The Songwriter – Portraits by Jamie Kronick

There’s a fantastic exhibit going on here in Ottawa by local photography/drummer Jamie Kronick which captures many of Ottawa’s songwriter types in their creative spaces.

 



Why is this guy playing an acoustic tenor guitar?



Unfortunately I missed the opening night party (or vernissage, if you’re so inclined), but caught up with the show on the weekend. I went during a very quiet time at City Hall and pretty much had the room to myself to absorb the work.

What struck me right away is Jamie’s knack for capturing these intimate moments. The lighting of each portrait reveals the layered elements contained within and you feel drawn into each creative space. If that elusive songwriting magic is really going on, you kinda feel like you’re getting a peek at it.

I was also taken aback by just how much Ottawa talent is hanging in that show and wondered if the city at large has any clue.

Besides, I’m sure Jamie will be the first to tell you this is only a sampling of the many songwriters that call Ottawa home.

Anyway, I encourage you to check out the exhibit which runs until October 12th at the Ottawa Art Gallery Annex at City Hall.

It is a really good show and quite immediately evident that a true labour of love is on display.

 


This wall had some nice bilingual things to say about Jamie in his quest to capture a craft that in my opinion is often superficially appreciated, but rarely understood: