The Ontarion - 198.1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTS

3. On the stage in her heels – delivering a TED Talk in full drag

4. Swinging into jazz with Luke’s Burnin’ Cats

5. New Taylor Swift course to be offered at U of G

Cooking’s secret art: the microwave

6. Arpit’s Music Review: Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia

7. AI and arts programs

8. Bringing together local writers and readers

9. A personal experience of building emotional resilience through tattoos

10. New video game and movie releases in 2025

11. A taste of culinary creativity in Guelph

12. Local indie post-punk band electrifies Sonic Hall

13. Modern quilting, classic heart: A guild that’s far from old-fashioned

15. COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS: Photography

16 & 17. COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS: Visual art

18. COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS: Writing

MORE ARTS

19. Sparking opportunities for visual art students on campus

20. Serving face in 2025

21. Building a sanctuary in your living space Creating natural beauty with Kira Alexanian

22. We scroll, we click, we consume. But do we truly see?

23. Mourning, memories, and metal: Bonnie Trash redefines musical storytelling

24. Talking Tamil: A look at Tamil arts

25. Art in the Bullring

FUN STUFF

26. From the archives

27. Because we asked...

28. Club of the month

CFRU top 10

29. January to-d0 list

Letter to the editor

30 & 31. Puzzle pages

accepting submissions for our

Please forward your art to tpipe@theontarion.com to be considered for next year’s annual arts issue.

On the stage in her heels –delivering a TED Talk in full drag

Chimaera

Kameleon combines her passions for psychology and performance

ANDREEA BURLACU

Chimaera Kameleon is booked and busy. She’s performing across Canada, including opening for “CTRL + ALT + DEL” singer Rêve on her Waterloo tour stop. On top of that, she’s studying towards a master’s degree and eventual PhD in psychology. Her extensive research on drag as a career caught the attention of CBS and Cosmopolitan UK. In October, she presented her findings in a TED Talk at her alma mater, the University of Guelph.

Within her drag family, she’s fourth-removed from the iconic Chappell Roan.

“If this TED Talk blows up, maybe Chappell Roan will be in my DMs next,” Kameleon joked.

Since she began booking drag gigs in her undergrad, Kameleon started thinking of drag as a viable career choice. She researched the drag field under supervision from Professor Thomas Sasso, who she described as “the rock of this project.” Her work advocates for drag as a form of employment through the lens of industrial and organizational psychology. Drag is similar to gig work, like being a freelance writer or a contractor, but people are quick to dismiss it as a job.

“Everyone’s thinking about what they want to do in life and

how to make it their career, like finding their passion,” Kameleon said. “Well, a lot of people find that in drag. It shouldn’t be discriminated against just because it goes against gender norms.”

Kameleon was surprised and honoured when TED heard of her work and reached out. She took to the stage in full drag, having borrowed a glamorous blazer and skirt from RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Suki Doll.

“Having a drag queen do a TED Talk is unprecedented, especially about real, empirical evidence that’s gonna benefit the community and fight back against those political injustices,” Kameleon said. Her talk can be broken down into six key components: what drag is, the skills required, the workplace, compensation, identity and expression, and a sense of community.

Drag is a performance art that includes drag queens and drag kings, alongside non-binary and trans performers. It was made mainstream by shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, and now drag events are held in cities worldwide.

Each performer offers unique skill sets and puts hours into perfecting their craft.

“You have to lip sync or be a

costume designer, a dancer, take comedy classes, learn how to do makeup,” Kameleon said. “Sometimes even singing – not me, but maybe other people, if they’re ambitious.”

Even off-stage, there’s work to be done as a drag performer. Kameleon markets herself and networks, manages her social media, and even retouches her own pictures.

Drag skill sets are multifaceted, as are drag workplaces. Traditionally, drag was seen primarily in bars and clubs – now, it’s also tailored for digital media and film, libraries, storytimes, and even educational pieces. Alongside her research, Kameleon gets booked to do makeup classes or to present informative talks on drag.

Kameleon described performing at a wide range of venues, saying she’s “done everything from bar mitzvahs to funerals.” A drag funeral may feel unexpected, but they are often held for young, queer youth who dealt with self-harm or substance abuse. Having an accessible queer community treats these events as a celebration of life, and Kameleon describes it as “an honour to be there.”

Like many other forms of art, drag is powerful and emotionally resonant. Over 90 per cent of respondents in Kameleon’s research found meaning within their work. Also, 94 per cent of Kameleon’s respondents reported that drag helps them better understand themselves.

Despite high job satisfaction, drag performers often report receiving subpar financial compensation. 86 per cent of performers have another form of employment, like a day job.

But the sphere of drag is expanding. Kameleon finds herself performing in new places and building a queer community all across Ontario.

“I’m doing shows in New Hamburg and Gravenhurst and all these small farm towns, Grimsby and Thorold, and places where they've never even seen drag before,” she said “There’s such a need for an inclusive and diverse and accepting space.”

These performances make an impact. In Gravenhurst, a small town three hours north of Guelph, Kameleon described that trans people told her this was the first time they felt truly safe to come out to an event.

“That's what I live for,” Kameleon said. “I love bringing people together.”

Having a strong, resilient community helps queer people shine, both in their jobs and in their own lives. It’s Kameleon’s community that got her to where she is today.

Three years ago, her friends inspired her to try drag after watching RuPaul’s Drag Race. As she began booking gigs, her friends came out to her shows to show their support. Kameleon is also grateful for her drag family, the House of Kameleon.

“If I didn't have them, I don't think I'd be where I am,” she said.

Now, Kameleon pays it forward by giving back to her com-

munity. She runs open stages that foster new drag talent. She has partnered with Guelph Pride, Halloween for Hunger, and Hive, a queer health network. Recently, Kameleon joined the Board of Pride Hamilton to continue making a difference in her hometown.

“The community is my strength,” she said. “Because I want to do so much for my community, that’s what keeps driving me. In turn, good things come with it.”

As Kameleon combines her love for her community, academia, and drag, she proves your path is yours to carve out. You can combine your job with your passion – it doesn’t have to be an either/or.

When Kameleon first stepped out in drag, she didn’t expect to stride this far. Three years later, she stands on a different stage, giving a TED Talk. Kameleon has found her career and her calling – and she’s presenting her findings so others can do the same.

For her TED talk, Chimaera Kameleon borrowed this showstopping outfit from Canada's Drag Race Winner Icesis Couture, made by Canada's Drag Race alum Suki Doll. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHIMAERA KAMELEON

Kameleon works offstage as she designs and sews together garments. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHIMAERA KAMELEON

Kameleon’s drag family helped her get to where she is today. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHIMAERA KAMELEON

Swinging into jazz with Luke’s Burnin’ Cats

“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing”

MATTHEW RENNIE

While venturing into the Bullring on a Wednesday night, looking for open mic entertainment, you may find yourself graced with a performance from Luke’s Burnin’ Cats. This is a local, student-run jazz band made up of the titular vocalist and trumpet player, Luke Burazin and his burning cats: Ben Finnell on the drums, Andrew Raymond playing the alto saxophone, Aiden Davies on bass, and Max DeGroot on the keys. The band’s distinctive name was coined by the band’s former drummer, Lucas Williams.

Though some may think the golden age of jazz has passed, Luke’s Burnin’ Cats is bringing it back, playing in venues beyond The Bullring. They’ve played at venues like Manhattans, a bistro in Guelph, and even The Emmet Ray Whisky Jazz Bar in Toronto, an impressive feat for a band that’s just over a year old.

When asked about why they decided to play jazz and not other genres, Burazin explained, “[Jazz is] music that heals. It’s music that is challenging and that’s what makes it so fun to play.”

Burazin turned to jazz as an escape during a difficult period in his life, but it soon became a passion that led to the formation of the band. Now, the band is spreading their passion through various performances in the Guelph and Toronto areas.

“There’s a good community surrounding [jazz],” said Raymond. He explained how incredible it is to be able to meet someone new in the jazz world and, without knowing them as a person, you both “know the same song and the same changes.”

