Fernie artist

I am a Fernie based illustrator and aspiring ski bum. I draw a lot of maps and also create illustrations for magazines, universities, advertising, food packaging, murals and books. My illustrations are usually silly and whimsical, but I also draw more serious conceptual illustrations for newspapers...

As an avid hiker, biker, and snowboarder, I draw direct inspiration from the landscapes I inhabit and explore. These experiences inform my vibrant, expressive paintings, which aim to capture both the energy of a place and my personal connection to the natural world. I often work en plein air—simply...

It’s safe to say that my heart belongs on the West Coast. I was born in Nova Scotia, grew up in Ontario, spent the majority of my adult life in Alberta, and now for the last two years I’ve been living in beautiful British Columbia. I have been so incredibly inspired by my surroundings in Elk Valley...

I am incredibly honoured to be continuing my creative journey in Fernie this July (and the word nerd in me particularly loves how rhythmic that sounds)! Art caught me completely off guard, as did the life-changing event that eventually led me to art. In 2019, a crash during a mountain bike race...

This evening, January 25, 2018 Vanessa Croome, Art Director and Co-Publisher of the Fernie Fix, unveils her second art exhibit at the Fernie Arts Station, 7pm. Fragmented is a collection of paintings exploring themes of love, loss, life and death, and the evolution of relationships. " My father died...

I grew up in Fernie believing all men danced, sang, recited poetry, and acted in plays. These men were miners, businessmen, teachers. It goes without saying all the women joined in too. Fernie of the late 40’s and 50’s was a very cosmopolitan place filled with immigrant families who were not willing to live without music and drama. Resourceful individuals took charge and provided direction answering the needs of the community. This tradition carries on today where ordinary citizens and emerging artists enjoy creative endeavours with skilled artists.

Growing up in Fernie I have always been surrounded by action sports and with the nature of the town freestyle skiing and free ride mountain biking caught my eye immediately. My friends and I conveniently grew up in an age of radical progression in both sports, the twin tip ski was being perfected and dirt jump mountain biking was just around the corner. It was the perfect time for any upcoming artist, not only to learn the tricks of the trade but also to grow with the industry as it evolved into what it is today.