"A friend asked me recently why I create my headpiece art with decaying flowers. “You could make such beautiful things with fresh flowers!” they said."
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Vanessa Laurin is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter and multi-disciplinary artist based near Ottawa, Canada, whose deep connection to the natural world is reflected in her many creative outlets, most notably in her self-portrait photography work. She is a patron of several wild bird and species-at-risk rescue organizations, to which she donates her time and talents, as well as a portion of all her music, art, and handmade goods sales.
While she is best known for her ethereal piano-driven music, both solo and as one-half First of June, she is also the lead vocalist for Hiland Blues Band and other yet-unnamed projects with her partner, Stephane Danis. She is currently writing her second solo album to be released in 2024.
Her extensive lyrics catalogue serves as the backbone to her art, which explores themes of grief and healing. Building on her background in mixed-media collage, her current photography projects see her stepping in front of the camera, using herself as her subject and her body as her canvas, which she adorns with elements from her garden and curio collection.
Follow the shrieking winds
The staccato violins
Into the woods, into the night
A quarter-century of recordings, from the richly textured musical landscapes and complex vocal harmonies of First of June to the gritty and raw stylings of Hiland Blues Band.
VOL. 1
Hiland Blues Band, 2022
ON BLOODLESS WINGS
First of June, 2021
ROCK ME AMADEUS
Vanessa Laurin, 2021
BEFORE THE COYOTES COME
Vanessa Laurin, 2019
THE MELANCHOLY PROJECT
Vanessa Laurin, 2013
SWALLOWED BY THE SEA
First of June, 2012
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
First of June, 2011
ALL IS WELL THAT ENDS
First of June, 2010
RAZOR BLADE SPINE
First of June, 2007
LORELEI
First of June, 2004
SPIDERS FROM VENUS: Indie Women Artists and
Female-Fronted Bands Cover David Bowie
First of June, 2003
WAITING FOR RABBIT
First of June, 2002
WHAT THE WIND BRINGS
First of June, 2001
CREEPY, CRAWLY LIVE
First of June, 2000
CREEPY, CRAWLY THINGS
First of June, 1999
And to every key,
a portal
And in one,
gates of ivory and horn
Ephemeral headpieces made with plant materials from Vanessa's garden.
If blown from the west
The feathers are unfavourable
Or so the augurs forewarned