• Follow the birds through the pine barrens
    A dead tree, a fire tree
    A mechanical rookery

    Lyrics from A MECHANICAL ROOKERY
    First of June, ON BLOODLESS WINGS

NEWS and UPDATES

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Images from EARTH SPIRITS, self-portrait series
  • 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

DISCOGRAPHY

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.







  • And to every key,
    a portal
    And in one,
    gates of ivory and horn

SELF-PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Words and Wonders

(2022-present)

Ephemeral headpieces made with plant materials from Vanessa's garden.

  • If blown from the west
    The feathers are unfavourable
    Or so the augurs forewarned

CONTACT INFORMATION

Vanessa does not read or respond to SEO or other sales-pitch emails or private messages on social media. She is not available for commissioned work, concert bookings or studio sessions at this time. Please address serious inquiries to hello [at] vanessalaurin [dot] com.

© Copyright 1999-2024 Vanessa Laurin. All rights reserved.
This website is eco-friendly.