Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed "surrealistic expressionism".

Junge's childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and "in-house" artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. In 2024, she debuted at Art Miami Week, and in 2025 she will exhibit at CONTEXT Art Miami. She was also recently named the Choose Chicago Artist of the Year for 2025–2026 — a prestigious honor recognizing her growing influence and exceptional body of work. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today's art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, "Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced." Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed "surrealistic expressionism".

Junge's childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and "in-house" artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. In 2024, she debuted at Art Miami Week, and in 2025 she will exhibit at CONTEXT Art Miami. She was also recently named the Choose Chicago Artist of the Year for 2025–2026 — a prestigious honor recognizing her growing influence and exceptional body of work. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today's art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, "Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced." Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed "surrealistic expressionism".

Junge's childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and "in-house" artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. In 2024, she debuted at Art Miami Week, and in 2025 she will exhibit at CONTEXT Art Miami. She was also recently named the Choose Chicago Artist of the Year for 2025–2026 — a prestigious honor recognizing her growing influence and exceptional body of work. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today's art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, "Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced." Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed "surrealistic expressionism".

Junge's childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and "in-house" artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. In 2024, she debuted at Art Miami Week, and in 2025 she will exhibit at CONTEXT Art Miami. She was also recently named the Choose Chicago Artist of the Year for 2025–2026 — a prestigious honor recognizing her growing influence and exceptional body of work. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today's art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, "Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced." Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed "surrealistic expressionism".

Junge's childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and "in-house" artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. In 2024, she debuted at Art Miami Week, and in 2025 she will exhibit at CONTEXT Art Miami. She was also recently named the Choose Chicago Artist of the Year for 2025–2026 — a prestigious honor recognizing her growing influence and exceptional body of work. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today's art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, "Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced." Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed "surrealistic expressionism".

Junge's childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and "in-house" artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. In 2024, she debuted at Art Miami Week, and in 2025 she will exhibit at CONTEXT Art Miami. She was also recently named the Choose Chicago Artist of the Year for 2025–2026 — a prestigious honor recognizing her growing influence and exceptional body of work. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today's art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, "Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced." Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed "surrealistic expressionism".

Junge's childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and "in-house" artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. In 2024, she debuted at Art Miami Week, and in 2025 she will exhibit at CONTEXT Art Miami. She was also recently named the Choose Chicago Artist of the Year for 2025–2026 — a prestigious honor recognizing her growing influence and exceptional body of work. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today's art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, "Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced." Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed "surrealistic expressionism".

Junge's childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and "in-house" artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. In 2024, she debuted at Art Miami Week, and in 2025 she will exhibit at CONTEXT Art Miami. She was also recently named the Choose Chicago Artist of the Year for 2025–2026 — a prestigious honor recognizing her growing influence and exceptional body of work. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today's art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, "Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced." Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed "surrealistic expressionism".

Junge's childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and "in-house" artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. In 2024, she debuted at Art Miami Week, and in 2025 she will exhibit at CONTEXT Art Miami. She was also recently named the Choose Chicago Artist of the Year for 2025–2026 — a prestigious honor recognizing her growing influence and exceptional body of work. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today's art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, "Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced." Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

Laura Lee Junge is a rising star in the American art world, captivating audiences with her unique and intoxicating style. Drawing inspiration from her life experiences, Junge believes that the most honest painting comes from a deep personal understanding. This philosophy shines through in her canvas, sculpted and mixed media works, which blend a variety of styles into what critics have dubbed "surrealistic expressionism".

Junge's childhood years spent in both Minnesota and Oklahoma instilled in her a fascination with movement, a theme that can be seen throughout her artwork. From a floral still life to musical expression and jaded bar scenes, her works exude a fluidity and energy that defy the boundaries of the canvas. More recently, Junge’s artistic practice is driven by a love of experimentation and a desire to explore new materials and techniques. Using a wide range of resources including clay, paint, metal and found objects, her mixed media conceptions are full of depth, texture, and visual interest.

Junge has exhibited her work across the United States and has won numerous awards for her interpretive creations. She is also the owner and "in-house" artist at the Jackson Junge Gallery in Chicago, where she showcases her own works alongside those of other talented artists. In 2024, she debuted at Art Miami Week, and in 2025 she will exhibit at CONTEXT Art Miami. She was also recently named the Choose Chicago Artist of the Year for 2025–2026 — a prestigious honor recognizing her growing influence and exceptional body of work. Despite her busy schedule, Junge continues to participate in competitive juried art fairs across the country, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. For her, the intimacy of these fairs allows for a deeper exchange between artist and collector that is often missing in today's art scene.

