Jessica Leahey is a full-time, self-taught artist and freelance illustrator. Her working mediums have included painting, illustration, mixed media, and installation.

Much of her inspiration is drawn from the intersection of contemporary culture and the natural world, a dynamic she explores deeply through a lifestyle rooted in observation and immersion.

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Jessica’s storytelling is deeply influenced by the region’s unique culture. Creativity runs in her family, passed down through generations of “ideas people” from painters and craftsmen to musicians. She’s grateful for the unwavering support of her family in pursuing creative work.

At 18, she moved west to Banff, Alberta, chasing snow and discovering a love for mountain town life and the gritty, passionate community that comes with it. While working at Sunshine Village, she met her husband, Troy. In 2007, they relocated to Revelstoke, British Columbia, where Troy became the head Avalanche Forecaster for the newly developed Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

Though trained as a hairstylist, Jessica has embraced nearly every classic ski-town hustle; entrepreneurship, housekeeping, ski coaching, waitressing, retail… everything but pizza delivery.

Her journey into the art world began during a period of injury recovery, which opened the door to a more creative and fulfilling path that continues to evolve.