This community feel, filled with pleasant people, helped kindle Raymond’s own interest in jazz. Davies shared this sentiment,

saying how he really enjoyed the collaborative aspects of jazz.

Finnell explained that this collaborative, community aesthetic of jazz doesn’t end with the band.

“People want to be able to connect with the musicians on stage and feel like they are part of the experience and not just feel like there’s five people on the stage just looking at each other and playing for themselves,” he said.

The audience becomes part of the show as they dance along to the swinging jazz played by Luke’s Burnin’ Cats.

“Originally, jazz is a music for dancing when you look at the lineage and the history,” said DeGroot. This became a goal for the band: to “play swinging music that makes people want to get up and dance.”And this audience participation has kept Luke’s Burnin’ Cats performing week after week.

“I wonder, sometimes, why I kept coming back every week, and it’s because it was the same every week. People were always just

dancing, and you play off of the crowd and it’s the best feeling,” Burazin concluded.

Inspired by the jazz greats – Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Joe Carroll, Nat King Cole, and especially Duke Ellington – Luke’s Burnin’ Cats also enjoys listening to the modern-day jazz scene, whether that is in Guelph or the more active Waterloo or Toronto areas.

Beyond their performances as a quintet, they enjoy giving back to the jazz community by using their success as a platform to give new musicians a chance to play in front of an audience. Like jazz composer and orchestra leader Duke Ellington, Luke’s Burnin’ Cats occasionally brings special guests to their shows, assisting them in their own music careers.

“Sometimes we’ll have a special guest,” Burazin said. “We’re bringing people from Guelph to Toronto.” This has even led to guests getting their own performance slot at The Emmet Ray.

“I like this idea that we can uplift

people when we’re able to have special guests, in order to shine a light on them,” Burazin said.

Looking towards the future, Davies foresees the band continuing with their performances while working towards the release of some original pieces.

“We’re just going to keep playing, keep writing, keep arranging, and performing,” he said. “You know, [make] people happy.”

Hoping to release an album, Luke’s Burnin’ Cats have already had success with their biggest single “Cinderella” garnering over 2,500 streams on Spotify. To learn more about the band and when they are playing, you can follow them on their Instagram @lukesburnincats. The individual band members’ Instagrams are present in their bio. The band’s songs are released under Burazin’s personal Spotify: Luke Burazin. Here, you can listen to more of their swinging music – as DeGroot stated, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.”

Luke’s Burnin’ Cats is a student band that brings that swing to Guelph and beyond. PHOTO PROVIDED BY VICTORIA BURAZIN

New Taylor Swift course to be offered at U of G

Have you ever thought just maybe Swift belongs with U of G

ANDREEA BURLACU

Our wildest dreams have come true. This upcoming winter semester, U of G will offer a Distance Education course on pop superstar Taylor Swift.

This first-year course, titled “Icons of Popular Music,” is co-designed by Dr. Alyssa Woods, a professor of popular music at the School of Fine Art and Music, and Dr. Robert Edwards, an expert on religion and popular culture. It will encourage students to think critically as they “navigate the labyrinth of ways that popular music and popular culture intersect with art, literature, gender, sexuality, race, religion, politics, feminism, celebrity, fandom, business acumen, the economy and the law.”

Essentially, this case study on Swift will be a lens to explore larger issues within pop culture. After all, Taylor Swift has been described as “The Music Industry.” In 2024, she was both Spotify and Apple Music’s top artist. Her Eras tour hit Toronto with a storm, with six nights completely sold out and thousands of

fans clamouring outside the Rogers Centre. She’s reached a level of insurmountable fame, where she’s more than a singer, she’s an icon.

“Popular music is such a pervasive element of our culture and so really any artist that rises to this level of popularity and success becomes a pervasive element of our culture,” Edwards said in a U of G news release.

Edwards and Woods strived to make this course as accessible as possible. With no prerequisites, this course is open to U of G students of any major and members of the public. It has 600 spots available and is completely asynchronous, so students can complete work at any time.

The course content will appeal to any Swiftie. It will cover all things Swift, from the friendship bracelets to the Easter eggs.

Students will delve into Swift’s songwriting, her decision to re-record her first six albums, her economy-boosting Eras Tour, and the way she brings people together. You’ll learn all about Swift’s global impact and creative strategy

Cooking’s secret art: the microwave

– after all, she is a mastermind.

“The fact that we’re seeing this with a female artist is not insignificant,” Woods said in the release. “She writes her own music and controls a lot of the elements of her identity, her business and her brand. This is a mass cultural impact we are witnessing.”

Edwards spoke about how Swift has impacted trends in fan culture and fashion influence. Her Eras Tour changed the way ticket sales work for concerts and significantly impacted the economy of each city she performed in.

Edwards pointed out that when Swift speaks, an unprecedented number of people are listening. With her bedazzled mic and glittery boots, Swift’s got a platform millions pay attention to.

“It begs the larger question — does she affect a fundamental ideological worldview shift in people?” Edwards said.

Everyone from casual listener to full-time Swiftie can learn more about this icon and her cultural impact by enrolling in MUSC 1150 on Webadvisor.

A look into McLaughlin Library’s cooking collection highlights an artistic and delicious revelation

Microwaves have always fascinated me because of their hidden history. I always wanted to know where they came from and why they came to exist, but I never found a satisfying answer until now.

I was bored one day and wanted to check out McLaughlin Library’s cooking collection on the second floor. There I found a book aptly called Microwave Oven by Helen J. Van Zante. It had the answers to all of my questions about the microwave and more, which immediately made me fall in love with it.

But this is not a review of that book. Rather, this is an article about why microwave cooking

is, in fact, an art form. With the right skill, food prepared in a microwave can be just as tasty as food made in an oven. The issue with microwave recipes can come down to power level, as some recipes work best with low power, others with high power.

Also, cooking with a microwave requires consistent checks –every minute or so, the item needs to be rotated. This is because microwaves can never heat uniformly due to their design. Also, an important part of microwave cooking is respecting the standing time. This is the amount of time that food must stay out of the microwave untouched to continue the cooking process.

Considering all of this, you can see that recipes need to follow a specific structure when cooked in the microwave.

The microwave launched into the consumer market after studies showed its potential in food preparation. This led to a ton of cookbooks dedicated to mastering this new cookware.

When comparing these historic cookbooks to the modern day equivalent, the difference is quite stark. Earlier books had a lot of classical recipes with directions adapted to work with a microwave, like roasting a whole turkey or making sirloin steak.

Nowadays, the idea of cooking meat in a microwave probably

does not generate as much hype as it did back then.

These texts led to the development of a new way of cooking, which was soon introduced to the restaurant industry alongside a different kind of microwave developed specifically for their needs. This development of microwave cookery created a new and fascinating “genre” in cooking that aimed to make cooking less of a hassle.

Earlier cookbooks, which can be found on the microwave-dedicated shelf of the McLaughlin

Library cooking collection, were not just guides on becoming a microwave cook – they also served to explain why some things worked better or did not work at all with microwaves.

The microwave holds secrets locked away in its hidden history, so hidden in fact that a lot of the earlier studies have become hard to find. It isn’t just a quick way to heat up ramen – the microwave serves as an artistic form of cookery that captivated cooks, both athome and professional, during its infancy in the consumer market.

Taylor Swift is bejeweled on her career-spanning Eras Tour. ILLUSTRATION PROVIDED BY PAIGE STAMPATORI

AMIR BENKELAI

Guelph’s McLaughlin Library offers almost an entire shelf of books about microwave cooking. PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMIR BENKELAI

self-reflection over smooth and moody piano production. We got Halsey’s The Great Impersonator, a Y2K-inspired production with Halsey’s heartfelt lyrics describing motherhood amidst battling leukemia & lupus. Then, there were disappointments like Lil Uzi Vert’s underwhelming Eternal Atake 2

But one album especially stood out – Chromakopia, by Tyler, the Creator.

