Jessie Emilie Art

Jessie Emilie is a Canadian artist based in Calgary, AB. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia (2024) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts (2022). With experience as a graduate teaching assistant in visual art and critical & creative studies, she has also led painting and drawing workshops and hosted artist talks. While not a licensed therapist or psychologist, Jessie has done a lot of research into spiritual meditation and the therapeutic applications of art, believing in its power to foster self-expression and alleviate stress and anxiety.

As an oil painter, Jessie explores the absurdity within the mundane, uncovering beauty in odd and overlooked details. In a world where people often seek escape through books, movies, video games, and social media, she challenges this tendency by embracing the strangeness of everyday life. Rather than turning away from the ordinary, she highlights its richness, capturing moments of deep thought and introspection. Her work revolves around themes of self-discovery, body image, spirituality, and mental health. She frequently juxtaposes the human figure with symbolic, everyday objects, creating contemplative narratives that explore consciousness, existence, and meaning. Her paintings capture intimate moments of raw vulnerability; subjects lost in thought or relaxation, alone or in relation to others. Through unguarded, unabashed poses, she reveals their inner worlds while obscuring parts of the scene with strategically placed objects, provoking curiosity and deeper reflection. Houseplants often appear in her paintings, symbolizing resilience, growth, and transformation, core elements of her artistic vision. Drawn to the beauty of the unusual and the intimacy of feeling truly understood, Jessie strives to evoke emotional truths and foster meaningful connections. She believes profound beauty lies in being seen and understood, and through her work, she invites viewers to engage with these deeply personal yet universal experiences.