“I am a story-teller, creating visual narratives inspired by daily interactions with the people, creatures and complexities in my world. I like to blend animal and human forms together to create a universal figurative connection. Life is full of dualities –joys and struggle- and I am drawn to the tendency we possess to rise and overcome difficult and oppressive circumstances.

There are many among us who have been historically undervalued or marginalized by constructed biases of gender, race, and inequitable socio-economic structures. In my art I want to authenticate the depth of the struggle, the heaviness of the burden, and the sting of vulnerability. But to balance this I want to reveal the strength that comes from developing deep bonds and close relationships with others, the joys of nurturing and raising a new generation of brilliant problem-solvers, and the buoyancy of the human soul- its ability to rise above the ashes and overcome great obstacles, boldly floating towards a better future.”

— Janis Mars Wunderlich