Short Bio
My name is Jordan Harrell and I am a studio art major at Murray state university in Murray KY. I was born and raised in Western Kentucky on a farm with horses throughout my life, I use my horses as my inspiration for my emphasis in painting and drawing.
Statement
Life is an intricate experience of emotions, aspirations, and profound bonds, each woven with moments that shape who we are. My artistic journey is deeply rooted in capturing the essence of these moments, offering a unique window into my love and purpose in this world. I seek to create art that resonates not only visually but emotionally, allowing others to experience an interaction of love far beyond my verbal capacity. Whether through the depth of oil painting or the layering of colored pencils and paint, my work is designed to pull the viewer into deeper, more immersive connections, those which speak to the shared human and animal experience. My inspiration comes from the timeless works of artists like R.W. Brunk, Sarah Dean, and Peggy Judy. Brunk’s landscapes, with their soft yet vivid portrayals of natural elements, have influenced my approach to creating gentle, flowing patterns that reflect the world as I see it: organic, ever-changing, and full of possibility. Similarly, Dean’s intimate and raw portrayals of horses inspire me to delve into the equine connection, capturing the tender relationship between horse and human through delicate yet expressive lines and intense light values. Judy’s mastery of painterly technique adds emotional depth to my work, teaching me the power of paint to communicate beyond realism and into the realm of feeling. In each instance of my work, I inject my own lived experiences, from quiet moments of reflection to the powerful bonds between people and horses. These relationships, rooted in trust, empathy, and understanding, guide my work, infusing it with meaning that extends beyond the surface. Scenes of equine companionship in my artwork represent more than just horse and owner; they capture each and every instance they have touched my life and the ways they’ve shaped my understanding. A key example of this is my painting titled You Came Back. This piece depicts the first meeting of my horses Bailey and Izzy, a moment that carried deep emotional significance for me. After the loss of my mare Dusty, Bailey was lonely and grieving. They had been together for twelve years and the world felt incomplete without her. When Izzy arrived in our lives, it was not just the introduction of a new horse—it felt more like a reunion, as if she had already belonged with us. There was an immediate connection, one that transcended the typical encounter between two unfamiliar beings. In this painting, I captured that moment of reunion, where sorrow began to soften as we recognized Izzy not as a stranger, but as a companion, a return of something lost. This painting is deeply personal, encapsulating both my own healing process, the shared bond that formed between Dusty and Bailey, and the beginning of a new chapter. By channeling this intimacy through my art, I aim to evoke a feeling of higher belonging, encouraging viewers to form their own bonds with the pieces and, by extension, the horses in my life that they depict. In this way, my work becomes more than just visual; it becomes an emotional exchange that celebrates the profound attachments that define our lives
Biography
Jordan Harrell was born on August 20th 2002 in a small rural town of Paducah, KY. She currently lives in Calvert City KY and has attended Marshall county high school and is furthering her education at Murray State University in Murray KY since 2021 where she is earning her Bachelors of fine arts degree in Studio Art. She focuses on drawing digitally or traditionally and oil painting where she depicts her view and lens of life through equine passion, vibrant depictions of invented worlds and characters through warm and welcoming tones of soft and comforting visuals. Her work has been displayed in Murray State University Galleries such as Clara M. Eagle Gallery and Waterfield Library Gallery
