A Conversation With Jordan Nicole of High Desert Studio

Art creates a dialog with the home, further rounding out the language of our spaces.

Feeling the urge to bring tangible beauty into fruition, Jordan Nicole, the artist behind McGee & Co.’s recent collaboration, began re-imagining her surroundings through abstract, fluid works, and High Desert Studio was born.

Her pieces tell a story of restrained palettes and textural dimensions, evoking a sense of ethereal escapism and complementing the interior’s organic finishes.

We were drawn to Jordan’s work from the moment we saw it, and recently, our team was lucky to stop by High Desert Studio to learn more about her process and influences.

Watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at the collection, and keep scrolling to read our conversation.

"I think it can be easy to talk ourselves out of the things we want to do, especially if we don’t have a lot of experience. The real key is just letting yourself follow what interests you."

Jordan Nicole

How did “High Desert Studio” come into fruition?

It all came about in a very organic way. I’ve always loved art and creating, but didn’t have a consistent outlet for all of my ideas. It felt like one day I just woke up with the sudden urge to start painting, and I did it. Although it was probably a mix of different experiences that led me to that point, I think the main thing I’ve taken away from it is to always follow your urges and inspirations. You never know where they might lead you. I think it can be easy to talk ourselves out of the things we want to do, especially if we don’t have a lot of experience. The real key is just letting yourself follow what interests you.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from the desert and from my time living there, which is why I decided to name my business High Desert Studio.

What feeling do you want your artwork to evoke in a home?

I believe that the experience of art hits each of us so differently, and that’s part of the beauty. That being said, I hope that my paintings bring a sense of peace inside of a home, or simply a connection to nature.

How do you curate your surroundings to create an environment for tuning into your work?

To me it’s very important that my studio space nurtures my creativity. Nature is a big inspiration for me so I wanted a way to bring the outdoors in, and I achieved this with the ritual of gathering fresh greens and blooms to furnish my studio. I change the theme of the florals with the seasons and this inspires a lot of the collections I create with my paintings. I believe that no matter how big or small your space for creating is, plants or foliage are essential!

Walking into someone’s home & seeing the art on their walls is a chance to begin understanding what moves or inspires that person.

Jordan Nicole

How do you feel that art completes an interior?

I believe that art and plants are what really bring a space to life. They’re that additional layer that brings so much depth into a space while complimenting all the other hard and soft elements (stone, textiles, wood finishes, etc.)

Art in particular is also a way to get to know someone on a deeper level. Walking into someone’s home & seeing the art on their walls is a chance to begin understanding what moves or inspires that person.

Tell us more about the inspiration and process behind each piece in collaboration with McGee & Co.

This series of limited edition prints are based off of four original works I created for the collaboration. They are each signed, numbered, made slow with intention, and printed in limited quantities. The larger pieces ‘As the Moon Rises’ & ‘Midnight Tide’ are based on the ocean at night and the experience of staying calm within a storm. The smaller works ‘Leap of Faith I & II’ both relate to the experience of trusting as you dive into the unknown. 

Both of these emotions are something I believe we’ve all felt to some extent throughout the pandemic, and since these pieces were created in quarantine it’s something I wanted to softly touch on. The feeling of transforming an uncomfortable situation into an opportunity for growth and the acceptance that life is ever-changing.

What does living beautifully mean to you?

Living beautifully to me means living in the moment and creating art that adds to the beauty of life.

What’s next for you and your art? Where can we keep up with what you’re working on?

I’m always experimenting with different forms of expression, and I’m currently working on some new offerings that will be available in the summer.

You can always catch me creating on instagram @highdesertstudio, or on my website shophighdesertstudio.com