This year at COVE Demo Day, Jessica Jerome, a two-spirited artist and graphic designer, was commissioned to capture the essence of the event.
Her painting, titled “We Embrace the Sea”, illustrates our connection to the sea’s resources. The ship’s wheel, introduced by Europeans, is surrounded by the four Mi’kmaw directions, representing the seasons. The painting highlights our shared harvest of seafood, with jakej (lobster) symbolizing this bounty. The blue surrounding the wheel represents the ocean, and the two ships at the bottom are petroglyphs of vessels carved by Mi’kmaw ancestors upon meeting Europeans.
Jessica, born in Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation and adopted by the Jerome family in Gesgapegiag, is a member of the Micmacs of Gesgapegiag Band on the Gaspe Coast, Quebec. Inspired by her late biological mother, she began her artistic journey and transitioned from painting landscapes to traditional Aboriginal imagery with a contemporary vision. Jessica holds a Graphic Design Diploma and an Applied Media and Communication Arts Certificate from Nova Scotia Community College. Her work is showcased in galleries across Quebec, Nova Scotia, Canada, and Germany. She collaborates with Indigenous businesses, has illustrated books, and has worked as a colourist.
COVE is delighted to work with talented Indigenous entrepreneurs like Jessica and looks forward to future collaborations that enhance our understanding of our connections to the world. A huge thank you to Jessica for the incredible painting!