Meet Jynae Bergeron

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jynae Bergeron a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jynae, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Developing my confidence as a visual artist has been a gradual process, full of peaks and valleys that continue into the present day. Throughout my 20’s, I created art as a hobby; dedicating all of my spare time to making art. Creating was a comforting and calm space for me to be in, although the thought of turning it into a livable wage was something I convinced myself was impossible. I held onto the internal narrative that I was not talented enough, and therefore I would give my art away as gifts to my loved ones. Whatever small amount of money I did make from selling prints, I donated the money to the World Wildlife Foundation.

Throughout that same decade of my life, working mostly as a waitress or administrator, I was also dedicated to traveling as much of the world that my savings would allow. This lifestyle inspired me in a multitude of ways and gave me a different kind of confidence you can not get from staying stagnate. From the people I connected with, to the remarkable places and creatures I witnessed; everything that I absorbed throughout those transient years added to who I am and what I create today.

Near the end of my 20’s, in attempt to help me understand what direction I wanted my life to go as a 28 year-old, I partook in two 10-day vipassana silent meditation retreats in Thailand and Myanmar. These experiences of intense self reflection were pivotal in changing my internal narrative, and ultimately my career path.

After developing a deeper confidence in my own existence through meditation, mindfulness, and self care (along with a little encouragement from a beloved friend), I decided to take the chance in turning my visual art into full-time career. I made that decision 6 years ago. I learned how to work with power tools and became truly obsessed with the craft. Almost immediately, what I created was received by the general public in such a positive way. It was an affirmation that I had found the path meant for me. As I fell more in love with the process, I began to grow rapidly. Every new challenge that I overcame, or vision I successfully pulled-off, was reassurance that anything was possible. Even to this day, I’m constantly humbled and reminded that there is always room for expansion; in ourselves, our relationships, and our creations.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Jynae Bergeron, the creator behind Art and Airplanes. I’m a Canadian wood-based visual artist specializing in woodworking and pyrography (otherwise known as woodburning). I am originally from the prairies of Southern Saskatchewan, but now permanently live in the interior of British Columbia. My values align with sustainability and respecting mother earth, therefore my artworks are made using 100% reclaimed wood that would otherwise be heading to the landfill or a burn bin. With permission, I collect pre-used wood from abandoned barns and houses that are slowly succumbing to the elements, from garage and estate sales, or from fellow woodworkers who have a pile of discarded ‘scrap’ wood that is too small for their use. I give the wood a second life by turning it into wall art representing dramatic landscapes, or highly detailed animals. I believe my work to be extremely recognizable with its mixture of organic lines and geometric elements – a cohesive balance between intricate and simple, fluid and calculated, chaos and patterns. My intention with every art piece is to display the natural grain, colour, and character of the wood. The results are a very earthy, natural feel emanating from my work. Every step of my process is done by me – there are no CNC or lasers involved. I exclusively use power tools, a Razertip SL3 pyrography kit, and two steady, well-trained hands.

I release a new collection of original artworks every 3 to 5 months, offering my email newsletter subscribers first access to them, followed by my social media audience. I have a new collection of 6 pieces being released in December 2025. Anyone is able to sign up for my email newsletter on my website: http://artandairplanes.com or follow my work and releases at @artandairplanes on Instagram or Facebook.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I deeply believe consistency, discipline, and curiosity are the three most important qualities to any creative venture. I think a lot of people get discouraged about their interaction with any type of art in the beginning because they think they are bad at it or that they are doing something wrong. Unfortunately, its part of the human condition to strongly dislike being ‘wrong’, but I believe overcoming that unwanted feeling and learning how to be comfortable with making unintentional mistakes is a superpower. I think maintaining curiosity about what you’re capable of, while remembering to forgive yourself for not being perfect, is a recipe for consistency. And consistency breeds talent.

I also think discipline is a crucial factor. The biggest reason that I was able to turn my creativity into a career was my self discipline that I have; to show up every single working day even when I absolutely do not ‘feel’ like it is also a practiced skill. There is no boss or higher power to tell you what to do, only yourself, so starting is always the hardest part. Get over that initial hurtle of just simply beginning, and get your hands working on the project for at least 10 minutes, you’ll often find you don’t want to stop. Once that ball is rolling, the ideas begin to flow naturally and the process becomes more and more addicting; in a healing sort of way. I’m always reminded of a the quote: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” By Pablo Picasso. You can not get results if you do not invest the time in your growth.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parents have been crucial in my work ethic and where my life and career are today. Throughout my life, my parents have been extremely supportive and encouraging in creative expression. They enrolled me into piano lessons when I was 4 years old and encouraged me to stay in them for over 10 years. I think that is where I learnt the discipline and consistency it takes to develop a skill, however playing music was never my passion and I quit in my mid-teens.

Before I left for graphic design college at 17 years old, my parents gifted me my deceased grandfather’s old woodburning kit. That was my first step towards working with wood. I am proud to be a third generation woodworker; my dad and my grandfather both having careers in the industry. It wasn’t until I was 29 years old, when I returned home from traveling during the 2020 pandemic without a single dollar to my name and no direction or job, that my parents took me in and my dad taught me almost everything I know about working with wood and power tools. He spent 4 years, off and on, by my side in the wood shop while I developed my artistic vision and learned the unforgiving nature of woodworking. He is the reason I discovered my passion for power tools and the reason I have this career. My mom supported me just as much during this transformative time in my life by providing me with endless encouragement, emotional support, inspiration, and delicious meals. As a major bonus, when I was 30 years old they also happened to introduce me to my fiancé, who is also a woodworker and full-time visual artist; working as a carver / sculpture. We love to collaborate and our house is always brimming with ideas.

Needless to say, my parents have been the two most impactful people in my life, by far, and for that I realize I am so fortune and I am infinitely grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://artandairplanes.com
• Instagram: @artandairplanes
• Facebook: @artandairplanesJynae
• Other: Pintrest: artandairplanes
  BlueSky: @artandairplanes.bsky.social

Image Credits

Photos taken by Jynae Bergeron @artandairplanes