Enter the creative world of artist Jennifer Holstrom, whose vibrant paintings focus on the empowerment of women. See more of her work on her website.
![Painting of a woman applying lipstick by Jennifer Holstrom](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Frosting-Original-acrylic-and-paper-on-canvas-24x30-1.jpg)
“Frosting” acrylic and paper on canvas, 24″ x 30″
I’ve been an artist my entire life. I chose to pursue graphic design as a way of making a living while staying in a creative field. Then I began painting seriously in 2008.
![Portrait of an Asian woman by Jennifer Holstrom](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Eastern-Sun-Original-Acrylic-gold-leaf-and-paper-on-canvas-24x36-1.jpg)
“Eastern Sun” acrylic, gold leaf and paper on canvas, 24″ x 36″
As a creative person, a traumatized human, and a woman in our society, I have a fire inside me to break out of feeling oppressed, hidden, and silenced. I have an innate desire to express myself and my feelings through my artwork. Expressing oneself in authenticity is a scary concept.
![Painting of a woman drinking a cocktail by Jennifer Holstrom](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Tipsy-Original-Acrylic-on-Canvas-24x36-1.jpg)
“Tipsy” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 36″
In my life and my creative work, I am committed to meeting my fear head-on, and to stretching beyond it, perhaps even eviscerating it. I explore powerful color, contrast and texture. I also explore subject matter that is compelling to me and my sense of rebellion.
![Painting of a colorful heart with flowers by Jennifer Holstrom](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Unstoppable-Original-Acrylic-and-paper-on-canvas-20x20-1.jpg)
“Unstoppable” acrylic and paper on canvas, 20″ x 20″
I’ve been playing with the portrayal of people, specifically women, as beautiful, enigmatic and elegant, while also being multi-faceted, gorgeously human messes.
![Portrait of a woman eating Cheetos by Jennifer Holstrom](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/21-Grams-Carbohydrate-acrylic-and-paper-on-canvas-24x36-1.jpg)
“21 Grams Carbohydrate” acrylic and paper on canvas, 24″ x 36″
In our society, women are held to a ridiculous standard of perfection. But we are still just humans, coiffed, with lipstick, jewelry, to-do lists, and plowing through a bag of chips.
![portrait of an earth mother by Jennifer Holstrom](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Mother-Original-acrylic-on-canvas-42x42-1.jpg)
“Mother” acrylic on canvas, 42″ x 42″
Conversely, women who are salt-of-the-earth types naturally contain within themselves the elegant and divine feminine—a powerful spirit, beauty, and awareness that comes through in their presence. I’m looking to capture that ferocity.
![Portrait of a woman by Jennifer Holstrom](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Come-Hither-Original-Acrylic-gold-leaf-paper-on-canvas-36x48-1.jpg)
“Come Hither” acrylic, gold leaf & paper on canvas 36″ x 48″
I am inspired by black and white reference images from 1920s-50s photography of women in burlesque, actresses, musicians, dancers, performers of all kinds, shapes, ethnicities, and backgrounds. I am also inspired by my own trauma healing journey. I’m always making efforts to connect to the true power within myself.
![vibrant abstract painting by Jennifer Holstrom](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FortyFive-acrylic-on-canvas-36x48-1.jpg)
“Forty Five” acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 48″
My desire is to connect with those who can look at a person, or themselves, and see all the different facets. I’m calling out the juxtapositions of truths and facades that are inherent in our existence.
![Portrait of a burlesque performer by Jennifer Holstrom](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Moment-In-The-Light-Original-Acrylic-paper-on-canvas-30x30-1.jpg)
“Moment In The Light” acrylic and paper on canvas, 30″ x 30″
I have shown my work in several exhibitions around the Seattle area since 2011, as well as New York City, Portland, Oregon, and Taos, New Mexico.
![Painting of a skull and flowers by Jennifer Holstrom](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bone-and-Petal-acrylic-32x46-1.jpg)
“Bone and Petal” acrylic, 32″ x 46″
As a professional graphic designer by day, painting offers me a release from the structure of purpose and monetary-driven design. Painting offers me a license to create the things I want to see in the world. It allows me to shine a light on the issues that I feel need more consideration and discussion.
Jennifer Holstrom invites you to follow her on Instagram.
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