The career of “illustrator” almost feels reductive when referring to New Jersey artist Sydnei SmithJordan. With 25 years of experience, multiple art mediums mastered, and an impressive roster of celebrity fans (Whoopi Goldberg and Sylvester Stallone, to name a few), SmithJordan is in a category all her own — quite literally.
Her genre of art is referred to as “pop fusion” due to her extensive blend of materials outside of oil paints. After being sidelined by a brachial plexopathy injury, SmithJordan used painting and collage work to regain a sense of hope and serenity. Nowadays, she’s on a tour of New Jersey in a mobile art studio, and she has no plans to slow down.
I chatted with SmithJordan about her career origins, how her identity informs her practice, and finding a home amongst the “misfits and weirdos.”
You mention in great detail on your website about your artistic origins as a doodler. What prompted the jump from desktop publishing to fine artist?
Sydnei SmithJordan: Desktop publishing was dying. There was a shift happening called graphic design. I found myself moving to graphic design. I love typography, but just didn’t feel fulfilled so I tried my hand at illustration, which led me to fine arts.
Can you describe the push to get back into painting after your injury? What was your first art piece back?
SSJ: After my surgery, I was so ready to go back to work. I was told it would be two weeks of downtime. I lost my job because those two weeks became a couple of years. I created a piece for a show called the Body Map. I could not paint it, so I collaged it. My first painted piece caused a lot of physical and mental pain. It’s called Rebirth.
You’ve spent time working as an arts educator for children with disabilities. As someone who’s worked with kids, I’ve seen how motivating it can be to watch young minds grow and get excited. Did that time inform your own artistic practices? If so, how?
SSJ: My work with disabled children was so enlightening. You realize real quick to stop whining and complaining. The gratitude that they have and resilience are beyond compare. I learned to be grateful for my limitations and my strengths because all make me special. Learning how to overcome a disadvantage is worth its weight. I taught a boy to draw who was legally blind, if that tells you! And he was amazing!
Your art embodies a genre you refer to as “pop fusion.” How did you come to settle into that genre? Were there other genres that you had been exploring beforehand?
SSJ: I was dubbed a pop surrealist for a while, but the work did not really fit there, so a group of artists met to figure out if we could explain what my art is. We settled on “Pop Fusion” because it’s definitely Pop, but also uses many mediums other than oils, although oils are primary. I also add glass, wood, fabric, paper, etc.
You recently had your artwork commissioned for Montclair Brewery’s Doby Caramel Pale Ale can! What did that collaboration mean to you?
SSJ: The collaboration with Montclair Brewery was an amazing experience. I have worked on Negro League paintings for the past five years. Getting to paint Larry Doby was an honor. He broke barriers that paved the way for me and others. To be able to carry the message of his resilience and strength is very humbling.
You have a segment of your portfolion titled “Misfits & Weirdos.” Can you tell me a bit about these people? Who are they, and what about their stories attracts you to them?
SSJ: “Misfits & Weirdos” are candid paintings created from photos of my friends and acquaintances around Cape May. I grew up thinking that being different was bad. I never really fit in. Now, living in Cape May, I embrace my weirdness. My friends are mostly musicians, artists, singers, misfits and weirdos. We love and embrace our differences with love and acceptance. I am fortunate to have found them.
How does your queer identity factor into your artwork? Does it play a part in what you decide to make art about?
SSJ: Having been an outcast due to my queer identity has given me the power, strength, resilience and tenacity to do what I do. I fight even harder to be seen and heard. My messages through art are so important because everyone in life just wants to be accepted for themselves. I was abandoned by both sides of my family when I was younger after I came out. I fought very hard to have and find my voice. I live my life out loud now. My family is accepting of me now. I think it’s because I never backed down. I kept coming back. Most importantly, I never stopped being me.
Do you have a favorite piece you’ve made? Why?
SSJ: From Whence is still my favorite piece. It speaks of remembering from whence I have come. If I can always remember where I have come from — no shame, no guilt — there’s no limit to where I can go.
What can we expect for you next?
SSJ: I just launched a 32-foot RV which will travel and teach art. My goal is to give a voice to as many as I can. To heal through art. To give a voice to those once silenced.
