10/05/2026
As a young girl, perfectionism was debilitating... I began to lean into the abstract and drawing outside the lines on purpose.
As I grew up, I started to visually copy what I was seeing in front of me.
Then something beautiful happened.... I was drawing to feel deeply.
In 2022, it was the heaviest year of my life... I lost too many close to me and too soon after each other.
A vision came to me to draw for my daughter Wynter Sunshine.
The universe said it was time despite the imposter syndrome.... I was reminded that my art is to express and be the story teller.
In imposter syndrome there are times where I feel a box closing in... Especially when I end up in an art show or have my logo chosen... It's a feeling of do I really belong here.
I say I am still starting out despite building a portfolio for the last 4 years as a dedicated artist because I look around me at artists with discipline, with technical art jargon, with certain styles, mentors, years of dedicated learning to art and sometimes in these fine art spaces I feel out of place. "😅 Oh I just felt it and produced the feeling as close as I could."
Wachiay Studio was an extension of process. I can't express the appreciation I have for this team as an artist and for my inner child.... Mistakes happened and like talking to my son.... They said you are learning, we can try this...
"Let me know what you decide..."
It was empowering. It was understanding. It was gentle. It was a love for seeing people grow and move forward.
The art world is bustling and keeps me on my toes... It offers an avenue of flexibility to create when I can and spend more meaningful time with my son during these critical first years of his life.
Thank you to everyone who has and continues to support my journey in art. 🙌
Thank you to everyone who has stopped to talk to me and connect about how art has impacted your life, those who stop because of resonating vibes.
I came from the generation told that art was not a realistic avenue for a living.
And really, art is about creating, it is about feeling and connecting with others.
If art is your dream, your goal, keep at it 💗🌞
My name is Jeanette Laberge. I am a mixed-media artist. I am here because of the love and networking that happened from my family up and down the coast through history. I am the daughter of Danielle Laberge and Ralph Amos.
I am a member of the K'ómoks First Nation.
I am the first generation in my family out of residential school.
I have a BA in Anthropology/sociology and a diploma in Social services- First Nations focus (Stó:lō) through the University of the Fraser Valley. I have a few certificates that helped when I worked at a childcare center dominately in the after-school care program.
I spent the first decade of my life moving- Massett, Courtenay, Comox, Port Hardy, Calgary, Cape Mudge, Abbotsford and Aldergrove. Settling in Chilliwack for a decade as a young adult. Eventually in the midst of grief becoming the care taker for my Gran's house back where my journey in this world began, Comox.
With my supportive, loving partner Ashton and our son.
If you made it this far, thank you for taking the time to read a little about who I am. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. ☺️
Otherwise, take care.
I will have an art update soon (working on a commissioned pair of earrings).
