Name: Jonathan Mathews
Type of Artist: Interior Designer (also known as a Culinary Designer)
Location: Seattle, WA
What mediums do you use for your art?
Interior design. I see every space as a blank canvas, using architecture, furnishings, lighting, texture, color, and art to create environments that are both beautiful and deeply personal.
What is your core inspiration for your art?
My inspiration comes from the diversity of my own journey. Growing up in Thailand and later living throughout the United States exposed me to different cultures, architecture, traditions, and ways people experience home. I also find inspiration in nature, travel, light, fashion, and fine art. Most importantly, I draw inspiration from the stories of my clients. Every project begins by listening because the best interiors reflect the lives, personalities, and experiences of the people who live in them.
What do you think your role as an artist is in the community?
I believe my role is to create interiors that enrich people’s lives. A well designed space has the power to make people feel welcomed, inspired, comfortable, and connected. My goal is to create homes and environments that not only function beautifully but also become places where memories are made and life is lived.
What would you like to see happen in the art world to include the LGBTQ+ community more?
I’d love to see the art world continue moving beyond inclusion as a checkbox and instead celebrate LGBTQ+ artists for the unique perspectives they bring. Representation matters, but creating spaces where artists feel genuinely welcomed, supported, and valued is even more important.
How has art impacted your life?
As a child, I was very shy and often felt alone. Art gave me a way to express myself when words didn’t come easily. Over time, that creative outlet became my career and allowed me to connect with others by designing spaces that bring joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
Who are your favorite artists?
Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha, and Nate Berkus. Each has influenced the way I think about beauty, storytelling, and creating interiors that feel timeless, layered, and personal.
Where can people see your art?
Most of my work is in private residences, but one of my commercial interior design projects can be experienced at Thai On 1 in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Also check out my website at Kwanchai.net
What does it mean to be a Queer artist to you?
Being a Queer artist means bringing my whole self to the creative process. My life experiences have shaped how I see beauty, connection, and home, and that perspective naturally influences my work. At the same time, I hope people remember my designs for how they make them feel, regardless of who created them. I also hope my work creates spaces where everyone feels welcomed, comfortable, and inspired because great design has the power to bring people together.
