Last season during When Calls the Heart, I happened to notice a Heartie that for whatever reason I had not previously. I observed her amazing artwork, and she and I connected online. My only regret is that I didn’t get to meet Jordan Blackstone during the most recent Hearties Family Reunion. (I actually brought the gift bag that I won during one of her contests so that she could autograph it!) Regardless, because she and Janette Stephens are laboring tirelessly to bring a very special event to fruition for ALS, I decided it was high time I got to feature this lovely, gifted lady.
RH: What inspired you/got you interested in creating artwork? What kind of training have you had?
JB: This may sound a bit corny, but I can’t remember a time that I didn’t like drawing or photography. I have a degree in Drafting. In 2010, I was going through a difficult time. I was dealing with cancer and my oldest brother, who was my best friend, passed away from it. To get my mind on something positive my family bought me my first DSLR camera. Now they have trouble keeping me indoors LOL! I’ve never had formal training; according to those who I’ve spoken with on painting and photography, they call me a natural.
When/How did you start selling your artwork?
I started selling my work in March 2013. I found a company online that would take my photographs and do all of the printing, manufacturing, and shipping; plus, I set my own prices. Now I work with several companies and our line has grown to include tote bags, fleece blankets, even jewelry.
What is/was your regular job in addition to selling art?
Funny enough, I worked in construction for almost thirty-five years in various jobs. My last job was as Human Resources for Canada for a cell tower construction company. My husband and I had already made the decision to sell our home and move to Vancouver Island and make a go of just doing my art.
What is your vision for your artwork? What do you hope to accomplish with it?
My vision for my artwork is to bring the joy I have creating it into the homes and lives of those who appreciate it. I put a part of myself into each piece I create, so it becomes a work of heart.
When/How did you discover Hallmark movies and programming?
I discovered Hallmark movies when I was going through my first bout of cancer. My oncologist at the time went out and bought me twelve videos (hehe! tells you how long ago that was); three of them were Hall of Fame ones – The Secret Garden, Foxfire and The Stones of Ibarra. That started my collection of Hallmark movies. Then recently, When Calls the Heart, Good Witch, Chesapeake Shores…
What do you love about When Calls the Heart? Why?
First, on a long list of what’s and why’s for When Calls the Heart, is it was written by one of my favourite authors and fellow Albertan, Janette Oke. I first read her Love Comes Softly series and was hooked on her writing style and subject matter. Secondly, who was bringing it to life, Michael Landon Jr. and Brian Bird – they had produced and been a part of shows that I could watch with my daughter.
What was your experience like at HFR3? What are the standout moments for you?
Where do I start? Being part of the photography team is pretty special, working with the HFR committee, meeting Hearties from all over the world and being with folks I admire. As for standout moments – finally meeting my online friends in person, having a hug from Janette Oke (we’ve been friends for a while and I never get tired of hugs from her), but most of all, watching first-time HFR goers – the expressions on their faces and how excited they are – never gets old.
As you are joining with Paul Greene in his ALS event, why did you decide to get on board with that? Please tell us anything you would like to about the event.
Art for ALS grew from an interview Paul did on After Buzz with fellow Hearties, Marisa Serafini and James Lott Jr. He mentioned my name and the painting I did of him. We spoke after the show and he suggested auctioning off the painting to raise funds for ALS. I lost a dear friend to the disease, so I was in. We finally had time in both our schedules that we could get the auction started. It grew quickly as we add more talent to the line-up and as Paul has said, it grows more each day. We are fortunate to have so many of the When Calls the Heart cast and crew participating; plus other Hallmark stars have been very generous with their contributions. We also have several other celebrities stepping up and lending their help. Paul’s brother Stephen will be donating some of his work, as well as, Justin Maas, who was demonstrating his work at HFR3. We grateful to Janette Stephens too for lending her many talents!
Our event, Art for ALS – From the heART for ALS, will be launching on Feb. 14th running to Feb. 24th. During this time we will have raffle items, Purchase Now items and of course the big-ticket items for auction. To find out more, please join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fromtheheartforals
When not creating artwork, what do you like to do in your free time/spare time?
Spare time??? What’s that? Seriously, my husband and I love exploring and discovering this amazing province we live in. I never leave home without my camera in hand, good music on the radio and an appreciation for the many blessings that fill our lives.
As far as I’m concerned, this event is something I have no problem supporting. The fact that Jordan, Janette, and Paul (as well as a whole host of others) are working behind-the-scenes to raise money for such a worthy cause is something I can wholeheartedly champion. I applaud Jordan for her dedication to her artwork, and the fact that she is willing to donate such unique pieces to this cause is something that certainly raises the bar for so many of us. While I have never been personally affected by ALS (we have been touched by cancer, heart issues, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s), the fact that the people involved with this project are so genuine and proficient is something that causes me to fully endorse the efforts and everyone involved. While I have yet to meet Jordan (and I realize I may not in this lifetime), I highly recommend that Hearties check out her work while going to the event page she mentioned. I hope that Jordan’s charitable acts will inspire even more Hearties and other fans to get involved and help put an end to this horrendous disease!
FOLLOW JORDAN
Imagine That JB Fine Art (Website)
Imagine That JB Fine Art (Facebook)
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Amazing artwork!
