Jesse Thom is a multidisciplinary artist and meditation teacher living in BC, Canada. His work combines dream/storybook music, poetry, illustrations and puppetry to create immersive experiences of warmth and connection.
Driven by an awareness of his own inevitable death (made clear by the loss of his 8-year-old brother to cancer when he was 5), Jesse quickly discovered his path by asking the question, “What do i want to give?” After graduating university with an Arts Medal in writing and music, Jesse moved west to pursue an unpredictable life of playful service.
Since then, Jesse has toured internationally with the critically acclaimed folk trio Dirty Grace, studied/performed as a professional clown in Spain, England and Vancouver, has been signed to US label Gypsypop Records with his ‘ghost pop’ duo Daemon & Airdrie and his latest solo album, snowdragons, was ranked in the top 10 albums of 2016 by Folk Radio UK. Jesse is the author of 5 books (4 of which have not yet been released), described as “existential picture books for grown-up children.” His first book, Some Bunny Loves You, is on its 3rd printing and has received accolades from Juno Award Winner Norman Foote as well as best-selling author and meditation teacher Tara Brach.
Jesse is also the founder/creator of Beat Creatures (furry drums for kids), which have sold in 13 different countries around the world, and has filmed/produced videos for musicians in Ireland, Scotland, England and Canada with his camera work venture, Glass Horse Lenswork.
2017 will be an active year for Jesse. Besides touring his musical picture book & puppet show, Some Bunny Loves You, Jesse will be releasing his ‘ghost pop’ duo’s first album and touring this summer with his new 8-piece band, The Honey Tongues. Come October Jesse will unveil his next solo effort: a book version of his acclaimed album, snowdragons, which will feature original artwork and haiku-like winter poetry alongside the album’s music.
A close student of Buddhist scholar and spiritual director of the Dharma Ocean Foundation, Reggie Ray, since 2010, Jesse approaches creative work as a loving-presence practice – a playful way to inspire deep connection to our bodies, our hearts, to each other and the planet.
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