Meet Yvonne Jongeling | Multi-Media Artist who specializes in conceptual paintings based on moments of time.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yvonne Jongeling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yvonne, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Blame it on nail polish. As a kid, I traded in bottles at Lou’s liquor store just to buy every shade at Zody’s, covering everything from Barbies to transistor radios in sparkly color. My Dutch parents were baffled but supportive, and my high school art teacher, Dixie, helped me see that art wasn’t just a passion—it was a path. Earning my Master’s in Art at Cal State Long Beach, I’ve since explored every medium imaginable, from sculpting waffles onto canvas to reworking pop culture in acrylics, constantly pushing creative boundaries.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My favorite part of creating art is the intricate process of harmonizing composition, color, texture, form, and material to distill a fleeting moment from my life into something tangible. Since my work is deeply rooted in personal experience, it remains wholly unique—I’ve yet to see another artist in the Los Angeles art world fuse sculpted waffles, lollipops, and reimagined Home Depot logos with themes of female identity, pop culture, and the delicate interplay of life and death.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that challenges in art—like in life—often resolve themselves through contemplation. I let ideas steep, knowing that the right solution will emerge organically, like an image sharpening into focus. Creativity is an ever-evolving dialogue, and I embrace the unpredictability that comes with it.

What do I want the world to know? I’m a proud first-born Dutch-American woman artist, and that is my brand. Lately, my Dutch heritage has been weaving itself into my work—memories of childhood, cultural motifs, and the aesthetic echoes of my roots. Whether through painted tulips, structured compositions, or a subtle nod to the nostalgia of Zoute Drop licorice, my art is a reflection of where I’ve been and where I’m going. And really, who else is out there sculpting memories and adhering them to canvas with the same fervor as I do?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were in town for a week, we’d do L.A. right—starting with a dreamy stroll through either Descanso Gardens or The Huntington, where the roses are bursting with color and the bonsai trees stand like tiny masterpieces of patience. From there, we’d dive into the contemporary art scene, hitting up Hauser & Wirth, Night Gallery, and any hidden gems showcasing bold, thought-provoking work. Art viewing always works up an appetite, so naturally, we’d refuel with high tea—because nothing says sophistication like tiny sandwiches and a perfectly brewed pot of Koa tea from Sugarbird Sweets and Teas, which smells and tastes like roses in a cup.

For a caffeine fix (and a killer aesthetic), we’d swing by my new favorite coffee shop, How’s It Going To End?—a converted Regal drive-thru cleaners in Old Montrose that serves up great coffee and delicious pastries. And here’s the fun surprise: there’s a huge boulder sitting right in the lobby. Totally unexpected, it adds an artful twist to the space. In the evening, we’d walk along the beach to catch a sunset—because who doesn’t love a sunset, especially when you’re channeling The Little Prince’s love for them? Afterward, we’d attend an art lecture or interactive event—because nothing beats diving deeper into art with others who appreciate it. And of course, no trip would be complete without spontaneous adventures, whether it’s discovering a killer taco truck or driving up the hills for a breathtaking city view. The best moments in L.A. are the ones you don’t plan.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, a shoutout to Dixie, my high school art teacher, who saw a creative spark in a kid obsessed with nail polish and turned it into a full-blown artistic fire. She pointed me toward Cal State Long Beach, where I earned my Master’s in Art and learned that creativity has no limits. My Dutch parents, though occasionally baffled by my artsy tendencies, always encouraged my independence—with a side of salty Zoute Drop licorice. My family has been my foundation, especially my husband, who supports my artistic adventures without questioning why my art studio is constantly filled with paint, lollipops, or plumbing hardware. And of course, a huge thank you to the incredible artist communities I’ve been part of, from SCWCA to the Arroyo Arts Collective, where I continue to be inspired, challenged, and supported. Art is never a solo journey, and I’m grateful for every hand that has helped shape mine!

Website: https://yvonnejongeling.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvonnejongeling/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-jongeling-0a3526317/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvonne.jongeling.50/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yvonnejongeling290

Image Credits
Yvonne Jongeling