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

Hi Jordan, how do you think about risk?

As soon as I turned 30 I realized that if I don’t take risks in life I won’t ever create the life I know that I craved. What this has meant is leaving behind relationships and old belief systems that no longer serve me. That sounds easy enough but those decisions are hard! When you take a risk you don’t know if the outcome will come out as intended, at times you take a risks and it turns out a different way- not better or worse, just different. I’ve learned not judge outcomes but focus on being present as life unfolds moment by moment. That’s part of the adventure of life if you choose to see it that way. We all battle our need for safety and security with our desire for newness and change. What has helped me be able to take risks is an internal belief that if I survived my last leap of faith, I will survive the next one. We are more resilient than we think.

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.

Regardless of the medium, my art truly expresses the psychological idea of differentiation. Differentiation is the skill of maintaining a strong sense of self while in relationship with family and others. To start that process, I continually try and challenge my assumptions about who I am and what I believe. Who would we be if we were not defined by the time, place, religion, gender, or race that we were birthed into? My interest in natural and social sciences guide my work and help me see bigger patterns at work. I study my own thoughts and behaviors and dreams to extract material for my art. I’m a curious and questioning person by nature and there is always a new mystery of human behavior to solve! Looking at myself in the mirror is never easy but its a worthwhile process that I gladly endure. Continually asking myself who I am is the the cornerstone of my art.

I have a solo exhibition at Bailey’s Contemporary Art Gallery in Pompano Beach, FL coming up that expresses these ideas. The show will be on display from June through July.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I love this question because I have recently begun to wander around Pompano Beach to find new and interesting places to visit. On any given weekend, you can find me perusing the aisles of Big Apple Books on North Federal Highway. My new favorite Italian restaurant in Pompano right now is Di Farina on East Atlantic Blvd. They also play live music! To find unique, eclectic gifts and home goods I recently visited a boutique called Acacia Inc. on East Sunrise Blvd. I’m obsessed with their selection of interesting finds and the shop owner is super cool and caring!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My sources of inspiration are endless! As of late, I have been guided so graciously and wisely by my life coach, Karen Louis M.Ed. C.C.C. Her influence in my life in the past several months has helped me feel more balanced,grounded, and inspired as I make life changes. I have always found myself having mentors around me that I look to for guidance and wisdom. They have made all the difference and I believe having people in my court when I have a hard time believing in myself has been an integral part of my process. Look her up if you’re needing someone to talk to!

Website: jordanguzmanart.com

Instagram: @jordanguzmanart

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