Tyler has proved his ability and talent throughout his career, setting himself as one of the most impressive artists in hip-hop. His first two albums, Bastard and Goblin, were edgy, outlandish, and over-the-top. Projects like Call Me If You Get Lost marked a new era of innovation and conceptualism. Now, Tyler’s eighth and most recent album explores themes of maturity, distrust, and fatherhood. On Chromakopia, Tyler transitions from his carefree, ambitious youth to him becoming a

logue, reminding him that his artistic creativity comes from within. Immediately after, the background vocals repetitively chant the title of the album. Along with marching sounds, we are introduced to Tyler’s new alter-ego, St. Chroma, who hides his paranoia behind a mask.

“Noid” unmasks this paranoia as St. Chroma begins to reveal his true self. The song is an amalgamation of Tyler’s public image as a celebrity and the constant harassment he faces from everyone because of his fame. He explains his hatred for paparazzi, saying, “No cameras out, please, I wanna eat in peace / Don't wanna take pictures with you.” Tyler is anxious as he feels he’s constantly being perceived. He’s triple-checking if he locked the door, scared of cars that drive by, and convinced his neighbours want him dead.

Across the album, Tyler strives to find his true self be-

pressing love to someone. Tyler describes not being able to focus on monogamous relationships as his mind keeps falling in love with someone else. Then, Tyler and his lover face an unexpected pregnancy on “Hey Jane.”

The song, which is named after New York City-based abortion services, depicts the vulnerable and anxious decision of whether to have this child. Tyler is hesitant about the new responsibility of being a father while his partner wonders whether to abort the child or raise it alone.

The album’s most vulnerable moments fixate on fatherhood. On “Like Him,” his mother compares Tyler to his dad. Despite his father’s absence, Tyler has still inherited his father’s physical and behavioral features. This aggravates him, and he anxiously wonders, “Do I look like him? / I don't look like him.” His father is a “ghost” who he’ll never know – the closest he could ever get is

career and start a family. He’s afraid to get old alone and knows his mother wants to be a grandmother – but he’s not sure if now’s the time to settle down. He ultimately procrastinates the decision, leaving it for “tomorrow.”

Chromakopia is further proof that Tyler’s career is worth paying attention to. On “Sticky,” he raps about success and self-worth along with featured artists GloRilla, Lil Wayne, and Sexyy Red. The repeated line, “Better find a mop, it’s gettin’ sticky,” suggests that things are going to go crazy and they’re ready for it. The album’s best track, in my opinion, similarly brags of Tyler’s success. “Rah Tah Tah” brings the heat – Tyler takes shots at P Diddy, refuses to drive a Hellcat because it “doesn’t cost enough,” and pays homage to Kendrick Lamar. It’s aggressive and explosively charged. The best part of this track is its iconic bars that only Tyler would say, for exam-

working himself out and finding his way through life. He’s distrustful, anxious, and trying to learn how to deal with fame, fortune, and family. Yet, on the album’s final track, “I Hope You Find Your Way Home,” Tyler gives listeners a bit of optimism and encourages them to find their own spiritual destination. The album seems to have a happy end. But Tyler is still figuring out his journey. The song ends with the same vocals as the first track, repeating “Chromakopia.” This creates an infinite loop of unresolved paranoia and fear that Tyler still hasn’t snapped out of. Chromakopia is vulnerable, mature, and well-produced – it’s worth putting on loop and listening to over and over.

RATING: 5 / 5

The track "Rah Tah Tah" is a standout on Tyler, The Creator's Chromakopia album. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

AI and arts programs

With the rise of bots like ChatGPT, arts courses are switching up their syllabuses

AMAZA PAYNE

Artificial Intelligence, (AI), is revolutionizing various fields, and the arts programs at the University of Guelph are no exception. While AI offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique challenges that are reshaping the educational landscape. One of the most noticeable changes is the resurgence of handwritten assignments. With the rise of AI tools capable of generating essays and other written content, professors are increasingly requiring students to submit handwritten work. This shift aims to ensure the authenticity of student submissions and to curb the misuse of AI in completing assignments. Students have expressed mixed feelings about this trend, as it presents both opportunities and challenges.

Some students believe that handwritten work is a way for them to better apply their knowl-

edge and engage more deeply with course material.

Rajiv Singh, a second-year psychology major, noted, "So far, I’ve had one written exam. I guess I was able to apply my knowledge much better, because personally, I wrote good answers.”

Writing exams by hand helps Singh learn the material differently. Handwritten work can allow for more deliberate thought and reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of the material and enabling students to produce well-considered responses.

However, the shift to handwritten work can feel like a temporary solution in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

“The thing is, there is no way to stop students from using AI, and it's growing so rapidly that eventually it's going to be impossible,” Singh added.

So, how can professors ensure students are maintaining their academic integrity and navigate the unstoppable growth of AI technologies?

The University of Guelph has introduced rigorous measures to detect AI-generated content in assignments, employing advanced software tools to identify patterns and anomalies that suggest AI involvement. These tools play a vital role in upholding academic integrity and ensuring students are assessed based on their own efforts. However, some students recognize the increasing sophistication of AI and its growing ability to replicate human writing.

Interestingly, it’s not just students who are leveraging AI – professors are also utilizing these tools to create and grade assignments. AI can streamline grading, provide quick feedback, and even generate

personalized learning materials, making it a valuable asset in education. However, this reliance on AI can lead to challenges, particularly when systems fail to grasp the nuances of complex or creative student responses, potentially resulting in unfair evaluations. Despite these concerns, some students acknowledge the value of AI when used on a smaller scale, such as assisting with brainstorming ideas or improving grammar. This dual perspective highlights the importance of balancing AI’s efficiency with the need for human oversight to ensure fairness, accuracy, and meaningful engagement in the learning process.

The rapid advancement of AI technology raises significant questions about the future of university education. As AI continues to evolve, it will likely become an integral part of the learning en-

vironment. However, universities must find a balance, harnessing AI’s benefits while mitigating its potential drawbacks. Robust policies and practices will be crucial to ensuring AI enhances rather than undermines the educational experience.

AI is profoundly impacting the arts programs at the University of Guelph. From a return to handwritten work to the need for rigorous screening of assignments, the influence of AI is evident.

As both students and professors navigate this new landscape, the focus must remain on maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that AI serves as a tool for enhancing education rather than compromising it.

While challenges exist, the thoughtful integration of AI could ultimately enrich the university experience for everyone involved.

Bringing together local writers and readers

Vocamus Writers Community aims to be a safe space for literary collaboration and inspiration

CARLOTA SOUSA

The local non-profit organization, Vocamus Writers Community, aims to encourage and support the people of Guelph and its surrounding areas in reading, writing and publishing. The organization holds free workshops and seminars on topics ranging from how to world build in stories, to tips on how to write in various genres.

Social events are held to bring together authors and readers to promote connection and communication. Writers’ groups take place to provide an enriching and safe space for writers and authors to talk about their projects and to share their opinions.

Vocamus Writers Community

also hosts the Guelph Book Bash Festival each year, which is an essential celebration of the hard work and efforts of the local literary community. The organization also has a focus on providing publishing resources to local authors through Vocamus Press, which publishes poetry, short prose, and literary fiction.

The director of communications at Vocamus Writers Community, Zandra Juarez, spoke with The Ontarion about what the organization offers and its role in the community.

“Vocamus in general promotes literacy in the Guelph-Wellington area [and] what we do, in order to create community, is we have

writing groups that meet about once a month. We are interested in encouraging writing regardless of your level [and] regardless of if you are published, or if you are just emerging,” said Juarez.

An integral part of Vocamus Writers Community are the free workshops that they offer to the public.

“Workshops are definitely working and help us create and expand the community [because] people get to see and know each other. Workshops help us have an idea of who is in the community, who is writing right now, and how to tailor the next set of workshops,” said Juarez.

“We had a workshop [and] the instructor was a filmmaker, so his workshop was on screenwriting. He took us through the differenc-

es between publishing a book and releasing a script.”

In addition to Vocamus Writers Community, Vocamus Press is another resource that writers have access to during their publishing journey.

“Vocamus Press is a small publisher that serves the area, especially authors of poetry, short prose [and] literary fiction. We also provide free consultations for authors and for someone who is just starting to think about publishing and has no clue where to start. Part of our mandate is to give guidance and orientation, [with] no obligation to publish with Vocamus,” said Juarez.

