Anniversary

Well it was a very quiet, odd celebration of the Ottawa Comic Jam's 11th Anniversary! No cake, no prizes, no celebratory drinks... BUT we did have a gathering, virtually, on Discord and did some drawings.

Strange days, which have seen the Jam not physically gather since snow was on the ground. But people still want to get together and draw and inspire stories with one another. I'm delighted and touched that the OCJ is still going strong, albeit gloved, masked and in social isolation.

What I started as a way for artists and writers to come together to share creativity, connect and do improvised narrative story-telling has taken an odd turn during the continued quarantine under the dark shadow of Covid-19. But we're still active and still enjoying the support, humour and love of the craft and friendship.

Hope everyone is keeping their spirits up, no matter what the situation, trying to make good art (as Neil Gaiman would say) and sending out positive healing vibes to our suffering old world <3

e-hugs
Suzanne.

November 27 End Times UPDATED

Gérard Bélec and Ifer Lawrence's beautiful artwork
at the Ottawa Comic Jam Group's Cats N Dragons
art show at the Shanghai Restaurant Nov 2019

The Ottawa Comic Jam Group had a closing art party at the Shanghai Restaurant last November for our group show "Cats N Dragons" (featuring art from: Ifer Lawrence, Gérard Bélec and Suzanne Marsden). It was so much fun sharing creativity and letting people see what kind of art goes on when we're not drawing Funny Pictures.

We also had a jam! Since it was the last jam of the year, we thought the theme of End Times would be appropriate. There are also Santas in there as well.

Thanks to the artists and writers who joined us for our party and also jammed the evening away: Suzanne Marsden, Clayton Jacobs, Ifer Lawrence, Andrew Stutt, Liz Walsh, James Rule, Joël Vandale and Bob Lawrence.

Thanks as always to the wonderful Shanghai Restaurant and the Kwan family for hosting the Ottawa Comic Jam and providing a safe and creative space in which to gather and (as Neil Gaiman would say) "MAKE GOOD ART".

Cheers
Sue

** More artwork from our show after the comix <3

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**Artwork from the OCJG's Cats N Dragons Art Show

Dragons by Suzanne Marsden

Art by Suzanne Marsden, Ifer Lawrence & Gérard Bélec

'The Horror of Loneliness' acrylics on canvas
by Suzanne Marsden

Artwork by Ifer Lawrence

OCJG artwork and Suzanne Marsden

Oct 30th Comic Jam Rubber Suited Monsters - UPDATED

Ifer Lawrence's awesome art!

Our pre-Hallowe'en comic jam was a celebration of Rubber Suited Monsters! Everyone had fun drawing what they imagined Godzilla might do when confronted with an evolved Rodin/Bambi or Hedora muckling onto a plate of snacks.

It was a great evening with the usual crew and newcomers rounding out the Jam. Thanks to: Suzanne Marsden, Clayton Jacobs, Ifer Lawrence, Andrew Stutt, Amy VanTorre, John Bell, Scott MacLellan, Liz Walsh, James Rule, Joel Vandale and Gérard Bélec (aka Batman!) for coming out, drawing together, laughing and telling stories.

Special thanks as always to the Shanghai Restaurant for providing a supportive and creative space for the OCJG for the last ten years and to Mabe Kwan for taking good care of us!

Cheers,
Suzanne.

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Oct 2nd Backwards UPDATED

An 'End/ Beginning Panel' By Ifer Lawrence

Our Backward Jams are always plenty of fun! Thanks to Gérard Bélec for finding the original art prompt years ago and getting us turned on to the idea of telling stories backwards. This has become an annual September thing that we all look forward to! Since our Jam got bumped to the start of October, this is our very first Backwards Jam in Oct. COOL.

Thanks to the Jammers who came out to wrap their brains around a different way to let a story unfold: Suzanne Marsden, Clayton Jacobs, Ifer Lawrence, Andrew Stutt, Liz Walsh, James Rule, Joël Vandale, Gérard Bélec and Scott MacLellan!

Thanks as always to the Shanghai Restaurant for giving us a creative and supportive place to draw together, month after month; year after year. Thanks to Mabe for taking good care of us <3

Now, on to the ART

Cheers!
Sue

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September Jam bumped

The popular and supremely whacky Backwards Jam has had to be moved to next week: Wednesday October 2nd, 2019. (Due to illness, the Shanghai Restaurant will be closed tomorrow.)

Sorry for the inconvenience; hope that the new date works for everyone.
Looking forward to jamming backwards next week!

Suzanne.

Tonight's Jam moved to July 3rd

A scary weather system is heading our way; including 100 km/h winds and possibility of a tornado! The Jam is being moved to next Wed July 3rd, just to be on the safe side. Please be careful my friends <3

April 24 2019 April O'Neill/ Mutant Animals UPDATED

Frost Giant by
S.Marsden (c) 92

April seems like quite awhile ago. Remember all the cold? The snow? The crying out for spring to get into gear and free us from winter's clutches?

Well, that's what was in our heads when the Jam group started drawing mutant animals at the Shanghai on the 24th of the 'cruelest month'.

Thanks to: Suzanne Marsden, Clayton Jacobs, Ifer Jean, Andrew Stutt, Gérard Bélec, James Rule, Liz Walsh, Jason Priebe, Dwight Williams and Piper Anderson for joining in and drawing together to make some wonderful, strange and nutty art.

Thanks to the Shanghai and Mabe for taking great care of us and making sure we were comfortable, well-fed and watered. The space continues to be a wonderful, creative inspiration for artists and writers, no matter what their chosen discipline. Yay!

Now on to the art :-)
Sue.