Friday interview | Sian Jordan on confidence, beauty and ink

Tell us how you first got into art, is it something you’ve always loved?

I’m South African. I grew up in a suburb of Durban and spent most of my time at the beach. I started drawing at the age of 5 or 6 and just remember having drawings everywhere, stashed under my pillows, under my bed and all across my room. My mum used to show my dad my work and he didn’t think it was me because they were so good – the dimensions and depth were so spot on.

I always sketched on the floor and still do, I like to be over my work. I used to have a humming habit when I was younger – I’d just hum the whole time I was drawing. I became self-conscious of it, as you do when you get older, and I made myself stop in front of other people. Now I hardly do it unless I find myself really caught up in my work. My cousin Nicole was my best friend growing up and she used to laugh because I’d keep all of my pencils in my toes. My drawing was very natural, it was just something I really enjoyed doing. 

Fast forward to five years ago, my son was three and I started to draw again. My partner’s father gave me an old watercolour set and I started to teach myself how to use it. Watercolour is a very difficult medium but I’m not a traditionalist at all. I fell in love when I started to add ink. Mixing ink with water, you really don’t know what it’s going to look like when it’s done, which is what I really like. 

I rarely know what I want to do before I start creating a new piece. There are certain elements I stick to – wet on wet, no prominent lines and blurry outlines. I can come back two days later and add to it. Now I’ve developed a style which is really unique to me, it comes very naturally but it’s also always evolving and I like to experiment with colour and techniques.

Let’s get to know you better! 

Go out or stay in? 

I’m a home bird! I love spending time with my partner Geoff and son Freddie. Geoff has always been really supportive and helps me out a lot with the business.  We love the comfort of our own home, watching TV shows like The Marvellous Mrs Marvel and Fargo. 

Favourite drink? 

I like red wine and gin. I love a Bloody Mary. But I’m not a big drinker. I drink a lot of tea during the day and have just started drinking coffee again after a 20-year break! 

Favourite snack?

Pomegranate or almonds at the studio, or garlic stuffed olives at home. I’m a savoury girl but if I had to choose a sweet treat it would be Fry’s turkish delight – straight from the fridge! 

Favourite place in the world?

We love Berlin for its laid-back vibe, culture and food. 

What do you listen to?

Erykah Badu. 

Interesting fact?

The first time I used the internet I was 21! I was working away at a Summer Camp in America.