Jordan Barker is an entrepreneur and self-taught mixed media artist. Initially inspired by found objects, his first piece was a coffee table that was created from a wooden palate found in the streets of New York. And, while the palate was interesting enough to catch his eye as a ready-made, Jordan was inspired by its potential, so he transformed it into something that was not only beautiful but also functional. Thus began Jordan’s journey as an artist fueled by the process of creating something from nothing.

It was during Covid when we were forced into isolation, that Jordan realized how important touch is to the human connection. By layering different materials and mediums on canvases, Jordan began what is now an extensive body of large-scale abstract expressionist-style pieces. He was inspired to create art as a way to reintroduce these textures and sensations back into his life, which provided him with a sense of presence and calm amidst what felt like quiet chaos. Each piece of art is a practice of mindfulness that Jordan couldn’t achieve in any other way during this long period of isolation.

Jordan has since created what is now an impressive body of work, with pieces already incorporated into a number of private collections around New York City. Jordan has shown his work with the Durst Organization, Chashama, and was a featured speaker with UN76 in which he spoke about how “Artists and Designers Impact Change”. Jordan also has a passion for giving back and has invested in and advised several startups with social missions he currently is on the Advisory Counsel for the Citizen’s Committee for New York City.