Jolene Sunding

About Jolene Sunding

Jolene Sunding is an American artist and graphic designer based in the picturesque town of Port Townsend, Washington. Her work deftly navigates the realms of contemporary art, fusing abstract and realistic elements to evoke a wide range of human emotions. From joy to grief, Sunding's paintings offer a contemplative exploration of the human experience, inviting viewers to reflect on the emotional spectrum that shapes our lives. Her artistic journey began with a degree in commercial art from Black Hills State University, a foundation that has informed her unique approach to visual storytelling.

Sunding's creative evolution has been profoundly influenced by her diverse professional background, which spans roles as a florist, hairdresser, and graphic designer. This eclectic experience has honed her eye for color, design, and the creation of visual beauty, elements that are vividly present in her current artistic endeavors. Her preferred medium is acrylic paint on wood panels, a choice that allows her to explore the interplay of texture and expressive brushwork. The smooth surface of the wood provides a stable foundation for her painterly style, which is characterized by dynamic and emotive mark-making.

In recent years, Jolene has focused on a compelling series centered around vessels, inspired by the tumultuous events of 2020. This concept emerged from her reflections on human resilience and adaptability, likening people to vessels that hold, pour, and contain diverse experiences, much like the varied forms of vases. Her vessel series has garnered attention, leading to solo exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery in Kirkland, Washington, and representation at the Northwest by Northwest Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

As Jolene Sunding looks to the future, she remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of her art. Her aspirations include partnering with organizations that support worthy causes, from children's hospitals to wildlife conservation, with a portion of her art sales contributing to these missions. Additionally, she envisions collaborating with interior designers to see her vessel paintings featured in hotels, enriching public spaces with her vibrant visual narratives. With her optimism, determination, and professional ethos, Sunding is poised to make a significant mark in the art world, inspiring others through her thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work.