Jordan's Journey

A photography and writing project structured around the artist’s genealogical research

Jordan’s Journey is an interdisciplinary art project that uses genealogical and historical research as a device to explore the idea of personal and collective memory. The central work is a linen hardcover bound book that the artist wrote, photographed, curated, and designed. The book is held in numerous collections throughout the country including the New York Public Library, Saint Louis County Library, and the Dallas Public Library. The Jordan’s Journey blog and videos extended the project beyond the printed page.

Jordan's Journey spread showing quilt

Jordan’s Journey is an artist book unlike any other you’ll ever encounter. You could spend hours soaking it all in–and I hope you will–but this video lets you absorb it in a super-quick 1’20”! Think you can read that fast? (Video originally made for the artist’s INTERSECTION Kickstarter campaign).

The project was featured in several publications (listed in order of publication date):
  • ”The Past Uncovered: Author’s research uncovers deep-rooted families and long-lost communities in Northwest Georgia.” Rome News-Tribune, 12 Feb 2012: C1. Print.
  • Jordan’s Journey Takes A Trip Into The Past Of NW Georgia And A Family.” The Summerville News, 23 Feb 2012: 1-B. Print.
  • McEntyre, Christi. ”Armuchee Valley native compiles family, area history in Jordan’s Journey.” Walker County Messenger, LaFayette, GA, 29 Feb 2012: Front Page. Print.
  • Jones, Jamie. ”Jordan’s Journey: Man explores his family ancestry, learns about links to Georgia’s history.” The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA, 30 Mar 2012: 5. Print.
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Related articles and photography have appeared in Georgia Backroads. “The Scoggins Family and Subligna Go Way Back” appeared in the Winter 2012 edition while “We Are One People” was published in the Autumn 2013 issue.

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The Jordan’s Journey video series explored a new dimension of genealogical storytelling not possible in the book. The short videos were written, directed, and edited by the artist and feature an original soundtrack composed by Michael Harren.

 

 

The artist also presented two multimedia lectures and a photographic installation in conjunction with the project.