Published:
Tuesday, July 30, 2024




Jordan Nicholson is a Seattle-based photographer who has traveled the world taking photos for K Pop artists and other musicians including Macklemore, Pharrell Williams and Ciara. He has also shot for companies such as Apple, Google, and Nike. Jordan was born with TAR Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that left him without forearms.
Jordan recently talked to ACLU-WA about being an artist, living with a disability and the special meaning of Disability Pride Month for him this year.
You have such a diverse portfolio of work and interests – how would you describe what you do?
That’s funny, I don’t think I have a concise way of describing what I do. I’d probably say I’m a human and an artist, first. And then I’d say most people probably know me most for photography. I shoot a lot of portraits, food, and events. I’m a member of the Seattle and the global creative community.
How has being an artist shaped your life?
I’ve been able to connect with people and make friends all over the world. That’s something I’m really grateful for. Earlier this year, I was on tour with my longtime friend and collaborator, Jeff Bernat, a Filipino R&B singer who has become increasingly popular over the years. We visited nine countries throughout Asia in one month! It was quite the whirlwind adventure!
I think one of my favorite things in life is meeting kindred spirits or creative counterparts in other places. I grew up in Seattle and I’m very much a part of this community, but you go out there in the world and find other people with similar artistic interests and it’s like you find another you, but in a different font! There’s that instant connection when you meet someone driven by the same innate desire to make stuff and be creative. You always feel it when someone is just themselves. I love that art has allowed me to make so many of those connections.
Are you reflecting on Disability Pride Month differently this year?
I really want to learn to own that part of my identity more. It’s definitely a big part of who I am and it informs my perspective on life. But I think growing up it wasn’t necessarily the thing that I led with. I thought I’m just Jordan, the human. I love to draw. I love to skateboard, and I love music. And, you know, yeah, I happen to be missing half my arms, which is of course a very noticeable thing. I just didn’t necessarily need to talk about myself as a person living with a disability. But the truth is, I’m very proud to have been born with a disability. And it’s something I want to share!
Why do you think your approach has changed?
More recently I feel like it’s important to put it out there that this is part of who I am and I’m really proud of it. I think it comes from realizing as I get older that I have a unique life experience and a unique worldview. I’ve started to really see the value in that, especially as I’ve had opportunities to share my story. It’s become more apparent that my story could be helpful or meaningful to others. Honestly, I feel like I have the cosmic duty to use my unique life experience to encourage other folks to love their unique experience too.
What do you notice about representation for people living with disabilities in your industry?
I really haven’t seen too many people with disabilities in the positions I find myself in. There aren’t many others I can look to who have done this before. It makes me sad, but I can’t really think of other photographers who are traveling the world, shooting for all these big brands and artists. Knowing that there aren't so many people with my disability doing what I do, I think it lights a fire in me to be an example that it’s not impossible!
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C., the landmark 1999 Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right to services and support within their communities for people living with disabilities. Was this a meaningful decision in your life?
It is a meaningful decision to me! While I am fairly independent in my day-to-day life, there are definitely moments where I do need assistance with things. And in those moments I’m very grateful for the help! I haven’t had to utilize services in my own journey, but I’m so happy they’re available! I think it’s important for folks to know that with the right resources, many people with disabilities can and do live full lives in their communities!
What does Disability Pride Month mean to you?
To me, Disability Pride Month is a reminder – a reminder that I have parts of myself that are worthy of being proud of. Sometimes we get so busy just living life we forget, but I think it’s important to take time to reflect on our unique lived experiences and to rejoice in them. The more I think back on my own journey, the more it makes me want to work towards being a bright and shining example that no matter what the circumstances of your life are, and you can still do amazing things.
Jordan recently talked to ACLU-WA about being an artist, living with a disability and the special meaning of Disability Pride Month for him this year.
You have such a diverse portfolio of work and interests – how would you describe what you do?
That’s funny, I don’t think I have a concise way of describing what I do. I’d probably say I’m a human and an artist, first. And then I’d say most people probably know me most for photography. I shoot a lot of portraits, food, and events. I’m a member of the Seattle and the global creative community.
How has being an artist shaped your life?
I’ve been able to connect with people and make friends all over the world. That’s something I’m really grateful for. Earlier this year, I was on tour with my longtime friend and collaborator, Jeff Bernat, a Filipino R&B singer who has become increasingly popular over the years. We visited nine countries throughout Asia in one month! It was quite the whirlwind adventure!
I think one of my favorite things in life is meeting kindred spirits or creative counterparts in other places. I grew up in Seattle and I’m very much a part of this community, but you go out there in the world and find other people with similar artistic interests and it’s like you find another you, but in a different font! There’s that instant connection when you meet someone driven by the same innate desire to make stuff and be creative. You always feel it when someone is just themselves. I love that art has allowed me to make so many of those connections.
Are you reflecting on Disability Pride Month differently this year?
I really want to learn to own that part of my identity more. It’s definitely a big part of who I am and it informs my perspective on life. But I think growing up it wasn’t necessarily the thing that I led with. I thought I’m just Jordan, the human. I love to draw. I love to skateboard, and I love music. And, you know, yeah, I happen to be missing half my arms, which is of course a very noticeable thing. I just didn’t necessarily need to talk about myself as a person living with a disability. But the truth is, I’m very proud to have been born with a disability. And it’s something I want to share!
Why do you think your approach has changed?
More recently I feel like it’s important to put it out there that this is part of who I am and I’m really proud of it. I think it comes from realizing as I get older that I have a unique life experience and a unique worldview. I’ve started to really see the value in that, especially as I’ve had opportunities to share my story. It’s become more apparent that my story could be helpful or meaningful to others. Honestly, I feel like I have the cosmic duty to use my unique life experience to encourage other folks to love their unique experience too.
What do you notice about representation for people living with disabilities in your industry?
I really haven’t seen too many people with disabilities in the positions I find myself in. There aren’t many others I can look to who have done this before. It makes me sad, but I can’t really think of other photographers who are traveling the world, shooting for all these big brands and artists. Knowing that there aren't so many people with my disability doing what I do, I think it lights a fire in me to be an example that it’s not impossible!
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C., the landmark 1999 Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right to services and support within their communities for people living with disabilities. Was this a meaningful decision in your life?
It is a meaningful decision to me! While I am fairly independent in my day-to-day life, there are definitely moments where I do need assistance with things. And in those moments I’m very grateful for the help! I haven’t had to utilize services in my own journey, but I’m so happy they’re available! I think it’s important for folks to know that with the right resources, many people with disabilities can and do live full lives in their communities!
What does Disability Pride Month mean to you?
To me, Disability Pride Month is a reminder – a reminder that I have parts of myself that are worthy of being proud of. Sometimes we get so busy just living life we forget, but I think it’s important to take time to reflect on our unique lived experiences and to rejoice in them. The more I think back on my own journey, the more it makes me want to work towards being a bright and shining example that no matter what the circumstances of your life are, and you can still do amazing things.
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