INPERSON
Jordin Rising
Canon-Mac Middle School student Jordin Williams spreads the message of tolerance and understanding through her art and hopes to inspire others along the way .
BY W . B . FRESA
Jordin Williams ’ parents , Jennifer and Darren , noticed an artistic talent in their youngest daughter when she was about 6 or 7 years old . “ Whenever Jordin drew something for a school project , her work was far better than expected ,” Jennifer recalls . “ Instead of the normal stick figures and circle faces , she was drawing images and using shading , depth and detail to bring it to life .”
Now at just 13 , Jordin has created a piece that has helped her express herself during these uncertain times . And she hopes to use it as a platform to inspire other young people to find positive ways to deal with their emotions .
Beginning her journey into art four years ago at a free sketch class at Peters Township Library , Jordin ’ s talents grew — followed by visits to a museum , where she got her first sketch book , then online classes via YouTube in virtual animation .
“ We could tell she really loved everything she was learning ,” says Jennifer . “ But we never dreamed what she would create and the feelings , thoughts and emotions it would instill in our family .”
“ Painting makes me feel calm , stress-free ,” says Jordin . “ I paint whatever comes to mind and use different mediums to create my pieces . It could be pencil , ink , acrylics , watercolors ... even digital art . I really like all of it .”
One her first fully developed pieces was a painting of a wolf on a ledge with the moon rising above .
“ I was in fifth or sixth grade when I got that assignment ,” says Jordin . “ I used oil pastels , crayon and watercolors to create it . It ’ s called ‘ Moonrise .’” It got the attention of some of her teachers and soon enough was on display in Harrisburg as part of a state exhibit .
But it ’ s her most recent painting , created for an online virtual showcase called “ Art in a Box ,” that has captured some attention from the art community . Art in a Box is a collaboration between The Muscarelle Museum of Art and the Greater Williamsburg Women ’ s Association . More than 50 students from around Pennsylvania were invited to participate in the communal art initiative that exposed them to two iconic African American artists of the 20th century : Elizabeth Catlett and John Biggers .
“ I was assigned John Biggers as my inspirational artist ,” explains Jordin . “ He painted a lot about social justice . When I looked at my own life and how social justice impacted it , I thought of my parents who are in an interracial marriage . So I painted something that uniquely represents their relationship , and thought about how difficult it can be sometimes for others to understand and accept , and how the hatred some feel for this type of marriage can affect others . I call the painting ‘ Forbidden Love .’”
The painting was created using oil pastels and depicts two hands — one white , one black — with their pinky fingers intertwined and bound by golden ropes holding the two fingers together while forming the shape of hearts above . Also in the painting are three hands , each holding a pair of scissors ready to cut the golden heart-shaped ropes .
When Jordin ’ s parents saw the finished piece , they were in shock — especially her father .
“ I definitely know how to follow the rules set by artists , which is no peeking until it ’ s done ,” says Darren . “ When I finally got to see it , my first thought was , ‘ She painted that ?!’ My second thought was I couldn ’ t believe she thought enough about her parents ’ relationship to express it so beautifully . Also , the timing of this showcase and the theme was in line with a lot of the social and racial issues we were seeing in the news . It was just mind blowing to me .”
“ As a parent , you always hope what you ’ re doing can be impactful to your children in some way ,” adds Jennifer . “ I didn ’ t realize our relationship had that much impact on Jordin , especially at 12 and 13 years old . It really made us proud .” Jordin is also proud of her piece , and proud of her parents . “ Some people may not like or agree with interracial marriage , but it shouldn ’ t affect the marriage or the people in it ,” she says . “ You must find your confidence and not let it affect you . With confidence and faith , we can change how we see the world .”
Jordin ’ s parents note that they have seen so much positivity come into their daughter ’ s life as she continues to paint and create , and they think it can help other kids her age , too .
“ Having a positive outlet to express your emotions is something we have learned is so important from watching Jordin , and our older daughter Laurel , while navigating these difficult times ,” says Darren . “ We want other kids to know they can use art in the same way to help deal with the stresses of life . It ’ s a message we want to spread to the community and we ’ re so grateful to be able to do it .” n
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