In her own words, Junge says, "Art is not just something to be viewed, it is something to be experienced." Her works are a testament to this philosophy, drawing viewers in with their captivating movement and transporting them to a world of pure imagination and emotion. As she continues to gain recognition and acclaim for her unique style, there is no doubt that Laura Lee Junge will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the art world for years to come.

Jonah Ballard is a self-taught acrylic painter recognized for his signature pink palette and dreamlike compositions. His work explores transformation, inner awakening, and the quiet power of imagination, inviting viewers into spaces meant to be felt as much as seen.

Born and raised in Arizona, Ballard began painting at fifteen while working with his parents’ hand-painted home décor business, The Painted Ladies. What started as lettering signs gradually evolved into a deeper creative practice. Today, he continues to create under the same name, honoring the legacy of the family business that first placed a paintbrush in his hand.

Shaped by the desert landscape, vivid dreams, and a belief that imagination shapes reality, Ballard has developed a distinct and recognizable style. After leaving Arizona to travel full-time with his family, he now shares his work with new audiences at art shows across the country.

At the core of his practice, Ballard sees himself as a vessel—a channel for the quiet but powerful I AM that speaks through creation. Rarely offering explanations for his paintings, he leaves room for viewers to discover meaning on their own, turning each encounter with his work into a personal journey.

Jonah Ballard is a self-taught acrylic painter recognized for his signature pink palette and dreamlike compositions. His work explores transformation, inner awakening, and the quiet power of imagination, inviting viewers into spaces meant to be felt as much as seen.

Born and raised in Arizona, Ballard began painting at fifteen while working with his parents’ hand-painted home décor business, The Painted Ladies. What started as lettering signs gradually evolved into a deeper creative practice. Today, he continues to create under the same name, honoring the legacy of the family business that first placed a paintbrush in his hand.

Shaped by the desert landscape, vivid dreams, and a belief that imagination shapes reality, Ballard has developed a distinct and recognizable style. After leaving Arizona to travel full-time with his family, he now shares his work with new audiences at art shows across the country.

At the core of his practice, Ballard sees himself as a vessel—a channel for the quiet but powerful I AM that speaks through creation. Rarely offering explanations for his paintings, he leaves room for viewers to discover meaning on their own, turning each encounter with his work into a personal journey.

Tai Taeoalii, a U.S.-born Samoan/Dutch artist, grew up in 1980s suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Navigating cultural identity challenges as a bi-racial individual, Tai found solace and expression in the arts during his turbulent teen years. His autodidactic journey led him to explore graffiti, tattoo art, music, and film, earning accolades in filmmaking. Yet, drawing with a ballpoint pen became his enduring passion, shaping his artistic career.

Over two decades, Tai has garnered nearly 1 million followers on social media and sold countless original artworks globally. With his wife and children, he traveled extensively, showcasing the versatility of ballpoint pen art at galleries and fairs in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Tai's thriving career, halting his travels and shows. Undeterred, he devoted himself to restoring an 1851 pre-Civil War home in Hannibal, Missouri. Completed in 2022, the home now serves as Art By Tai’s Ol’ Blue Gallery and Guesthouse, featuring a studio, workshop, gallery, and rentable Airbnb loft.

In 2021, Tai launched The DOD45 Show on YouTube, combining interviews with renowned guests like Sage Francis and Craola with live custom drawings. He has also published a children’s book with his wife and several art books, including Book of Arms, INK’Taiber, and Under An Hour: Vol. 1.

Tai Taeoalii, a U.S.-born Samoan/Dutch artist, grew up in 1980s suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Navigating cultural identity challenges as a bi-racial individual, Tai found solace and expression in the arts during his turbulent teen years. His autodidactic journey led him to explore graffiti, tattoo art, music, and film, earning accolades in filmmaking. Yet, drawing with a ballpoint pen became his enduring passion, shaping his artistic career.

Over two decades, Tai has garnered nearly 1 million followers on social media and sold countless original artworks globally. With his wife and children, he traveled extensively, showcasing the versatility of ballpoint pen art at galleries and fairs in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Tai's thriving career, halting his travels and shows. Undeterred, he devoted himself to restoring an 1851 pre-Civil War home in Hannibal, Missouri. Completed in 2022, the home now serves as Art By Tai’s Ol’ Blue Gallery and Guesthouse, featuring a studio, workshop, gallery, and rentable Airbnb loft.