If you are interested in getting involved with Vocamus Writers Community, here are a few ways you can get started!

Vocamus Writers Community Workshops

These workshops are in collaboration with the Guelph Public Library (GPL) and will be taking place during the first three Sundays of February (Feb. 1, Feb. 8 and Feb. 15), in the afternoon at the GPL main branch.

"In Your Own Words," Vocamus' Literary Open Mic

The Literary Open Mic will be back Feb. 19 at the artBar (41 Quebec Street, Upper level) from 7 - 9 p.m. and sign up starts at 6:30 p.m. This event runs every five to six weeks and the 2025 upcoming dates are: April 2, May 14, June 25, July 30, Sep. 24, Oct. 29 and Dec. 3.

Writers' Retreat

The 2025 Vocamus Spring Writers' Retreat is on May 30 and June 1 at Crieff Hills Retreat in Puslinch.

For more updates and information on upcoming events, check Vocamus’ event calendar: vocamus.net/community/calendar. If you would like to sign up for Vocamus’ monthly newsletters, you can do so by sending an email to: vocamuswriterscommunity@gmail.com. You can also stay up to date through Vocamus’ Instagram @vocamus_writers_ community.

Undergraduate Research Assistantships (URAs)

Summer 2025

Why Should You Apply?

Full-time summer positions with supervision and mentorship from U of G faculty

Minimum salary of $10,020

150 positions available for d domestic students (URAs) with demonstrated financial need

8 positions available for i international students (ISURAs); financial need is not a requirement

January 27 February 24 February 21

Important Dates

Positions posted on Experience Guelph

Deadline for domestic students to submit the URA Financial Need Assessment Form

Deadline for all students to apply for positions

Scan the QR code to view eligibility criteria and application instructions, or visit uoguel.ph/ura or uoguel.ph/isura

Vocamus Writers Community provides a valuable space for local writers, authors and readers to share their literary work, knowledge and passion.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

A personal experience of building emotional resilience through tattoos

The

experience of receiving

permanent art may create lasting emotional lessons

AMELIA BAJOR

Within a few days, the initial pain of a tattoo goes from a sting to a slight burn, then to an ache and an itch, to a shed, to another itch, and finally the hurt is gone. Pain is temporary, but the art and knowledge of my resilience lasts forever.

I remember being told that it could quickly become an obsession once I started collecting tattoos and I entirely agree. I am obsessed with being stronger than the pain and I take pride in my ability to sit in the chair for multiple hours and get scratched by what feels like a very angry and precise cat. By putting myself in physically uncomfortable situations and learning how to self-soothe during them, tattoos have helped me build a tolerance to physical and emotional pain. Each tattoo is a reminder of my ability to step outside of my comfort zone and be okay.

When I was young, I was a drama queen, a title given to me by my mother. Everything that hurt, hurt so bad. A stubbed toe would have me rolling on the floor and a scraped knee would have me begging to go to the hospital. An unrequited crush would have me questioning my entire existence.

During my teenage years, my mother said, “Not everything needs a huge reaction all the time.” As a 16-year-old that was feeling all kinds of growing pains that I didn’t know how to explain,

this was not helpful to hear. In fact, it made me feel worse about feeling so strongly. I know now that my dear mom had no malintent, instead, my younger self had selective hearing; I held on to how someone’s words made me feel, rather than ensuring I understood what they meant. I caused myself a lot of pain by thinking that every tidbit of wisdom was a jab at who I was as a person and something I needed to fix.

When sitting under the needle, my goal was to react to the pain as little as possible and to breathe myself through the tough moments. I know that when I am hurting (emotionally or physically), I don’t need to dwell or question why, I can filter through the thoughts with each breath, as I soothe myself through each stroke of the needle.

I learned that sometimes sitting still is a rewarding way to handle pain. I think about it like this: if I were to wiggle in the chair moaning and groaning about how much the needle hurt, I would focus on the pain, which would only enhance the feeling. I would distract the artist and make the whole experience more difficult. On the other hand, sitting there, slowly comforting myself, breathing into the hurt, the experience becomes more of a hypnotic journey than a gruesome process.

Each tattoo I have (18 total) has been an opportunity to sit with discomfort and talk myself through it. I have brought these practices into my life by being tender with myself through times of emotional and physical pain. I allow myself to sit with my feelings and give myself the time and space I need to take care of myself. I take the time to moisturize my wounds. The tattoo experience reminds me that with each new day, the pain I feel will slowly (but surely) subside, and I will become stronger.

2025 is going to be a big year for movie watchers and video game players. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS/PAIGE STAMPATORI

New video game and movie releases in 2025

It’s going to be a big year for visual and cinematic media

HANNAH DICKHOFF

Grab your popcorn and candy, because 2025 will be bringing some highly anticipated flicks to the big screen!

Movies

Marvel is stepping it up in 2025, with new films like Thunderbolts, Captain America: Brave New World, and Fantastic Four: First Steps. They’ll be bringing back some fan-favourite characters and introducing new ones, and fans cannot wait. DC’s famous hero Superman will be getting a rebooted origin story, starring David Corenswet.

2025 will also bring a phenomenal lineup of horror films. 28 Years Later will be the third installment of the “28 Days Later” series, Thread: An Insidious Tale will be the sixth installment of the “Insidious” series, and Saw XI will be the eleventh installment of the “Saw” franchise. The Black Phone (2020) and Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) will both receive 2025 sequels, with The Black Phone 2 expected to be released in October and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 in December!

Many other famous series will be receiving new installments in 2025 as well. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Karate Kid: Legends, and Jurassic World: Rebirth will all hit theatres in 2025. A new Avatar film titled Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to release in December, is a highly anticipated work due to the widespread success of the previous Avatar films.

Many new family movies are sure to entertain next year, with a lineup of films including Zootopia 2, A Minecraft Movie, The Smurfs Movie, and Paddington in Peru. More live-action remakes of classic Disney films are ready to hit the theatres next year, including Snow White, Lilo and Stitch, and How to Train Your Dragon

Rom-com fans can rejoice in the release of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, another story surrounding the beloved character Bridget Jones.

After the success of musical biopics such as Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), Rocketman (2019), and Elvis (2022), the excitement for the 2025 Michael Jackson film, Michael, is high! Such is the excitement for the film F1 as well, which will star Brad Pitt as a Formula 1 driver.

Other highly anticipated projects for next year include Wolf Man, You’re Cordially Invited, Love Hurts, Sinners, Mickey 17, Ballerina, Frankenstein, Predator: Badlands, Now You See Me 3, and many more!

Video games

Beloved franchises will be releasing new installments, such as Doom: The Dark

Ages, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Dynasty Warriors: Origins, Mafia: The Old Country, and Little Nightmares III. The critically acclaimed action-adventure game Ghost of Tsushima (2020) will be receiving a highly anticipated sequel, Ghost of Yōtei, in 2025. It will centre on a female warrior and will be set 329 years after the original game. Capcom will release Monster Hunter Wilds in February, a third-person action role-playing game.

Other anticipated action games include Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Avowed, Atomfall, Borderlands 4, Fable, and Hell Is Us. The Nintendo Switch console will receive Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the newest addition to the “Metroid Prime” action-adventure series. Fans of the 2018 survival game Subnautica and its sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero (2021) will enjoy the third installment, Subnautica 2, releasing next year. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is another highly anticipated work, the long-awaited sequel to Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines (2004). Judas will be another new title, already generating interest from fans of Bioshock (2007) and System Shock 2 (1999), since Ken Levine, a large contributor to the creation of both, will be the developer. A few more new 2025 titles include Civilization VII, South of Midnight, Dune: Awakening, ARC Raiders, and Crimson Desert

Finally, what many are calling the most anticipated video game ever, Grand Theft Auto VI is said to be releasing in Fall 2025, 12 years after its predecessor. No wonder it’s causing so much excitement! In addition to these game titles, many new DLCs (downloadable content) will be available next year. This includes the “Enchantment Under the Sea” DLC for Atomic Heart (2023), “The Watcher” DLC for Rain World (2017), “The Beast” DLC for Dying Light 2 (2022), and more.

Overall, 2025 is looking to be a huge year for video games, expanding upon popular franchises and introducing brandnew ones!

