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.

While she is best known for her ethereal piano-driven music as one-half of First of June, her latest solo offering, Letters to Cornelia takes the listener through a darker sonic landscape than her previous offerings. She is currently finalizing a new solo album, The Tender Parts, to be released to patrons in late 2026.

Her extensive lyrics catalogue serves as the backbone to her self-portrait photography, which explores themes of chronic pain, grief, and healing, using her body as her canvas, adorned with elements from her garden and curio collection.

NOTES ON SKULL COLLECTING: Although Vanessa's art focusses heavily on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, being a lifelong wildlife advocate, no living creatures have ever been harmed for the sake of her art. As of 2026, Vanessa no longer works with skulls; however, any mammal skulls or bones used in her previous headpieces were non-CITES and non-SARA species, and were ethically and sustainably obtained through reputable, cruelty-free, and trusted sources. Any songbirds featured in her work are cardboard printouts of her own photography.