along the beach.

The Del Mar Plaza is close to my heart because I grew up in Del Mar for most of my life, and they’ve done some awesome work in keeping the spot fresh and fun. Monarch is a great spot for happy hour, and you can watch the sunset from the upper plaza.

The Carlsbad Flower fields are another beautiful spot to check out when the flowers are in full bloom. It’s so fun to walk around in and enjoy.

We’ve been getting some awesome exhibits here at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, I recently went to the Van Gogh exhibit and it was just beautiful. Jurassic Quest was a really fun exhibit too, so if I had a friend in town I would definitely look up what fun exhibits and shows San Diego is offering!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to first acknowledge my Mom for everything she does to support my artistic ventures. She’s definitely my #1 fan! She’s an artist herself, so growing up in such a creative household completely molded me into the artist I’ve become. From my loving family here in California, to Iowa to Arizona, they have all been along for this ride with me and I couldn’t be more grateful for their encouragement. I have to shoutout my amazing friends who from day 1 of putting myself out there with this, were right there supporting me and pushing me to take things to the next level. From the friends who have commissioned pieces from me, and to those who share and promote my work within their networks… every little thing they have done for me is so appreciated and I love them so much for it. Every time I level up, I reach for my phone to share the excitement with them and they are all right there for it, and it makes me feel so seen as an artist. I’m so grateful.

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