Jolinda Linden
How did your journey as an artist begin, and what sparked that first creative pull for you?
I was five years old the first time my mom enrolled me in an art class, it was pottery class to be exact, and I still have the framed ceramic pear tile hanging in my office that I made that first class sometime early in the 1970s. My creative spark in ceramics seemed almost predestined; However, this Realization came retrospectively decades later, only after pursuing a degree in science and holding many careers outside of the arts. Somewhere in my mind I thought to be an artist is to be ordained artist, some sort of title that is given not taken. My mother gifted me my first kiln as a graduation gift in 1991 and that was certainly a turning point, although it wasn’t until 2007 that I fully transitioned my career path into fine arts. Thanks to my early collectors and a nearly constant stream of new inspiration, my career as an artist is soon to celebrate its 20th year!
What materials or techniques are shaping your work right now, and why do they resonate with you?
My process starts with a block of raw porcelain which I roll out and cut into smaller pieces or shape individually by hand. Once the glazing and firing process is complete, I begin the steps of organizing the individual pieces on the panel or panels. Assembling the composition is meticulous, as the individual pieces may be moved once or dozens of times before finally being fixed to the panel. I can make hundreds to thousands of the same porcelain pieces, but no two of my porcelain units are truly the same, so it matters a lot where it is placed in a compositions. You can tell by looking at my work that repetition is a hallmark of my work, where the final composition becomes a mantra in form.
Porcelain is my chosen medium and it has always has been my muse. My methods have evolved over time, and I like to test my methodologies with chemical reactions, temperature changes in the kiln, seeing how the clay and chemicals respond. I am constantly being surprised and inspired by the outcomes of tests in my studio that I can only describe as a kind of laboratory of experiments.
What’s on the horizon for you in 2026?
I’m so happy that you asked this question! I am currently in a period of investigation in preparation for my next series. I am studying the human form using watercolor. (I have provided photos of these studies for this article). I have chosen to study the forms in watercolor first as it can be done quicker and on smaller scale that my work in porcelain. From this watercolor study of nudes, I will begin my next porcelain on panel series. The vision for these pieces is that the viewers’ initial perception of the work is of an abstract, there will be a lot of lines and shadows and then if the viewer stays long enough with the pieces that the abstracted nudity or perhaps vague copulatory imagery will emerge. This will be my most focused and encompassing series to date and I anticipate it taking a two or more years to complete the larger scale works.
Where can readers learn more?
Visit jolindalindenart.com
Melanie Biehle
How did your journey as an artist begin, and what sparked that first creative pull for you?
My creative path began with writing. I journaled to understand myself, then later became a professional writer and photographer. Assignments for Seattle Refined and Luxe Magazine brought me into artists’ studios, which I loved. Participating in an abstract composition workshop at Gage Academy was the moment I understood that I was meant to make art, not just document it.
What materials or techniques are shaping your work right now, and why do they resonate with you?
I’m working with texture mediums and thin washes of acrylic paint to create paintings that feel both dimensional and soft. My trip to Greece is shaping my palette and approach. Cycladic architecture, ancient tiles, and the neutral tones of beach pebbles stayed with me. Layered paste and gentle color washes create imperfect, lived-in surfaces that feel alive and connected to place.
What’s on the horizon for you in 2026?
2026 feels like a grounded expansion. I’m exploring new ways to blend my atmospheric and architectural compositions, sparked by photography I saw in an art gallery in Santorini. I’m preparing a collection based on a guiding theme I’m calling Inner Compass. I’ll also be creating more travel-inspired work, developing licensing partnerships, and collaborating with The Living Room.
Where can readers learn more?
You can explore my available work, upcoming releases, and commissions at melaniebiehle.com. I also share new paintings and studio glimpses on Instagram at @melanie.biehle.art. A curated selection of my work is represented through Seattle Art Source, connecting my paintings with private and commercial interiors.
Ariane Callender
How did your journey as an artist begin, and what sparked that first creative pull for you?
My journey as an artist began long before I ever thought to share my work publicly. Growing up in New Orleans, I was surrounded by color, rhythm, and energy—it was my first palette, and it continues to shape how I see the world. In 2020, I leaned into painting more intentionally, using it as a way to process uncertainty and find calm. Each canvas became a place to release chaos through brushstrokes and marks, and in that process I discovered resilience and hope. When I started sharing my work, the responses were remarkable—people spoke of feeling joy, calmness, even a sense of grounding. Realizing that my art could transform not only my own state of mind but also resonate so deeply with others was the moment I knew this wasn’t just a pastime, and that I had to commit to it fully.
What materials or techniques are shaping your work right now, and why do they resonate with you?
