Full name:
Jessica Leahey
Creating a project with: Rob Buchanan, Greg Hoffart- Tree Construction
Age: 32
Location: The alleyway/breezeway behind Mica Heli-skiing, you probably don’t even know its there, it’s the most peculiar space.
Tell us about the art you create. What mediums do you use? What is your style?
My most recognizable pieces are typically ink illustrations, but I also paint in acrylics and watercolour.
When and how did you get started as an artist?
I think I have always been an artist, I just didn’t know because I never pursued exposure or put hours and focus into it furthering my craft. I think there a lot of undercover artists that don’t know how to use their skill, I think Luna is so wonderful because shakes them up a little… it inspires you, makes you want to play too, shows you new outlets for expression. I started practicing with more intention about 4 years ago, since then, I have started to treat it like a business and just recently have been able to make it my full time career. I have had a lot of local support.
How has your art changed over the years?
I am getting better… And I am getting braver. My physical skill set is becoming more refined with the practice full time allows, I am learning how to use my voice, and learning when to ask for help. I feel like I have grown a lot as an artist, which of course trickles down into the artwork. I am trying to go deeper into context, and am trying to say yes more, even when I am not sure I can do something. There is a wonderful art community in Revelstoke, full of mentorship and support, its an amazing place to be for a growing artist. I have had a lot of help, and its making me the artist I want to be.
What do you do when you are feeling uninspired?
We have so many ideas we could be making Luna exhibits until we die. Ha! The three of us are idea factories with big imaginations, they certainly aren’t all good ideas, but inspiration is not our problem, our brains just won’t quit once we get excited. I think our biggest challenge is honing on to one idea, and sticking to it. We have so many ideas that it can be challenging to not over complicate the concept, we need to focus on our chosen features and execute them really well.
Why did you apply to be involved in Luna? Were you involved last year?
This is our trio’s second installation as a team. Last year we turned the city’s bandstand into a snow globe, and I worked with Rob on the illustration for the Zoetropes. Last year we didn’t know each other but were teamed up because our independent ideas complimented each other. We wanted to try to build something cool, fun, and really big… we wanted to get a lot of smiles. What we learned that we really work well together, and now, knowing what to expect from the festival, we think we can do better. We have a picked a big goal this year, and I think its going to really push all 3 of us to try our hearts out… but if we pull this off, its going to be incredible. Regardless of how it turns out, I am so happy to be working with these guys again, we have so much fun doing this.
Can you give us a teaser of what you are creating?
Sylvan Solace: Revelstoke-based artist Jessica Leahey is known for her monochromatic drawings with strong, flowing, organic lines and bold contrast. With ‘SYLVAN SOLACE’, Jess takes her unique drawing style and slingshots it into 3 dimensions with an installation-based alley transformation inspired by the Infinity Rooms of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.