A taste of culinary creativity in Guelph

The Ontarion explores the art of the table

EMMERSON JULL

Although food has inspired centuries of great artists, it has largely been overlooked as an art form itself. Famous artworks, like Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruit (1595), Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup Cans (1962), and even Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (1498), reflect the pronounced impact of food on human culture. It is high time to appreciate the artistic potential hiding in our refrigerators and supermarket shelves.

What separates satisfactory food from a show stopping meal is similar to the boundaries between a good painting and a great one. Of course, we judge art according to our personal preferences. The mastery of technical elements, like line and colour, are certainly important. Beyond aesthetics, art requires a certain je ne sais quois to resonate with the person experiencing the artwork. So, what does it mean to make art with food?

For April Brockman, the cake designer behind @guelphcakes on Instagram, art is found in the tiny, edible details. Her cakes follow the Lambeth cake decorating method, a style of “over-piping” cakes popularized in England in the early 20th century. Brockman combines precise piping techniques, vibrant colors, and fun decorations to craft memorable, picture-perfect cakes.

Humans tend to embrace art in their most tender moments. The same has been true for Brockman’s cakes, which have been enjoyed at weddings and ordered by people undergoing cancer treatments. And, as a busy mother of two, Brockman has enjoyed cake decorating as a

“therapeutic outlet” that meshes well with her current “chapter of motherhood,” she explained.

“When my babies went down to sleep at night, I would just go into the kitchen and start baking,” said Brockman. “I just get into this flow state that everybody talks about. It’s just so funny that I found it in baking.”

Maybe the experience of food is what makes it artful. Experience is at the core of gastronomy, or the study of how food and culture are interrelated. People and food change each other: what we eat is shaped by location, heritage, and traditions. Besides, food is a uniquely embodied medium—it is perhaps the only form of art to interact with our bodies on a cellular level.

Now, the dining experience has become just as vital as the food itself. This is most obvious at Le Petit Chef, a downtown Guelph restaurant that promises diners an “immersive culinary journey”. The restaurant employs 3D mapping technology to project a tiny chef onto tables. Guests can watch as the chef prepares their food in a 90-minute theatrical show, reflected in the extravagant price of $129.99 per adult (plus gratuity).

Crafting a fun, accessible food experience is also important to PJ’s Restaurant, located within the School of Hospitality, Food & Tourism Management at Lang. PJ’s is run by students enrolled in HTM*3090—Restaurant Operations. According to Monika Kruszka, PJ’s Executive Chef and Restaurant Manager, the course

offers students creative freedom to choose themes and design their menus.

Notable themes this year have included nods to Home Alone, an assortment of international street food, and an “Apres Ski Lunch” to close out the semester. Decor is also used to tie the restaurant’s atmosphere to the menu items. While

the students are fond of pop culture references, Kruszka is inspired by seasonal flavours and themes. She also calls attention to cooking being a process of creation and transformation.

“Cooking is definitely a very creative outlet,” she explained. “You see the same ingredients used over and over again in certain dishes,

but how they're prepared and executed can definitely change the entire dish.”

More than any other art medium, food is an all-encompassing experience, from dining to digesting. If art is primarily a method to say something about ourselves to the rest of the world, I think we should start seeing food in the same way.

Brockman combines precise piping techniques, vibrant colors, and fun decorations to craft memorable, picture-perfect cakes. PHOTO PROVIDED BY APRIL BROCKMAN

Brockman's artistic cakes are available for a variety of occasions, from birthdays to engagements and baby showers. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY APRIL BROCKMAN

Local indie post-punk band electrifies Sonic Hall

Red Output’s most popular song “The Sunday Rose Bar” has over 100,000 streams on Spotify

MARKUS MADILL

In a crowded venue, excitement filled the air, and anticipation grew with every passing minute.

The headlining band that most of the spectators in the Sonic Hall came to see were about to take the stage.

Opening bands, Cole Claire and Identity Soup had done well to get the venue comprised of mostly rambunctious college kids going.

Red Output, a four-piece indie-rock band formed in Kitchener, were the main attraction.

Since their first release in 2020, they’ve cultivated an extremely passionate following in the Tri-Cities and Guelph area.

Red Output takes inspiration from bands such as The Strokes, and Fontaines D.C. They mesh together their own style of post-punk with

some more psychedelic elements to create a truly unique type of rock music.

Their previous show on Nov.16 at Sonic Hall was an excellent allaround experience at a reasonable price.

Red Output all but brought the house down despite not having their usual drummer. In particular, Brent Watts, the lead guitarist, pulled absolutely no punches in his performance. Watts entered the stage wearing a pair of women’s lace underwear around his face and wore a tattered jacket that had “The Love Suit” painted on the back in white paint.

While playing music Watts was fully focused on his own performance. He would on occasion interact with Ryan O’Donnell, the lead singer, or the crowd, but most of the time he was simply doing his part. Watts got very physically involved while playing, sometimes thrusting and twisting his body around to such a degree it’s incredible he can still manage to play his guitar.

The band tends to play their live songs at a faster tempo than they do on the recorded versions. For example, their most popular song “The Sunday Rose Bar”, which eclipsed 100,000 streams on Spotify in November, transformed into an entirely different version. This only increased the energy

at Sonic Hall, as the medium-paced songs became bangers, and bangers got the entire crowd moving. Red Output also performed a few unreleased songs that they’re teasing will come out in the future, which is always a fun cherry on top to a concert.

Two of the four members of the band currently attend the University of Guelph. O’Donnell, the lead vocalist and guitarist, is the lead singer on most of the band’s songs. Watts, the lead guitarist, who on occasion also acts as the lead vocalist (such as on their most recent release, “Varnish”) also attends U of G.

Despite being the two leads, it would be foolish to say theyare the two most important parts.

Thomas Beech, the bassist, also sings in their live shows. Chandler Feltmate, their usual drummer, is excellent at what he does, and it would be a great injustice to not

mention him as well.

The four as a group are a funky, post-punky, groovy, welloiled machine. The band is slowly teasing their first full-length LP. The first two singles, “Rafters” and “Varnish”, have both been released already. If these two songs are any indication, they’re heavily leaning into the more funky aspects of their sound.

“Rafters” sung by O’Donnell, comes out of the gate at a breakneck pace, it gets the adrenaline pumping and your foot tapping in the first five seconds of its run-time.

The song then goes for the kill with a loud, bombastic thrill ride approximately two minutes into the track, before calming down and leaving some smooth guitar and drums to fill your ear for the remaining fifty seconds of the track.

“Rafters” deservedly eclipsed the 30,000 stream mark on Spotify in November, the day after “The

Sunday Rose Bar” reached its own streaming milestone. “Varnish” is an entirely different cup of tea, with Brent performing as the lead vocalist on the track.

The track starts with a guitar riff that raises a sense of anxiety and dread in the listener. It then transforms into a mix of feelings, as the band attempts to capture the feeling of attempting to authentically live and love as oneself. It's likely the band’s most traditionally postpunk venture to date, while still maintaining the punch, and grooviness the band is known for.

For those who wish to listen to Red Output themselves, they can be found on Spotify and Apple Music. There you can find songs such as “Rafters” and “Varnish”, as well as the rest of their discography. If you are interested in witnessing Red Output perform live, they post when and where they are performing on their Instagram, @redoutput.

Red Output released their first song in 2020. PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEFANO (HOMETOWN SHOOTER)

Follow the band @redoutput on Instagram for more. PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEFANO (HOMETOWN SHOOTER)

Modern quilting, classic heart: A guild that’s far from old-fashioned

How The Royal City Quilters’ Guild balances artistry and community

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY ELLIE PETRAK

The Royal City Quilters’ Guild is an organization that brings together quilting enthusiasts to share their passion for creativity while fostering connections and giving back to the Guelph community.

They host a monthly guild meeting virtually. These meetings include guest speakers, a space for members to share their work with everyone and “quilt whispering” where members can turn to each other for advice when working on projects. They also host a variety of virtual workshops throughout the year that are always new and different, catering to a wide range of different interests and quilting styles.

