Jonarra Swanson Explores Hope and Black Identity at Colman Commons
Artist Jonarra Swanson recently visited Pioneer Square for Conversations At Colman Commons, where she shared insights into her creative process, the cultural grounding of her work, and the lived experiences that shape her striking paintings. Centering the Black experience, her artwork is both a historical dialogue and an ode to self-belief, community, and hope.
Rooted in Identity and Storytelling
For Swanson, representing Black subjects is a natural and essential extension of her personal narrative. Her artistic practice is tied to processing history, culture, and personal identity.
"Black people are an essential subject matter for me because I'm Black, obviously,” she said. “The way that I have been able to heal and connect with my own identity and my history has everything to do with my culture—the good, the bad, the beautiful."
Swanson viewed her paintings as a way to honor the enduring spirit of the Black American journey.
"The Black American is really an ode to holding on to the humanity of yourself and the hope within yourself when everything outside of you looks like maybe it's not going to work,” she said. “Our culture is always believing that there's going to be an end to suffering.”
A Disciplined Channel for Divine Inspiration
Describing her creative rhythm, Swanson explained that her ideas often strike unexpectedly in sudden flashes, whether during late-night awakenings or while reading a book. To honor these moments, she treats her talent as a serious spiritual responsibility.
"I feel like my Creator, God... communicates to me in this way, and it's my job to tell our stories or just the stories of our ancestors. It's a beautiful assignment to have, and I carry it with a lot of meaning,” she said.
To keep her mind receptive to this calling, Swanson emphasized mental clarity and discipline, often committing to strict sobriety during her creative cycles.
"For me, it's always being ready... always being in the space to answer the calling... making sure that I'm here so that I can just be on top of it and give everything as much energy as I possibly have,” she said.
Featured Works: A Look Inside the Collection
During her feature, Swanson highlighted three major works on display, each tackling themes of resilience, motherhood, and self-reliance:
1. As Long As the Sun Rises So Will I
Inspired by Annie Lee’s famous painting Blue Monday, Swanson recreated the iconic image in her style to explore the quiet exhaustion and determination of navigating daily life.
"As a Black woman facing this country, this day is going to take the energy from me in one way or another. I already know something's going to try me today,” she said.
In Swanson's rendition, the subject contemplates a handwritten poem ripped from a notebook, marking the very first time Swanson publicly debuted her own poetry within a painting. Beside the figure lies a notebook bearing the phrase "long live human rights," reflecting Swanson's perspective on universal struggles against oppression.
2. If it is Dark I will Draw the Light
This piece captures an intimate moment from Swanson’s early career, depicting herself holding her son when he was six months old while working on a painting for her very first show.
"I turned that into more of a symbolic piece where the mother is painting the sun,” she said. “Every time I pour into my passion, even if it gets dark outside, I still feel like there's this beaming light inside of me that I can grab and hold on to at any moment."
3. Written in the Stars
Grounded in the phrase "as above, so below," this painting is an anthem for self-belief and perseverance. Swanson recalled her humble beginnings, including selling prints on the streets of Seattle for $25, to emphasize the power of creating your own path.
"I don't get to just wish on a star. I literally have to make my own stars and then wish on it,” she said. “In this painting, she's going to paint her own stars that she makes wishes on. It's just a whole ode to self-belief."
Final Days to View the Exhibit
For those looking to experience Jonarra Swanson's artwork in person, this Friday, September 25th, from 5 to 8 p.m. marks the public's last opportunity to view her work at Colman Commons at the Downtown Seattle Art Walk. Don't miss the chance to see these incredible pieces up close.
Learn more about Swanson’s art at www.jonarra.com
Looking to book a space for your upcoming event? Check out Colman Commons for all your event space needs at colmancommons.com
