Artist Sarah Leo Transforms Pain into Art on Vancouver Island

When Sarah Leo, an artist from Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, experienced sudden fainting spells, she faced a daunting battle for her health and creativity. Over a span of two months, Leo lost consciousness repeatedly, leaving her uncertain about her future. Although doctors could not identify a definitive cause, this challenging experience became a catalyst for her artistic journey.

“It took everything in my power to get myself back healthy,” Leo shared from her inviting studio. “This is the next chapter of my life because of that.” This new chapter is characterized by her diverse artistic pursuits, including music, poetry, and painting. Most notably, her custom-designed jean jackets have gained a legendary status in her community.

Born in New Westminster and raised predominantly in Edmonton, Leo’s family relocated to Vancouver Island when she was just ten years old. She later pursued a Bachelor of Arts followed by a Bachelor of Education, eventually teaching high school. Yet, the demands of teaching left little time for her creative endeavors.

“I loved encouraging kids to believe in themselves,” she reflected. “But I realized I needed to take my own advice.” The pressure mounted when Leo began experiencing health issues, including fainting spells that occurred several times a day. In one instance, she collapsed at home and had to call her husband for help through her Alexa smart speaker.

During this tumultuous period, Leo turned to music for solace. “I had never really listened to blues music before,” she said. “It’s people singing about their pain, and yet when they leave the stage, they’ve done something. They’ve transmuted that negative feeling and they’ve helped other people feel human.”

The transformative power of art became central to her recovery. “Art has always given me a way to feel better. Every challenge I’ve gone through, art has helped me get to a healthy place.” Leo engaged in various creative activities, crafting what she calls her Bliss Checklist, which includes morning music, gratitude exercises, and deep breathing.

Reviving a Passion for Creativity

The breakthrough for Leo’s artistic journey began unexpectedly in her closet. While on vacation in Tofino, she discovered a thrifted jean jacket that made her feel extraordinary. After some time, she stumbled upon it again during a difficult period marked by postpartum depression and health struggles.

“I found it, put it on, and I breathed the biggest sigh of relief that I’d felt in a very long time,” she recalled. “I wore it around the house like a lunatic for two weeks. I felt great. I felt like myself.” Inspired by this feeling, Leo decided to create similar jackets for others.

The result is a line of custom-painted jean jackets that empower wearers to feel like rock stars. Each order begins with a detailed questionnaire where clients express how they want to feel in the jacket. Clients can provide their own jacket or select from Leo’s inventory. She then designs digitally, projects the artwork onto the fabric, and meticulously paints with acrylics mixed with a fabric medium.

Her unique style often features text and vibrant colors, resulting in eye-catching designs. While most of her clients are local, Leo also sells some of her work through stores and her website. Prices for her artistic creations range from $120 to $220, but the emotional value they provide is immeasurable.

Connecting Through Art and Music

One of the most rewarding moments for Leo comes when clients see their completed jackets for the first time. “Sometimes I drive the extra mile just to see the reaction,” she said. “They dance around, they scream, their eyes start tearing. It makes me feel so fulfilled to provide something that makes somebody feel that comfortable in their own skin.”

In addition to her jacket business, Leo has also become a sought-after singer, performing across Vancouver Island in various venues, including galleries, universities, and restaurants. Her artistic goal transcends personal recognition; she aims to make a lasting impact in the communities she visits.

Now thriving both personally and professionally, Leo lives with her husband, Tchadas Leo, a journalist with Chek TV, and their young son in Ladysmith. She credits her vibrant community for its support and inspiration. “It was the first place I really felt accepted,” she noted. “People here take care of each other.”

Through this nurturing environment, Leo found the strength to care for herself and is now dedicated to inspiring others to do the same. “If I take care of me, I take care of everybody,” she concluded. This philosophy has allowed her to turn her healing journey into a powerful artistic expression, benefiting both herself and those around her—one song, one poem, and one jacket at a time.