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Jonathan Nordstrom: An Artistic Journey

Jonathan Nordstrom was born and raised in Michigan. Always a dreamer, he flitted and drifted through his early life. Not knowing what he wanted to do when adulthood beckoned, he joined the Air Force, where he became a firefighter.

Even after becoming a part of such a literal, dramatic career, he could always be found with his head in the clouds. He met the love of his life, married her, became a federal firefighter, and bounced around the country. They eventually settled in Maryland after the arrival of their beautiful daughters.

Rediscovering His Passion

Jon always drew, read, thought, and dreamed but hid his work, not believing there was great interest in it. Then, a single tragedy struck: the loss of his young nephew, Nathan, which changed him forever and unveiled the talent he had kept hidden for so long.

His daughter had a difficult time sleeping, and all Jon wanted was to comfort her. After months of heartache, he discovered that the worst things in life can profoundly affect our journeys. He realized that even in darkness, there could be joy—a revelation that led him to write the book Sometimes Sleep.

Celebrating Life Through Art

In his quest to help his daughter sleep and memorialize Nathan, Jon dove into illustrating, rediscovering his love for art, and creating a fresh universe on paper. Sometimes Sleep has turned into a multi-award-winning and nationally recognized work, garnering accolades such as the Mom’s Choice Award, Gold Honoree, and the Gelette Burgess Children’s Books Award. It was also recognized as a 2015 Indie Top 100 Books to Read by Shelf Unbound Magazine.

His illustrations for Sometimes Sleep acted as a catalyst for creativity, causing a flood of ideas, drawings, and paintings to emerge. Jon has since written and illustrated four books for children. While crafting these stories, he explored painting simultaneously, delving into his deeper emotions and expressing his love for life through a tangled web of experiences.

A Unique Artistic Style

Jon’s paintings often illustrate his view of the universe, many of which can be classified as surreal pointillism. His work has been showcased in numerous galleries and shows, locally and internationally. Apart from learning from sublimely talented family members, he has been self-taught in all forms of illustration and painting techniques.

This artistic journey is dedicated to the memory of their beloved nephew, Nathan, who was taken from them far too soon, and whose bright smile and infectious laugh still echo in their hearts.

The process

Jon’s work is crafted with care, often taking longer than he intends. Each piece is unique and carries a deeper meaning related to his life and the world around him. He begins with an idea and allows the work to dictate its completion and direction. Inspiration arises from many sources, and he never quite knows where it will come from.