MODERN CONTEMPORARY ARTIST

”Art, to me, isn't just expression; it's a timeless language woven with impact. I create not only for the beauty it evokes but because it's a vital force—which breaks down barriers and builds bridges. I create not only for the timeless representation and language art evokes, but because it promotes direction and brings us closer. When my art helps you heal, it heals me too. What I discover, through art I share with you. It's in this shared journey, where art ignites connection and promotes healing, that I truly find my purpose as an artist.”

JONARRA SWANSON

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Meet the Artist

Based in Seattle, Washington, contemporary artist Jonarra Swanson uses her creative practice to drive meaningful change, solve problems, and strengthen community bonds. Her introduction into the arts was like anyone, as a child she was creating colorful landscapes on coloring book pages and homemade greeting cards for loved ones. Now, she is a self taught artist whose work is a fusion of poetry, expressionism and figurativism.  With a passion for human connection, she delves into the intricate balance of self-expression and community connection, seeking to capture the profound essence of humanity.

Her compelling work champions the idea that our universal human experience is the bedrock for equality, inviting viewers to perceive the inherent flow of connection among all people.

Jonarra's commitment to fostering connection extends beyond her personal art. She regularly teaches art to youth and adults, contributes to city murals, exhibits in group shows, and creates high-quality commissioned pieces. Further demonstrating her dedication to community and empowerment, Jonarra founded MUVA, a unique consignment retail space in Seattle that supports creative mothers by giving them a vital platform to sell their work and expand their entrepreneurial venture

As her career grows, so does a community who honors connection, love and growth.

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Why Blue Figures?

Jonarra’s most current work titled “The Human Current” is a commentary on the psychological and societal affects of erasure within our communities. These works compellingly explore the emotional landscape of self-discovery and the rebuilding of connections, acknowledging centuries of cultural and linguistic destruction that have fractured community ties to ancestral lands. Drawing from her personal journey as a Black woman shaped by multigenerational erasure in the U.S., Jonarra investigates the intricate dance between individual identity and collective relationships, illuminating equitable pathways to healing for marginalized communities. Her deliberate choice to transcend direct racial depiction in this series powerfully conveys her conviction that our shared human experience is the bedrock for universal rights and opportunities. As she eloquently puts it, "When I paint these people in blue, I think it's so beautiful that the skin color is the least important and the soul of the people really shine through," guiding the viewer to perceive the inherent and fluid connections that bind all humanity.

She believes that art has the power to transcend language and connect people from all walks of life. 

Jonarra's profound belief in art's ability to transcend language and unite people fuels her multifaceted artistic endeavors. Today, she continues to create art that deeply resonates with the soul, inviting viewers into a world of resilience and introspection.