When the pandemic began, the guild pivoted to the Zoom format immediately and didn’t miss a single meeting. At a time when people were told to stay at home, especially the older demographic, the guild provided a social space online that allowed members to stay connected.

Their virtual format has proved to be beneficial in many ways. It opened up opportunities for speakers from all over North America to attend. They’ve been able to connect with people who are remote or housebound. Members can follow along with the high-quality workshops from the comfort of their own homes with the convenience of having all of their supplies handy.

With a very vibrant outreach program, the guild is committed to giving back to the community. Impactful programs include their Quilts of Valour initiative which provides quilts for veterans and active military personnel who have been injured or wounded in combat.

They also have the Home for Good program, where they have provided a quilt for every single bed in the three permanent housing units that have opened in Guelph.

“Our community outreach is a draw for a lot of people; they like to support their community with their craft. Homelessness is a huge problem, and what we heard over and over again from the people who participated in our outreach program was that it

was so gratifying to be able to contribute, even though it's a small part, to make the tenants at these new facilities feel like they were a welcome part of the community,” said former Guild president, Becky Fiedler.

In the past year, they have donated over 250 quilts to a variety of causes.

“It’s a good group of people who are like-minded; we all enjoy the same thing, and what I learn from them is incredible. People are so generous with their skills and knowledge that they want to share,” said Current Guild president, Cindy Kinnon.

Far from the outdated stereotype of quilting as a solitary or old-fashioned pastime, the guild embraces cutting-edge technology. Members use sophisticated quilt design software and computer-driven sewing machines. This integration of tradition and innovation attracts both seasoned quilters and newcomers.

“My sewing machine has tens of thousands of lines of code on it. It’s incredible what these machines can do now,” says Fiedler.

Being conscious of the fact that local members like to gather in person from time to time, they host “Sew Days” both virtually and in person throughout the year. This is where people can come, sew, support community outreach or work on their own projects, all while receiving that social interaction that comes with in-person meetings.

Some of these Sew Days include small presentations by members. These presentations range from sharing knowledge about making bags, handbags and purses, to information about the judging process in a quilt show.

They also recently hosted a quilting retreat. Spanning five days, the retreat allowed participants to focus on their projects, sewing from morning until late at night. Activities included midnight madness, pyjama day, puzzles, and trips to nearby quilt shops.

Once a year they host a celebration of International Quilting Day in March. Collaborating with the York Heritage Guild in Toronto, and the Waterloo Coun-

ty Quilters Guild, they had 450 people attend. The all-day event is complete with a virtual quilt show, famous speakers, vendors and door prizes.

On May 15, the guild will also be participating in a fibre arts show called WEFTFest near St. Jacobs. This multi-day event will feature quilts on display, guilds showcasing their work, and a market where attendees can purchase items. The Quilt of Belonging, a 120-foot piece symbolizing Canada’s rich diversity with contributions from every country in the world, will also be on exhibit.

The 45$ annual Membership fees serve as their primary revenue source, funding essentials such as storage, insurance, and speaker fees. The guild also maintains an online store, where donations are welcome. These contributions support the outreach initiatives, supporting costs for materials like fabric backings and batting.

The membership includes all virtual quilt guild meetings and sew days, granting access to nationally recognized teachers, special interest group meetings, in-person events, their extensive library and even International Quilting Day. The only additional costs are for workshops and retreats, which operate on a revenue-neutral basis—participants simply cover the cost of the instructor.

If you want to attend a meeting as a guest and see how they run, there is a $10 fee that can be waived from the membership fee if you later decide to purchase one.

“Quilters always welcome people with open arms, willing to answer any questions. You don't have to be a skilled quilter to join our guild,” says Kinnon

The Royal City Quilters’ Guild has transformed into a vibrant and inclusive community that unites quilting enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared passion for creativity.

Be sure to visit their website royalcityquiltersguild.ca for more information on their events and how to get involved.

A variety of quilts made by the Royal City Quilters' Guild.

photography submi S sions

Brian Waugh

Suvi Coulson

Manny Brinton Distorted Perception 2024

Sophia Marcon

Chideberem Nosiri

First Born oil on canvas board, 2024

Cluster oil on wood panel, 2023

You Used to be Kind oil on canvas, 2024

Cyanotype

Suvi Coulson

Kaitlyn Feaver

Manny Brinton

Morgyn Roberts

Chideberem Nosiri

Martine Mendoza-Boyd

Magical Bleu acrylic and spray painting, 2023

Nebula oil and spray painting, 2024

acrylic and spray

visual art submi S sions

Lais Beckett

Riya Vaid

Killer Instinct spray painting, 2023

Tika charcoal and pencil, 2022

Bougainvilleas acrylic, 2021

Untitled acrylic, 2024

Lake Como Study acrylic, 2022

Blender 3D

Carter Caron

Drowning oil on panel, 2024

POETRY

BY ABENA DANKYI

march ‘21

I say, “I’m tired.”

And you say, “me too”

If only you knew

What goes through my head

When I say, “I’m tired”.

-Tawiah

dark clouds

Even as she tries to hide

It still follows her wherever she goes

She tries to let it go

But still, it remains

Sticking out like a sore thumb

Trying to outshine her glory

She can’t even show off her beautiful gradient

Without it shadows lurking in the background

She tries to fight it off But in the blink of an eye

She’s overshadowed.

-Tawiah

the unseen battle: living with pcos

Never expected to see you

Never hoped for you to visit

Never wanted you to stay

But there you were.

Nothing I could do to keep you from staying

No matter what I said

You refused to leave Clutching onto me

Like I was your last hope of survival

Didn’t ask you to break me

But you went right on And decided to rip me apart. I never wanted you to stay In fact I never needed you around me

But you waltzed right in And took all the seats In a room I cherish

I tried to make you leave But you still remained with me tainting my happy moments

You broke me down And made me regret Being alive

Being brought into this world

Everyday I tried to accept you

But no matter what I did I could never forget how you violated me

You gathered your minions to torment me

To make me feel ashamed Of who I was

You broke down my self esteem

No matter how many times I tried to feel good about myself

You were always there to remind me

“You’re a failure”

Maybe it never worked

Because I never truly accepted you

But now I’m willing to accept you

For who you are

In your raw state

I’m just going to begin with this

“Hi, nice to meet you.”

-Tawiah

written submiSsions

KATHERINE PIERCE

BY PATRICIA VON HOLSTEIN-RATHLOU

There was once a young woman, with crimson hair and bleached blue eyes, brave, and strong. She was a respected role model for her community, married to James, a prominent merchant, lived in a comfortable dwelling, and she could even afford a servant. Following all the laws of their “godly society” as a devout worshipper in the Presbyterian Kirk, she was loved by all.

Nevertheless, Katherine was a witch. And being a witch in seventeenth century Scotland was a very dangerous thing.

Early modern Europe, especially Scotland appeared to be teeming with witches. Found mostly in small villages and hamlets, they didn't seem to materialize in the Western Highlands. Possibly, these areas were too isolated, and it wasn't easy to put a coven together. Nonetheless, small communities, like Katherine's village, attracted witches. Katherine had been part of her coven for over ten years. She had danced naked in the woods with Isobel, Margaret and Lucifer, who looked a lot like the local magistrate. When it had been her turn to fornicate in the forest with the Devil, she realized he a wore a mask and his cloven feet were only boots.

Of course, the Devil’s seed gave Katherine her power, beauty, and high social status. With financial security, and her extensive knowledge of herbs and medicines, she became the town healer. Her potions eased aches, pains, infections, fevers and sometimes broken bones.

At the age of 34, Katherine, had two healthy children, even though in the seventeenth century, there was a high infant mortality rate. Many children didn't survive to their teens.

Katherine was unaware she would be accused of witchcraft after assisting at the birth of an under-weight colic baby, Mary Campbell. The baby coughed for months, and Katherine was accused of casting a spell, by the jealous mother.

Yet Mary would have a cough all her life, dying at the ripe old age of fifty-two. However, Katherine would never know since she would be dead within the month.

Once a person was accused of witchcraft, torture, confession, and a trial followed. The execution was inevitable, as it was for Katherine. One of the popular forms of torture was to gradually place over 300 pounds of iron bars across the shins of the accused. To stop the agony, they always confessed, as did Katherine.

