Jordan Sundberg is an inspiring, bright talent amongst the growing artists in Minnesota, where she calls the Lake Superior views of Duluth, MN, home. Jordan Sundberg’s journey as an artist has many layers, much like the gorgeous artwork that she springs to life and shares with those not only in the Duluth area but also across the country. Her artwork consists of hours of compiled passion with layers of a variety of artistic mediums, all collaging and colliding to create the whimsical beauties that you’ll see sprinkled throughout this article. You can also take a look at her gallery for yourself on her website, Tin Cup Designs.
Photo taken by Anna McParlan.
When Jordan isn’t spending time with her loved ones and making memories, she can be found diving headfirst into her whimsical and fantastical projects. Her impressive clientele continues to expand and has included, notably, the Superior Hiking Trail, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, MN Monthly, and many more! Not including the commissions that she takes on (which must be booked far in advance, she’s a busy bee!); you can see her gorgeous gallery of work on her website, Tin Cup Design, as I mentioned above.
On her website, you can also take a look at the beautiful pieces she has for sale; from mugs, prints, stationery, and even clearance items, you’ll be in artist paradise! There’s nothing like supporting a local creator and their vision, and these prints can make fabulous gifts and inspiring pieces for your home. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to have pieces of truly unique and magnificent works of art in my home that remind me of being near Lake Superior and that fills me with inspiration. All of that, plus you’re supporting a local creator? Sign me up!
I’ve had the wonderful experience of chatting with her about her life as an artist and her fantastical collaboration with another visionary of artists in Minnesota, Natalie Salminen Rude, and their book “Fables of the North Shore.” It is a truly remarkable, quirky, and lovely adventure, all bound in a one-of-a-kind paperback that’s so unique you’ll want to put it on display. I’m speaking from experience!
The first time I saw Jordan Sundberg and Natalie Salminen Rude‘s book was while my husband and I were dawdling around the Dovetail Cafe. Something about the unique cover drew me in, and I snapped a picture so I could look into the book later. And, let me tell ya, On Lake Superior folks, I’m so happy that I did.
Not only did I get the chance to read a fabulously whimsical book full of morals, characters, vivid inspiration, and fables (but of course!), but I also got the wonderful opportunity to talk to both of these truly lovely artists, Jordan Sundberg, and Natalie Salminen Rude and their positive artistic attitudes are contagious!
Purchase your copy of “Fables of the North Shore” from Etsy and support these marvelous artists, and also be sure to check out my book review of “Fables of the North Shore” to get an even closer inside scoop of what it took to bring this book to life and the artist’s journey with that.
Q & A With Jordan Sundberg
Jordan Sundberg is a lovely artist with a merry passion for art, storytelling, and nature– especially if they all come together to form a beautiful piece! She and her family call Duluth, MN, on Lake Superior home, as well as the creative stomping grounds for her timeless work, and collaborations.
I hope you enjoy reading these Q&As with Jordan Sundberg as much as I enjoyed corresponding with her and becoming inspired myself. Buckle those artist seatbelts; it’s going to be an inspiring ride!
Living next to beautiful scenery like Lake Superior must be delightful; do you find inspiration from the lake and other natural beauties around you?
I’m pretty sure every day is inspired by the lake and other nature around us. Duluth is so lucky to be surrounded by and saturated with creeks, cliffs, trails, skiing, and high hills. I learned as a child that nature is such a hospitable place. There’s a kindness and welcome in nature, not to mention the overwhelming beauty and power. If I take the time to not only exercise in it or take in a quick view of the lake, but actually become quiet and present in nature, so many ideas come. Slowing down is essential.
Can you recall one of the first times you felt a connection with your artwork and pulled into a calling for it?
I have always loved making things–food, gifts, bouquets, forts, radio shows. If I look back on my childhood, some of my most alive, in-sync moments are making things with my two hands for others to enjoy. I am still surprised people pay me for things I make because it feels so natural to me and not like work! There was a point in middle school, though, where I remember doing projects in art class and just being flooded with excitement and energy to do far more than expected. My teacher noticed, too, and would give me art supplies on the side and encourage me extravagantly. There was a recognition that I had some gifting in me for art and knew I could make art happily forever.
What was it like to collaborate on the book “Fables of the North Shore” with Natalie Salminen Rude? Could you tell us about the book itself?
A gift! Best described as two friends playing! We got to experience the joy of openhearted collaboration where creativity builds upon itself in magical ways. We both had the perspective that anything could be possible and went along following the happy trail of ideas that came from that!
Are there any exciting ventures for you and your art in the future that you’d like to share?
I have been working towards picture book writing and illustration! I am very, very excited to hopefully make books one day, as I believe picture books are some of one of the most important, meaningful, powerful art forms out there. Children are smarter than we often think. Making books that respond to their genius wonder and experience in the world would be a dream come true.
The beauty of being on Lake Superior is hard to capture because it’s not only a visual aesthetic but a feeling that fills you up when you’re in its presence. And I dare say that Jordan Sundberg has bottled up that spark effortlessly in her magnificent pieces.
I highly encourage you to take the time to admire her work and support this talented artist, as well as other artists in Minnesota like Natalie Salminen Rude, by purchasing a piece or multiple! Hang them up in your home, and purchase a piece as a thoughtful gift; wherever you end up hanging up, these one-of-a-kind works of art will tug at your heartstrings and make you smile as if you were walking the familiar beaches on Lake Superior.
Thank you for taking the time to support your local artist and for stopping by On Lake Superior. We’d love to see you over on our Instagram and Facebook to keep spreading the good Lake Superior vibes. See you there!
