Jessica Ruano

Blog

  • Kate Barry explores Olympia model Victorine Meurent

    Kate Barry explores Olympia model Victorine Meurent

    I wrote this article for Xtra.ca in 2009, six years before I began life modelling myself! QUEERING OLYMPIA. One of the most notorious paintings of the 19th century gets a redux with a performance piece by Kate Barry.  Photo: courtesy of Kate Barry What is the story behind the woman in the painting? Modern artists Read more

  • Anxiety, grief, and lawnmowers

    Anxiety, grief, and lawnmowers

    I wrote this piece in August 2022, six weeks after my girlfriend died by suicide. While suicide itself is not the least bit funny, I feel it’s important to find humour in the grieving process. Here goes… This morning, I mowed my front lawn for the very first time. Now for you suburbanites and country Read more

  • Many happy returns

    Many happy returns

    Last Friday was my mother’s birthday. After I called her in the morning to wish her a happy one, she followed up with an email inviting me over for dinner and cake that evening. I walked into my roommate’s bedroom, sat down next to her, and sobbed. I hadn’t been to my parents’ house, my Read more

  • Living the (naked) dream

    Living the (naked) dream

    You know that dream where you show up to class and you’re totally naked and everyone is looking at you? Yeah, that’s pretty much what I do for work. Hi, my name is Jessica, and I’m a professional life model. Mainly it involves posing – often nude – for varying lengths of time in the Read more

  • In support of Ottawa’s anti-renoviction bylaw

    In support of Ottawa’s anti-renoviction bylaw

    I was invited by ACORN Ottawa to deliver the following statement at City Hall on Wednesday April 24th. Councillor Ariel Troster’s motion for city staff to study the possibility of an Ottawa anti-renoviction bylaw was passed by city council today. This is an important step towards preserving existing affordable housing in Ottawa. Congrats to everyone Read more

  • United Way: Jessica is healing from suicide loss

    United Way: Jessica is healing from suicide loss

    Originally published on United Way East Ontario, February 2024 In the weeks after my girlfriend died by suicide, I recognized I needed support in managing my grief. I was especially concerned about how I would continue to care for my then-two-year-old daughter as a solo parent while dealing with the complex rollercoaster of emotions that Read more