On April 29th,1662, Katherine Pierce and four other witches were hung from the gibbet in the town square till dead, their bodies burnt to ash and their ashes dumped into a deep pit.

The day before Katherine’s execution, James Pierce had scooped up their children and gone to Paisley and became a prominent printer.

Nevertheless, Katherine had not planned to leave this earth quietly; she would make them all pay. The night before the soldiers came, she dumped her large sack of St. Anthony’s Fire into the town's only well. Healers of the seventeenth century knew that the fungus “ergot” which they called St. Anthony’s Fire, scrapped off rye, had medicinal proprieties. Within 10 minutes of ingesting this fungus your throbbing migraine would disappear; however too much would cause numbness, hallucinations, spasms, and death.

Katherine's village disappeared from any map in less then a year after Katherine’s execution. As the weakest villagers started to fill the graveyard, the rest of the citizens fled from Katherine’s Curse.

There was once a brilliant witch, with crimson hair and bleached blue eyes who died in Scotland in 1662. Katherine was not the last of her kind.

AN ODE TO PINK WHITNEY BY

ANDREEA BURLACU

I hate you

You’re proof looks can be deceiving

That pretty pink elixir

A strawberry lemonade mixer

Sweet upon my lips, sour as I sip

I loathe you

You taste like Minute Maid meets an acid spill

I would rather have straight up vodka

People say you’re for lightweight girls

But you taste like a chemical burn

VARIOUS PIECES BY

BECCA PALM

My Father’s Father’s Ghost

Wish I could meet my grandpa—

Or my father’s father’s ghost

But we bent to time’s cruel claw

Before a memory treasured most

Or my father’s father’s ghost

Is here within my hands, Before a memory treasured most

In careful charcoal plans

Is here within my hands

A man of winter tales?

In careful charcoal plans

And whispered through the trails

A man of winter tales

Called to me from the snow

And whispered through the trails Of dances long and slow

In careful charcoal plans,

A memory treasured most Is here within my hands

My father’s father’s ghost?

If I Found the Fountain of Youth

If I found the fountain of youth

I’d thieve a tiny sip, Not to raze half-truths or wrinkles, but Enough to take a trip.

To a child with eyes wider than soul

Dreaming of the corner store, A twin in the window and a telephone pole And coins rattling on the floor.

I would savour the groan of the swing Marauder the neighbourhood, On my roller skates, with pink string Finding treasures that I could.

A drop I’d gift to my brother, Callouses fragile on time’s hands

That little boy and my mother

Together in arms in the slipping sands.

I would tell him watch the bag

Before that someone stole

A blue pack with no price tag Lost in memories of old.

Bottle of youth in my pocket Goes on a whim to the dirt, Buried deep like a locket Where Mother’s flowers bloom and flirt.

Oh, it’s etched with my crimes under sweet Venus’ light.

How else could I write? Not on glass, not on skin. Under sweet Venus’ light with the prick of a pin. Not on glass, not on skin will my anger remain. With the prick of a pin, a blue vein, and bloodstain.

Will my anger remain on the shelf out of reach? Blue vein and bloodstain, cloth and soap is my leech.

On the shelf out of reach are my mother’s old pearls. Cloth and soap is my leech, rageful knife to my curls.

I wish I could write that “I’m mad oftentimes,” relish in the goodnight to my dollars and dimes.

POETRY BY MARTINE MENDOZA-BOYD

Field Song We, who bleed green Don’t ask for much.

My face, for you To step, The length of me, An offering — To cover, shield, Protect.

I speak In foreign Tongues Like dandelions. You answer back with the blade.

My smile remains, Sadistic like daisies, White, like Teeth.

Like a dog, I am bound To you — By the Language of My veins — To be none Other than Exactly What I am To you, For you.

Come to me and rest, Your day has been long.

But I’m dancing

I soak you up like a Scrub Mommy

I hear it, the spirit of the Lorde is in me

I’ve never felt like this before Now I’m the life of the party

And I love you

As they drag me to the door

As they hold my hair on the bathroom floor

I think of your hot-pink allure And I keep coming back for more.

Then I made lemonade with Dad, And I drank it up and smiled Growing as I once had, For nothing can last forever Especially a child.

I’m Mad Oftentimes I don’t write when I’m mad, but I’m mad oftentimes. And the back of my notepad, oh, it’s etched with my crimes.

But I’m mad oftentimes— how else could I write?

How to be a perennial? How to maintain a chrysanthemum smile, when getting out of bed feels like forty flights down? How to be a perennial, when sunlight is an ephemeral sound?

I watch the colours change from green to brown outside, and the sky lose it’s shape from under furrowed brows. And how to stop the milk from going sour?

I fight the grey. fight the lack of moss. I fight fighting. I turn fire into fog, into a limp.

Sparking opportunities for visual art students on campus

Why shows at Zavitz Gallery are invaluable

MARTIN LIMA PEREZ

The Zavitz Gallery is a ‘one of a kind’ exhibition center in the School of Fine Arts and Music for Undergraduate and Graduate art students that provides students with unique opportunities.

Located in Zavitz Hall, room 210, it is enchanted by its surrounding creaky wooden hallways and charming white walls. As a gallery space and learning tool for talented U of G artists through fall

and winter semesters, every week there is an exciting new exhibit.

John Kissick, the Zavitz Gallery coordinator, emphasizes the underlying significance of this on-campus exhibition.

“This is the one venue where the general public actually has an opportunity to see the work that's going on in the studios of our students,” he said.

The application process to

have your artwork shown is by no means as simple as scratching a lottery ticket. The competition for the gallery is intense and highly selective.

“We look at the quality of the work. Students are expected to submit images of work that they're proposing to exhibit along with an exhibition proposal,” he said.

Kissick, alongside Angeline Gomes, manages incoming applications for the gallery.

“So unless people are doing two or three-person shows, that means there's not a whole lot of spaces that are available for students,” Kissick said.

Elisa Glugosh, a fourth-year majoring in Studio Arts, epitomizes the hardworking talented U of G students displayed weekly at the Zavitz Gallery. Her collection of works, Reproduction of Reality, featured earlier this fall dissects the realities of dreams and REM sleep.

“I really wanted to create a space where someone can walk into and experience it through their ears, eyes, and hands,” she said.

Inspired by personal sleep

issues, Glugosh intuitively captures incredibly perceptive experiences through the use of sound and lights emitted from box TVs, alongside projected photography.

The significance of having a solo show in the Zavitz Gallery is monumental for U of G students. The gallery offers hurling recognition that propels students through the professional world.

“It does prepare me for when I graduate, like in the art world, having to apply to other galleries outside of the school and it gives me that experience,” said Glugosh.

The gallery runs on the same time tracks as the university’s 12week semester schedules. Application windows are open for the first few weeks of March to be featured in the fall semester, and for the last few weeks of November to be featured in the winter semester.

Glugosh, having gotten a couple of rejections before being featured, emphasizes to any hesitant art students that they should “just apply, even if you don't think you know what you're doing”. According to Glugosh, artistic freedom in the Zavitz Gallery is in-

finite as long as there's “no fire.”

Entirely free and open MonFri from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., it is highly encouraged for U of G members to support the future Picasso’s the University has to offer. You'll witness talented U of G artists making “lit” exhibitions, one solo at a time.

W25 SCHEDULE

January 6 - 10: Avery McKay and Jaida Strand

January 13 - 17: Sage Mckenna & Manny Brinton

January 20 - 24: Fine Arts Network Exhibition

January 27 - 31: Tory Osler, Chelsea Moore & Tuesday Troop

February 3 - 7: Katayoun Jamnani & Alyssa Dupuis

February 10 - 14: Laura Vanderhorst & Ana Sophia Elizodo

February 17 - 21: Callum Hunter

February 24 - 28: Bella Lànci and Jillian Fredrick

March 3 - 7: Christian Giroux Capstone Course

March 10 - 14: Dylan Cullen & Wendy Bishop

March 17 - 21: Juried Art Show

Top 10

March 24 - 28: Nestor Kruger Capstone Class

March 31 - April 4 Andi Syme

Reproduction of Reality by Elisa Glugosh on exhibit in the Zavitz Gallery. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELISA GLUGOSH

The Zavitz Hall Building is located across from the University Centre on the north side. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOPHIA MARCON

Serving face in 2025

The 2000s revival has been upon us for a while and isn’t going anywhere

MAIA GALLETTA

In a world where digital cameras are cool again and low rise jeans are making a comeback, it was only a matter of time before the beauty trends of the 2000s made their way back into our makeup bags again. From frosted gloss to thin brows, 2025 might just be the year of the Y2K makeup comeback! Here are four 2000s beauty trends that might just be making a revival this new year.

