Meet Yvonne Jongeling | Multi-Media Conceptual Artist

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

Hi Yvonne, why did you pursue a creative career?
Creativity has always been the way the world makes sense to me. Art allows the exploration of emotion, memory, conflict, hope, and human connection in ways words often cannot. Through painting and mixed media, personal experiences and social issues become visual stories that invite reflection and conversation. An artistic path feels less like a career choice and more like a lifelong calling, a way of seeing, questioning, and connecting with others through color, symbolism, and imagination.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is deeply personal and rooted in moments from my own life, memories, relationships, emotions, and observations of the world around me. As a first-born Dutch American and the daughter of immigrants from Holland, my cultural background has strongly influenced the way I see color, symbolism, storytelling, and connection. Dutch iconography, flowers, bold color palettes, and themes of unity and resilience often weave themselves into my work naturally. Because my paintings come directly from lived experiences and emotional truths, there is truly nothing else exactly like them in the art world. Each piece carries its own history, energy, and visual language.

What sets my work apart is that it balances deeper themes with brightness, humor, and playfulness. My art can explore uncertainty, politics, womanhood, friendship, or conflict while still feeling vibrant, colorful, and full of life. I want people to feel pulled in emotionally but also visually delighted. I love creating work that invites curiosity, conversation, and layered interpretation.

Professionally, my path has definitely not been easy or linear. Like many artists, I’ve had to balance creative passion with real-life responsibilities while continuing to believe in my voice and vision. There were periods of self-doubt, financial challenges, and moments where opportunities did not come easily. What helped me overcome those challenges was persistence, community, and continuing to create even during uncertain times. I earned my Master’s in Art from Cal State Long Beach, but just as important has been staying actively involved in artist communities, exhibitions, collaborations, and organizations that support the arts.

The Arroyo Arts Collective and the Southern California Women’s Caucus for Art have both played meaningful roles in helping me grow as an artist and remain connected to creative communities. Through those experiences, I’ve learned that art is not only about individual expression, but also about building relationships, supporting others, and contributing to something larger than yourself.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to trust authenticity. The more honest and personal the work becomes, the more universally people seem to connect to it. I’ve also learned that success is not only measured by sales or recognition, but by continuing to evolve creatively and staying true to your vision.

What I want the world to know about me and my work is that my art comes from a genuine place. It is emotional, symbolic, bright, fun, layered, and alive with meaning. I want viewers to feel connection, curiosity, hope, and sometimes even a little surprise. My paintings are pieces of my story, but they also leave space for others to see parts of themselves within them.

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 one of my best friends came to visit for a week, I’d want them to experience the creative and inspiring mix that makes Los Angeles feel so special to me. We would definitely visit the new LACMA expansion and spend time exploring the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles with its galleries, murals, and creative energy. I’d also take them to the beach for a long walk next to the ocean and to Pasadena for a walk around the Rose Bowl where you can see the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains surrounding the city.

Closer to home, I’d take them to Montrose because it still has a warm small-town feeling with wonderful little shops, cafés, and local charm. We’d grab coffee at How’s It Going To End, which has super yummy coffee, and spend time wandering through the boutiques and bookstores. On the weekend, we’d visit the Montrose Farmers Market for fresh flowers, handmade goods, music, and the great sense of community that makes the area feel so alive and welcoming.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge part of my artistic journey has been shaped by the support, encouragement, and community found within the Arroyo Arts Collective and the Southern California Women’s Caucus for Art (SCWCA). Both organizations have created spaces where artists are not only able to exhibit work, but also build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, collaborate, and grow creatively and professionally.

The Arroyo Arts Collective has been especially important in fostering community and connection among local artists. Through exhibitions, events, and volunteer efforts, I’ve met incredible creatives who generously support one another and help keep the arts vibrant and accessible in Los Angeles. Being involved with AAC has reminded me how powerful grassroots arts organizations can be in creating opportunity and sustaining creative energy.

SCWCA has also played a significant role in my story. As an organization dedicated to supporting women in the arts, it has provided inspiration, mentorship, and a strong sense of solidarity. I deeply value being surrounded by women artists who uplift each other, advocate for visibility and equity in the arts, and encourage fearless creative expression. The friendships and collaborations that have grown through SCWCA have been truly meaningful to me both personally and artistically.

I’m grateful to both organizations for the many artists, organizers, and volunteers who dedicate their time and passion to building creative communities where artists can thrive. Art may often begin in solitude, but these communities remind me that creativity flourishes through connection.

Website: https://www.yvonnejongeling.com/

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

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