JAY ANDERSON
OTTAWA PAINTER JAY Anderson is known for her unconventionality when it comes to selecting the scenery for her works. Her new exhibition, Simply Ottawa, is no exception.
Simply Ottawa consists of realistic oil paintings of the Ottawa-area outdoors, but with a catch: Anderson takes plain and simple views Ottawans often take for granted—such as balconies or parking lots—and breathes new life into them.
She does this through soft, blended brush strokes, an array of colours, and uniquely angled points of view that are sure to spur conversation among spectators.
Simply Ottawa seeks to draw out the beauty in everyday scenery, and as a result, to draw appreciation not only from often indifferent Ottawa spectators, but from anyone who has never stopped to admire an unconventional view.
Looks like: What Leonardo da Vinci might have painted if he hadn’t been so crazy.
Check it out: Anderson’s Simply Ottawa is on display every Wednesday through Sunday from now until Dec. 4 at the Foyer Gallery (1701 Woodroffe Ave.).
JENNIFER CASTLE
JENNIFER CASTLE IS a Toronto-based folk artist and, arguably, one of Canada’s best kept musical secrets. Having lent her soothing voice to The Constantines, Fucked Up, and others, Castle recently released her debut record, Castlemusic.
Castle’s music seems composed with one foot in this world and one in another. Performing with her long hair slung over her guitar, Castle’s ethereal lyrics paint pictures of small beauties, but are sung in a haunting voice that enchants and beckons the listener to return to simpler times.
Her voice is accompanied by guitars, pianos, flutes, and an organ; surprisingly enough, no one sound overpowers another in her sweeping ballads.
The melange of distinct sounds creates a beautiful, drawn-out, and airy feel. Her riffs have ebb and flow, but are also filled with strong beats you just can’t help but sway to.
At times lighthearted and at times tragic, Castle’s lyrics give the sense that she has lived a long life. Tracks to check out are “Poor as Him”, “The Way of the Crow”, “Remembering”, “Your Hand is a Wing”, and “Powers”.
Sounds like: The love child of Neil Young and Joni Mitchell’s music, or what watercolour paintings would sound like if they could sing.
Check it out: You can find her music here.
—Rebecca Dawe and Sam Cowan