In 2021, Tai launched The DOD45 Show on YouTube, combining interviews with renowned guests like Sage Francis and Craola with live custom drawings. He has also published a children’s book with his wife and several art books, including Book of Arms, INK’Taiber, and Under An Hour: Vol. 1.

Tai Taeoalii, a U.S.-born Samoan/Dutch artist, grew up in 1980s suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Navigating cultural identity challenges as a bi-racial individual, Tai found solace and expression in the arts during his turbulent teen years. His autodidactic journey led him to explore graffiti, tattoo art, music, and film, earning accolades in filmmaking. Yet, drawing with a ballpoint pen became his enduring passion, shaping his artistic career.

Over two decades, Tai has garnered nearly 1 million followers on social media and sold countless original artworks globally. With his wife and children, he traveled extensively, showcasing the versatility of ballpoint pen art at galleries and fairs in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Tai's thriving career, halting his travels and shows. Undeterred, he devoted himself to restoring an 1851 pre-Civil War home in Hannibal, Missouri. Completed in 2022, the home now serves as Art By Tai’s Ol’ Blue Gallery and Guesthouse, featuring a studio, workshop, gallery, and rentable Airbnb loft.

In 2021, Tai launched The DOD45 Show on YouTube, combining interviews with renowned guests like Sage Francis and Craola with live custom drawings. He has also published a children’s book with his wife and several art books, including Book of Arms, INK’Taiber, and Under An Hour: Vol. 1.

Tai Taeoalii, a U.S.-born Samoan/Dutch artist, grew up in 1980s suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Navigating cultural identity challenges as a bi-racial individual, Tai found solace and expression in the arts during his turbulent teen years. His autodidactic journey led him to explore graffiti, tattoo art, music, and film, earning accolades in filmmaking. Yet, drawing with a ballpoint pen became his enduring passion, shaping his artistic career.

Over two decades, Tai has garnered nearly 1 million followers on social media and sold countless original artworks globally. With his wife and children, he traveled extensively, showcasing the versatility of ballpoint pen art at galleries and fairs in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Tai's thriving career, halting his travels and shows. Undeterred, he devoted himself to restoring an 1851 pre-Civil War home in Hannibal, Missouri. Completed in 2022, the home now serves as Art By Tai’s Ol’ Blue Gallery and Guesthouse, featuring a studio, workshop, gallery, and rentable Airbnb loft.

In 2021, Tai launched The DOD45 Show on YouTube, combining interviews with renowned guests like Sage Francis and Craola with live custom drawings. He has also published a children’s book with his wife and several art books, including Book of Arms, INK’Taiber, and Under An Hour: Vol. 1.

Tai Taeoalii, a U.S.-born Samoan/Dutch artist, grew up in 1980s suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Navigating cultural identity challenges as a bi-racial individual, Tai found solace and expression in the arts during his turbulent teen years. His autodidactic journey led him to explore graffiti, tattoo art, music, and film, earning accolades in filmmaking. Yet, drawing with a ballpoint pen became his enduring passion, shaping his artistic career.

Over two decades, Tai has garnered nearly 1 million followers on social media and sold countless original artworks globally. With his wife and children, he traveled extensively, showcasing the versatility of ballpoint pen art at galleries and fairs in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Tai's thriving career, halting his travels and shows. Undeterred, he devoted himself to restoring an 1851 pre-Civil War home in Hannibal, Missouri. Completed in 2022, the home now serves as Art By Tai’s Ol’ Blue Gallery and Guesthouse, featuring a studio, workshop, gallery, and rentable Airbnb loft.

In 2021, Tai launched The DOD45 Show on YouTube, combining interviews with renowned guests like Sage Francis and Craola with live custom drawings. He has also published a children’s book with his wife and several art books, including Book of Arms, INK’Taiber, and Under An Hour: Vol. 1.

Tai Taeoalii, a U.S.-born Samoan/Dutch artist, grew up in 1980s suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Navigating cultural identity challenges as a bi-racial individual, Tai found solace and expression in the arts during his turbulent teen years. His autodidactic journey led him to explore graffiti, tattoo art, music, and film, earning accolades in filmmaking. Yet, drawing with a ballpoint pen became his enduring passion, shaping his artistic career.

Over two decades, Tai has garnered nearly 1 million followers on social media and sold countless original artworks globally. With his wife and children, he traveled extensively, showcasing the versatility of ballpoint pen art at galleries and fairs in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Tai's thriving career, halting his travels and shows. Undeterred, he devoted himself to restoring an 1851 pre-Civil War home in Hannibal, Missouri. Completed in 2022, the home now serves as Art By Tai’s Ol’ Blue Gallery and Guesthouse, featuring a studio, workshop, gallery, and rentable Airbnb loft.

In 2021, Tai launched The DOD45 Show on YouTube, combining interviews with renowned guests like Sage Francis and Craola with live custom drawings. He has also published a children’s book with his wife and several art books, including Book of Arms, INK’Taiber, and Under An Hour: Vol. 1.

Tai Taeoalii, a U.S.-born Samoan/Dutch artist, grew up in 1980s suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Navigating cultural identity challenges as a bi-racial individual, Tai found solace and expression in the arts during his turbulent teen years. His autodidactic journey led him to explore graffiti, tattoo art, music, and film, earning accolades in filmmaking. Yet, drawing with a ballpoint pen became his enduring passion, shaping his artistic career.

Over two decades, Tai has garnered nearly 1 million followers on social media and sold countless original artworks globally. With his wife and children, he traveled extensively, showcasing the versatility of ballpoint pen art at galleries and fairs in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Tai's thriving career, halting his travels and shows. Undeterred, he devoted himself to restoring an 1851 pre-Civil War home in Hannibal, Missouri. Completed in 2022, the home now serves as Art By Tai’s Ol’ Blue Gallery and Guesthouse, featuring a studio, workshop, gallery, and rentable Airbnb loft.

In 2021, Tai launched The DOD45 Show on YouTube, combining interviews with renowned guests like Sage Francis and Craola with live custom drawings. He has also published a children’s book with his wife and several art books, including Book of Arms, INK’Taiber, and Under An Hour: Vol. 1.

Tai Taeoalii, a U.S.-born Samoan/Dutch artist, grew up in 1980s suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Navigating cultural identity challenges as a bi-racial individual, Tai found solace and expression in the arts during his turbulent teen years. His autodidactic journey led him to explore graffiti, tattoo art, music, and film, earning accolades in filmmaking. Yet, drawing with a ballpoint pen became his enduring passion, shaping his artistic career.

Over two decades, Tai has garnered nearly 1 million followers on social media and sold countless original artworks globally. With his wife and children, he traveled extensively, showcasing the versatility of ballpoint pen art at galleries and fairs in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Tai's thriving career, halting his travels and shows. Undeterred, he devoted himself to restoring an 1851 pre-Civil War home in Hannibal, Missouri. Completed in 2022, the home now serves as Art By Tai’s Ol’ Blue Gallery and Guesthouse, featuring a studio, workshop, gallery, and rentable Airbnb loft.

In 2021, Tai launched The DOD45 Show on YouTube, combining interviews with renowned guests like Sage Francis and Craola with live custom drawings. He has also published a children’s book with his wife and several art books, including Book of Arms, INK’Taiber, and Under An Hour: Vol. 1.

Tai Taeoalii, a U.S.-born Samoan/Dutch artist, grew up in 1980s suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Navigating cultural identity challenges as a bi-racial individual, Tai found solace and expression in the arts during his turbulent teen years. His autodidactic journey led him to explore graffiti, tattoo art, music, and film, earning accolades in filmmaking. Yet, drawing with a ballpoint pen became his enduring passion, shaping his artistic career.

Over two decades, Tai has garnered nearly 1 million followers on social media and sold countless original artworks globally. With his wife and children, he traveled extensively, showcasing the versatility of ballpoint pen art at galleries and fairs in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Miami, and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Tai's thriving career, halting his travels and shows. Undeterred, he devoted himself to restoring an 1851 pre-Civil War home in Hannibal, Missouri. Completed in 2022, the home now serves as Art By Tai’s Ol’ Blue Gallery and Guesthouse, featuring a studio, workshop, gallery, and rentable Airbnb loft.

In 2021, Tai launched The DOD45 Show on YouTube, combining interviews with renowned guests like Sage Francis and Craola with live custom drawings. He has also published a children’s book with his wife and several art books, including Book of Arms, INK’Taiber, and Under An Hour: Vol. 1.

Sydney Swisher is a self-taught painter from southern Illinois that specializes in oil on fabric paintings. In an era defined by technological acceleration, her work explores the intersections of memory, materiality, and machine intelligence. By prompting generated images through the uploading of family film photos and descriptions of childhood memories, she creates familiar yet digitally fabricated scenes that are then painted into thrifted fabric. The pieces serve as a collage of old & new, with the reference locations being a blend of real and falsified spaces. Her work brings digital recollection into physical form and navigates contemporary paradoxes.