I work with acrylics and oil pastels on canvas and paper, and for close to two years now, I’ve been experimenting with creating very airy backgrounds that have a sense of depth alongside layered brushstrokes that stay around or below a horizon line as a foreground; it’s like an abstract landscape kind of. Over the years, my brushstrokes have become more wavy and organic and sometimes take on shapes of what could appear to be flowers. I love the balance between the two extremes, between the spaces; the negative space at the top and the heavily layered space at the bottom. I think I’m at a stage in life where I’m experiencing the extreme ends of a variety of spectrums and teaching myself how these things can coexist in a balance and be beautiful.
What’s on the horizon for you in 2026?
Over the years I’ve been planting many seeds, and 2026 feels like the season when even more will bloom. I’m excited to deepen relationships and continue sharing my story and work with the Seattle and Bellevue communities. This year feels like one of expansion—of scale, reach, and meaningful engagements—and I’m ready to welcome it all.
Where can readers learn more?
Visit arianearts.com, follow on Instagram @artby_ariane, or arianecallender.substack.com
Rachel Yo
How did your journey as an artist begin, and what sparked that first creative pull for you?
With a set of finger paints at the age of 3, I was in awe by the cause and effect of color on the paper squishing from my hands and leaving an imprint of colors and texture melding together in an instant way that was created by my actions. Color made me feel something beyond my understanding.It was and always is a visceral feeling that painting gives me. The colors that inspire me are the ones I discovered while painting with undiscovered names. My father asked me what my favorite color was when I was 3 and my response was dark bright. My art has fed me with food on the table and food for my soul. Both are a necessity. My journey as an artist involves building community with other artists and extending opportunities for other artists. My success is co-dependent on my philanthropic mindset, always seeking opportunities for myself sharing with other creators opportunities to support their careers whenever possible. Human centered, culturally we are valuable, necessary and relevant in the world that is increasingly digitized. I only create art with analog techniques, and that is my journey.
What materials or techniques are shaping your work right now, and why do they resonate with you?
I am working on a series of animals painted on handmade made papers, and recycled fabrics. It resonates with me because it is a curious juxtaposition between wild animals and civilization. The series will be called wild tame. I am looking forward to introducing a portion of my collection of photography this summer for the first time. I will be working on a collection of abstract paintings with unique color schemes and textures as well, all will be available for purchase late spring. I am looking towards potential collabs with other creators as well. Looking forward to building towards a growing community and human connection through art.
What’s on the horizon for you in 2026?
I will continue my featured artist residency at fog rose atelier in Kirkland that will be rotated on a monthly basis curated and inspired by their innovative and delicious theme menus. In high production mode preparing multiple collections for a very special opportunity in June for the Bainbridge Island art walk as a featured artist. The installation will be hosted on site at the Realogics Sothebys real estate gallery June/July. Excited to combine my curating skills within the real estate industry on upcoming projects for local artists installations for sale in bespoke curated homes on the market. Invited to show my work @art love salon in Seattle in the near future. Exciting Collab of my 3 careers, as an Artist , Real Estate Broker, and designer. Excited to start offering mobile paint and sips in public/private settings. Also booking live paintings for special events. Opening a small number of commissions for 2026.
Where can readers learn more?
Visit Rachelyo.com and follow on Instagram @rachelyo_fineart
Rebecca Han
How did your journey as an artist begin, and what sparked that first creative pull for you?
Art has always been an important part of my life. In 2018, during a particularly demanding, stressful season, I made a commitment to paint for 20 minutes a day. That intentional act reignited my passion for art and sparked momentum, leading to opportunities to show and sell my work in Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, Bellevue, Kirkland and beyond.
What materials or techniques are shaping your work right now, and why do they resonate with you?
I primarily work with oil paint on stretched cotton canvas, using walnut oil and traditional techniques like direct painting method and wet-on-wet. I’m drawn to oil paint for its luminosity, depth, and the patience it demands. The slow drying time becomes part of the process, allowing the work to unfold that creates vitality and endurance with each piece.
What’s on the horizon for you in 2026?
In 2026, I’m continuing to build a series of local mountain landscapes. I’m finishing a piece of Mount Si and beginning new works featuring Mount Baker, Stevens, and Whistler.
As a Pacific Northwest native, I’m continually inspired by our landscapes. I love capturing the beauty around us and sharing it with others to encourage joy and connection.
Where can readers learn more?
I exhibit and sell my work locally and provide regular updates through the platforms listed below. My artwork is also available to view by appointment, and I accept commission requests. Visit rebeccareicherthan.com, follow along on Instagram @rebeccareichertha, connect rebecca.reichert.han@gmail.com