Ladysmith Artist Turns Health Struggles into Inspiring Art

When artist Sarah Leo faced a series of unexplained fainting spells, she found herself confronting not just her health, but also her identity as a creative individual. Living in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, Leo experienced two months of lost consciousness, leaving her uncertain about her future. Although doctors could not determine the cause, this challenging period became a catalyst for a transformative journey through art.

“This is the next chapter of my life because of that,” Leo reflected during an interview in her cozy home studio. Art has always been a refuge for her, and her current creative ventures—encompassing music, poetry, and painting—have helped her rebuild her life.

Born in New Westminster and raised primarily in Edmonton, Leo moved to Vancouver Island at the age of ten. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education, leading her to a career as a high school teacher. Despite her passion for encouraging students, the demands of teaching left little room for her own artistic pursuits. “I loved encouraging kids to believe in themselves,” she said, “but I realized I needed to take my own advice.”

The health crisis that struck her life forced Leo to confront her need for self-care. During this period, she began fainting several times a day, with one incident culminating in a dramatic call for help to her husband through her Alexa smart speaker. These were dark times filled with uncertainty, but Leo turned to music as a source of stability.

“I had never really listened to blues music before,” she explained. “It’s people singing about their pain, and yet when they leave the stage, they’ve done something.” This connection between pain and creativity became integral to her recovery process. “Art has always given me a way to feel better,” she noted.

In the midst of her struggles, Leo developed what she calls her Bliss Checklist—an array of self-care practices that includes morning music, gratitude before coffee, and deep breathing exercises. This intentional shift laid the groundwork for an artistic breakthrough that began in her closet.

During a previous trip to Tofino, Leo discovered a thrifted jean jacket that made her feel confident and happy. However, it was not until facing postpartum depression and health challenges that she rediscovered it. “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. This moment sparked an idea: to create custom-painted jean jackets that would evoke that same feeling of joy for others.

Each jacket begins with a detailed questionnaire that Leo sends to her clients, asking, “How do you want to feel in it?” Customers can provide their own jackets or choose from her collection. Leo then designs the artwork digitally, projecting it onto the fabric before painting with acrylics mixed with a fabric medium. Her signature style features vibrant colors and text that complements the central image.

While most of her clientele is local, Leo also sells her jackets online. Prices range from $120 to $220 per piece, but the emotional value is immeasurable. She cherishes the moment when clients see their completed jackets for the first time. “Sometimes I drive the extra mile just to see the reaction,” she shared. The joy expressed by her customers fills her with a sense of fulfillment, affirming the healing power of her art.

In addition to her custom jacket business, Leo has also become a sought-after singer, performing at various venues across Vancouver Island, including galleries, universities, and restaurants. Her artistic journey is not driven by a desire for recognition, but by a commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

“It’s about how much impact I can leave in the places I’ve been,” she stated. Now flourishing in both her personal and artistic life, Leo lives with her husband, Tchadas Leo, a journalist with Chek TV, and their young son. The family remains deeply rooted in Ladysmith, a community that Leo credits for its inspiration and support.

“It was the first place I really felt accepted,” she reflected. Surrounded by a caring network, Leo has found the safety and encouragement to nurture her own well-being. Now, she inspires others to prioritize their self-care as well. “If I take care of me, I take care of everybody,” she affirmed.

Through her art, Leo has transformed her healing journey into a source of inspiration for others, one song, one poem, and one jacket at a time.