Her paintings honor the silent work that crafted the tapestry of the world we fall heir to. Scenes that are specific to no one but evoke collective nostalgia probe the evolving nature of human experience in the digital age. They allow us to step into a familiar time, to experience a sense of warmth and comfort that is often associated with home, and to question our future direction in a world filled with fabricated images of the past.

Sydney Swisher is a self-taught painter from southern Illinois that specializes in oil on fabric paintings. In an era defined by technological acceleration, her work explores the intersections of memory, materiality, and machine intelligence. By prompting generated images through the uploading of family film photos and descriptions of childhood memories, she creates familiar yet digitally fabricated scenes that are then painted into thrifted fabric. The pieces serve as a collage of old & new, with the reference locations being a blend of real and falsified spaces. Her work brings digital recollection into physical form and navigates contemporary paradoxes.

Her paintings honor the silent work that crafted the tapestry of the world we fall heir to. Scenes that are specific to no one but evoke collective nostalgia probe the evolving nature of human experience in the digital age. They allow us to step into a familiar time, to experience a sense of warmth and comfort that is often associated with home, and to question our future direction in a world filled with fabricated images of the past.

Sydney Swisher is a self-taught painter from southern Illinois that specializes in oil on fabric paintings. In an era defined by technological acceleration, her work explores the intersections of memory, materiality, and machine intelligence. By prompting generated images through the uploading of family film photos and descriptions of childhood memories, she creates familiar yet digitally fabricated scenes that are then painted into thrifted fabric. The pieces serve as a collage of old & new, with the reference locations being a blend of real and falsified spaces. Her work brings digital recollection into physical form and navigates contemporary paradoxes.

Her paintings honor the silent work that crafted the tapestry of the world we fall heir to. Scenes that are specific to no one but evoke collective nostalgia probe the evolving nature of human experience in the digital age. They allow us to step into a familiar time, to experience a sense of warmth and comfort that is often associated with home, and to question our future direction in a world filled with fabricated images of the past.

Sydney Swisher is a self-taught painter from southern Illinois that specializes in oil on fabric paintings. In an era defined by technological acceleration, her work explores the intersections of memory, materiality, and machine intelligence. By prompting generated images through the uploading of family film photos and descriptions of childhood memories, she creates familiar yet digitally fabricated scenes that are then painted into thrifted fabric. The pieces serve as a collage of old & new, with the reference locations being a blend of real and falsified spaces. Her work brings digital recollection into physical form and navigates contemporary paradoxes.

Her paintings honor the silent work that crafted the tapestry of the world we fall heir to. Scenes that are specific to no one but evoke collective nostalgia probe the evolving nature of human experience in the digital age. They allow us to step into a familiar time, to experience a sense of warmth and comfort that is often associated with home, and to question our future direction in a world filled with fabricated images of the past.

Sydney Swisher is a self-taught painter from southern Illinois that specializes in oil on fabric paintings. In an era defined by technological acceleration, her work explores the intersections of memory, materiality, and machine intelligence. By prompting generated images through the uploading of family film photos and descriptions of childhood memories, she creates familiar yet digitally fabricated scenes that are then painted into thrifted fabric. The pieces serve as a collage of old & new, with the reference locations being a blend of real and falsified spaces. Her work brings digital recollection into physical form and navigates contemporary paradoxes.

Her paintings honor the silent work that crafted the tapestry of the world we fall heir to. Scenes that are specific to no one but evoke collective nostalgia probe the evolving nature of human experience in the digital age. They allow us to step into a familiar time, to experience a sense of warmth and comfort that is often associated with home, and to question our future direction in a world filled with fabricated images of the past.

Sydney Swisher is a self-taught painter from southern Illinois that specializes in oil on fabric paintings. In an era defined by technological acceleration, her work explores the intersections of memory, materiality, and machine intelligence. By prompting generated images through the uploading of family film photos and descriptions of childhood memories, she creates familiar yet digitally fabricated scenes that are then painted into thrifted fabric. The pieces serve as a collage of old & new, with the reference locations being a blend of real and falsified spaces. Her work brings digital recollection into physical form and navigates contemporary paradoxes.

Her paintings honor the silent work that crafted the tapestry of the world we fall heir to. Scenes that are specific to no one but evoke collective nostalgia probe the evolving nature of human experience in the digital age. They allow us to step into a familiar time, to experience a sense of warmth and comfort that is often associated with home, and to question our future direction in a world filled with fabricated images of the past.