We had a good ol’ yap with Jordan Schembri—the Maker behind our next Artist Collab—and let’s just say… it was full-spectrum. From Greek heritage to hotmail usernames, creative process to congee cravings, we covered it all.
Too juicy to cram into one go, we’ve split it into two parts—because rushing things just isn’t “it” here at SAUCEswim. Take your time getting to know the brain (and heart) behind the next drop.
Jordan, hello! We are absolutely honoured to work in collaboration with you for our upcoming SAUCEswim collection– How are you feeling about it all?
Hello hello, I'm so giddy about this! Bikinis were honestly the first thing I ever wanted to design. I was a little mermaid-obsessed kid, fully convinced I’d run a swimwear label one day. So this feels like a bucket list moment.
We fell in love not only with how yummy your art makes us feel, but also with your ‘jack of all trades’ approach to design. You make mosaics, digital art, screenprinting… it goes on. Was this always a thing for you?
I’ve always been a multi-medium gal. Some people stick in their lane and become masters - however, my patience doesn’t last long so I hop between them all. Now, I see the throughline—each medium gives a different texture to my ideas, like different dialects of the same Wimsy language.
What’s the earliest memory of a creative moment you have?
I’ve got a cute core memory from a random dance & drama class at Ceres when I was kinder-aged. It was storming and pouring with rain. We just danced and danced til we dropped and then closed our eyes while the teacher flowed fabrics over the top of all of us. The rain smelt so good. A very whimsy-core moment. Expression through movement has always been a creative outlet, though I’m no trained dancer!
Did you study design?
I studied Communication Design at RMIT.
How do you feel about that part of your life?
It gave me the bones but the majority of my growth came afterward when living in the Netherlands, away from all home’s creature comforts.
I don’t think uni shaped my aesthetic, but it taught me how to see critique as a tool, and how to finish things, and it showed me what was possible out there.
I’m proud I didn’t let it shape me too much or stop me from finding my own style because I definitely felt there wasan aesthetic we were shepherded to follow.
How would you define your artistic practice?
My practice is intuitive, layered, and playful. It dances between the digital and physical - it’s open minded and it’s slow paced.
How would other people define your artistic practice?
I asked my partner and they texted ‘esoteric baddie-ism’. I’ll take it.
Behind the layers, there seems to be an intrinsic nod to greek culture in your work– are these personal ties and how have they intertwined with the aesthetic you’ve established?
Yes, my heritage naturally weaves its way into my work. It comes through in a lot of ways: mosaic techniques, the use of Greek letters or playful sayings and mythological motifs.
My mum always encouraged us to stay connected to our roots as it’s easy to lose after a migration—especially after my grandparents passed— referencing the culture visually became a way for me to do that. It made me feel closer to them, and to the broader cultural story I’m part of.
Where do you live/Where are you from?
I grew up in Northcote, in Melbourne/Naarm. A place where we don’t get our licenses til our L’s are about to expire because we just walked or rode everywhere in the city.
I’m only a suburb away as of right now (and i have my license!!)
Your studio, Wimsy555, is exactly that– whimsical. But what’s the significance of the ‘555’?
It stems from winning this random game in primary school with 3 x 5’s, so I started claiming it as my favourite number, then it became part of my MSN + Hotmail name, so it stuck…it’s a nod to numerology in a way though!
PS: 555 = change, transformation and forward movement.
Outside of Wimsy555, do you work in any other fields?
Yes, I work in horticultural therapy, as a support worker within the program. It’s such a special balance between the two jobs.
How does your ‘other’ job influence your work at Wimsy555?
I work in a space rooted in sensory play, connection, and care for nature. Working closely with people while we work alongside plants brings a lot of perspective. It keeps me grounded, both literally and creatively. It reminds me to move gently, to pay attention, to honour process.
What's your take on the sustainability movement?
It’s essential – sustainability isn’t just about materials—it’s also about the pace we create and consume at. Slow and thoughtful.
Anything else to add?
Currently obsessed with eating congee <3
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