Art is life

Jordan Beaulieu is a book and zine maker, visual artist, and coordinator extraordinaire. They are actively involved in many arts projects and organizations on the Island, and they are the co-founder of the Charlottetown Zine Fest. “I love books and zines from around the world and I’m so grateful that so many folks share that love as part of the Zine Fest.”

“When the new library was being built, we thought it would be a really cool idea to take advantage of the new auditorium space and have a zine fest.” With that idea and passion in their pockets, Jordan and her team set out on an adventure to bring the first Charlottetown Zine Fest to life in 2022. “The first Fest exceeded any and all of our hopes and dreams, and it keeps growing!”

One of the new additions to the Charlottetown Zine Fest this year is a workshop for kids, facilitated by a kid. “The kid garnered a lot of attention at last year’s fest and we’re so excited to have them come back this year in this capacity.”

“I am an only child, so I grew up with lots of opportunity to entertain myself and connect with my imagination.” Jordan’s dad was an artist, so she grew up believing it was possible to create a career in the arts. “It is so important to show kids that there are opportunities and that an artistic life is possible.”

Jordan grew up in Montague and lived for a while in Montreal and Halifax for university. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in fine art, Jordan has been immersed in art for as long as they can remember. “Art is the only thing that has been constant and consistent.”

Jordan can be found behind the scenes at many arts events across the province, such as Art in the Open and the River Clyde Pageant. They were a tech director with the River Clyde Pageant this past summer and recently tried stilt walking for the first time as part of the River Clyde fall event. 

“I am greatly inspired by the ways in which the River Clyde Pageant builds and fosters community reciprocity and I knew I wanted to bring that same feeling to the Charlottetown Zine Fest.” Based on the feedback I’ve heard from Zine Fest attendees, Jordan’s vision for this community-building is happening. “Community is so important, and I love witnessing people come together with these shared interests.”

Jordan’s commitment to local arts is also evidenced in their service roles as a board member of organizations such as Art in the Open and This Town Is Small. “I’ve met so many people and have gained a lot of valuable experience during my time on these boards.”

Most of Jordan’s life and work is built around collaboration. “I love working on teams and practicing the art of surrendering our individuality to the collective. Everyone brings their own magic to the table and it’s incredible to watch the planning come to life.”

A lifelong learner and maker, Jordan enjoys reading zines and books any chance she gets. 

“There is a really cool zine culture in the Flemish part of Belgium, and I have been enjoying their zines lately.”

Jordan is also a freelance book maker and graphic designer, working with local companies like Pownal Street Press and others. She also makes exhibition catalogues and is passionate about documenting what is happening in our time. “It’s important to me to know that we have documentation of the art and artists of right now.” We took a stroll down memory lane as we discussed some of the art and artists in yearbooks from the 90s. “There was so little information written about the people or their creations and I want to continue ensuring that we are recording these important things.”

Knowing that she helps so many others bring their books to life, I was curious to know if we can anticipate a book from Jordan sometime down the road. “I think making our own book is one of the bravest things a person can do. Maybe someday I will make mine!”

Jordan’s preferred medium is drawing, and they appreciate connecting with creativity in various ways. They have an irregular arts practice, and notes that “consistency is not the goal”. There is a seasonality about creativity that Jordan practices in their life. It was refreshing to hear an artist talk about this seasonality and not put pressure on themselves to create or produce at a certain pace or to expect sameness throughout the year. 

The seasons change, and so do we.