Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Lumpkins.
Hi Jordan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in New Orleans, but life brought me to Texas while pursuing an undergraduate degree, and I ended up planting roots here. Like most kids, my creativity ran wild growing up, but I found my best way of expressing it was through drawing, sketching, and building. By the time I hit middle school, I gave painting a try for the first time, but I didn’t carry it much further at the time.
Athletics quickly took center stage, and art was something I shelved for years. But as I grew older, that creative itch kept creeping back—one of those itches you just can’t ignore (and trust me, I tried). Eventually, I took it as a nudge from the divine to return to art, and I’ve been exploring my practice ever since. Here we are, full circle.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
At first, it was not. But as with most things, time and consistency opened the door for a new direction. One of the greatest challenges I faced was transitioning into the art industry from the corporate space. It felt like starting from ground zero, with no clear path or resources to lean on.
By immersing myself in the art community, I began to discover the networks, organizations, and individuals who give it life. Building organic relationships with artists, community organizers, arts administrators, and others in the field quickly expanded my circle and created a support system that helped me navigate unfamiliar terrain. Many of those connections later grew into artistic opportunities of their own.
Regularly creating while leaning on this network has become the foundation of my success—a combination of personal discipline and collective support guides my practice.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a mixed media artist with a focus on painting, but I like to think of my work as more than just paint on canvas. A lot of what I create deals with the complexities of identity—especially for young Black males—and the deeper emotional layers of the human experience. What makes my practice different is really the process. I don’t just stick to traditional methods; I pull in all kinds of materials and apply them in ways that build dimension and texture. I approach each piece the way a carpenter would approach new construction—layer by layer, structure by structure. That process allows the work to hold both physical and emotional depth, revealing the layers that shape who we are individually and collectively.
What are your plans for the future?
I can’t give too much away just yet, but I’ve got two major projects lined up for 2026 that are shaping up to be something special. Let’s just say they’re pushing me into new territory and demanding a whole new level of research and intention. What I can share is that I’ve been stepping outside my usual practice and experimenting with textiles. Over the next nine months, I’ll be teaming up with sewists to create custom-fitted pieces—so thinking about art you don’t just look at, but actually live in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jluart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan_retro/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIw0Bn4q5xGbQ-Gcd9Vj-Nw
Image Credits
Jared Robinson (All Photos)