Shimmery Eyeshadow

Shimmery and dewy eyeshadow was a hallmark of the 2000s, and it may be back with a vengeance. As seen on many of the celebrities in the Hollywood scene, including icon Britney Spears, these bold and glimmery shades were a quintessential part of this era’s makeup scene. The more modern version of this trend embraces these nostalgic colours

but in a more subtle and toneddown way, perfect for a night out!

Glowy Skin

While this has already been brought back and been a major trend for the past couple of years, the dewy and glowy skin look is a 00s trend that is here to stay. To achieve this shimmery skin look, dewy skin tints are your best friend. A skin tint will give your complexion that illuminated and hydrated look and feel, allowing for that renowned 2000s glow, as seen on J Lo!

Thin Brows

While bushy feathery brows have been the brow revolution of the 2020s, skinny brows are slowly making their way back into the beauty scene. This sharp, sleek and thin brow notoriously seen

on pop culture icons such as Pamela Anderson, is now being seen on the hottest celebrities and influencers of today. So grab a pair of tweezers and let your 00s brow dreams come true!

Frosted Lip

The frosted lip is an essential addition to complete any 2000s makeup look, as seen in many of

Christina Aguleira’s Y2K looks. These pale and icy lip glosses are being reintroduced by Gen Z’s who are embracing this nostalgia in their beauty routines. Soft shades of pink, beige and nude are taking cent\re stage and are becoming widely used lip colours for fun and playful 00’s makeup looks.

There you have it, the key steps to achieving the perfect

2000s look but with a contemporary twist ! As we look ahead to 2025 and as the styles of the decades recycle, there’s no denying that makeup trends today have taken influence from the icons of the 2000s. From frosty lips to shimmery eyes, these concepts can be reimagined and adapted to modern makeup to create those playful and experimental looks that the 2000’s truly embodied!

Sparkly shadows and razor-thin brows, anyone? PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOPHIA MARCON

Building a sanctuary in your living space

Using the art of interior design to build your best room on a budget

TALIA NICHOLLS

As the new year rolls in, it is normal to be tired of the same routine and surroundings. New year, new me, new room! Whether you are a social butterfly or a homebody, everyone deserves a bedroom sanctuary, but for students, breaking the bank is not ideal. Here are some budget friendly ideas to revamp your bedroom and create that cozy and welcoming feel!

Begin With a Clean

Before resorting to new items, give your room a good deep clean. This can instantly transform a bedroom into a refreshed area and may give you the space to get inspiration. Make sure to go through your closet, clean under furniture and wash all of your towels and linens. All dirt must be out the door before anything new can come in.

New Lighting

Create picture perfect lighting and experiment with different light sources

around the room. Ditch the bright overhead and swap it for a lamp, some fairy lights or even the flame of a candle to give the space a warm glow. Channel coloured LEDs to reflect different moods and create an area that you feel personally connected to. Tailor your bedroom into the perfect place for studying, talking with friends, or going to bed. Bring new dynamics and find your comfiest lighting to maximize the stay at home experience.

Personalized Wall Art

A picture is worth a thousand words, so allow your walls to write your story. Hang up photos of your best memories with friends, family, pets and more! Give your room the dorm like feeling and bring comfort to your space, reflecting your favourite parts of life. You can find pictures to print from apps like Pinterest or Instagram, which have a huge variety of choices. Find pictures and posters that fit your fancy and decorate your walls to reflect specific aesthetics and colour themes.

Head Out Thrifting

Thrift shops are treasure troves for eclectic items that fit any style! It is the best strategy to find decor pieces without breaking the bank and while shopping sustainably. Find your favourite second hand shop, put on your headphones and browse through the home section. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you can find on the shelves. Stick with your style or broaden your palate, as this is a budget friendly way to execute new inspiration. Thrifting allows pieces that would have never been found in the mall to be rediscovered.

Light the Candles

One of the best ways to revive a room is by adding elements of your favourite scents. Whether this is candles or incense sticks, a combination of pleasant scents will instantly relax you and refresh the bedroom. Pick a smell that feels like home and utilise it to create that cozy sanctuary. The way a perfume or cologne makes us smell divine, your room deserves the same treatment.

DIY Projects

After cleaning out your room, it is almost guaranteed that you will find items that have not seen the light of day in years. Before tossing them in the trash, evaluate and see if inspiration can be drawn for DIY projects! Turn an old jar into a flower vase, or lost containers into storage bins. Instead of opening your wallet, open drawers and discover what can be restyled to fit your new space. Personal touches like this will allow your room to be unique to you.

Creating natural beauty with Kira Alexanian

The U of G alum spoke with The Ontarion about their work

Kira Alexanian is a local mixed media artist and a 2023 alumna of U of G’s Studio Arts program. Alexanian’s artwork includes both abstract and representational pieces. Her work often depicts natural elements such as trees and roots, but it is not limited to any one subject or form.

What all of her art has in common is an attention to colour and composition, creating beautiful and texturally pleasing pieces.

Nature forms the main inspiration for Alexanian’s artwork.

“When I’m not sure what I want to portray, landscapes are always something I can fall back on,” she said. “There’s so much opportunity to develop atmosphere and narrative in a landscape piece.”

Alexanian has been a lover of visual art for as long as she can remember, and she is passionate about expressing her creative side.

She appreciates the artistic opportunities that mixed media provides.

“I love to paint and draw, but I also

find fulfillment in working with textiles and sculpture. Mixed media allows me to combine mediums in an endless assortment of ways,” Alexanian explained.

Alexanian’s prior work has included printmaking, paintings, and 3D textile pieces. Recently, she has been experimenting with using paints and inks to create images on fabrics and other textiles, which she then adorns with fabric collages and hand-stitched or beaded designs. She has also begun exploring mythology and dreams as inspiration.

Since 2018, Alexanian’s art has appeared in various exhibits in Guelph, Dundas, and Hamilton.

She has recently become a member of the Carnegie Gallery in Dundas, where visitors can now view and purchase her artwork year-round.

You can also find her on Instagram under the handle @kirasartwork or on her website at kiraalexanian.com. Check out her online profile to see more of her pieces and to find out about upcoming exhibits.

Ring in the new year with a revamped space that brings a refreshed and comfortable feel to your life. Apply these small changes to save money, boost your mood and help start 2025 off on the right foot.

LAURA APBLETT

Small changes to give your room that cozy feeling! PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

The Meeting Place, 2024. PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIRA ALEXANIAN

The artist in her studio. PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIRA ALEXANIAN

We scroll, we click, we consume. But do we truly see?

Stopping

to think critically about the media we consume

JANICE AUSTIN

Ionce spent an entire weekend binge-watching The Boys. Don't judge me; but I do not remember anything from the last season. It is estimated that we roughly spend about 64 per cent of our waking hours consuming different forms of media.

Every social media post, every news article, every movie, every song is a form of artistic expression. We often think of art as something confined to museums or galleries, but the reality is that art surrounds us in countless forms, often unnoticed.

From the moment we wake up to the time we drift off to sleep, we are immersed in a world of artistic expression. Social media feeds are filled with artistic photographs, videos, and graphic designs. Every website, app, and video game is a testament to the creativity and skill

of designers and developers.

Cinematography, sound design, and acting are all forms of art that contribute to the immersive experience of watching a movie or TV show. Music, another timeless art form, accompanies us throughout our day, whether it's in the form of background music, podcasts, or our favorite songs.

In essence, art is everywhere. It's in the books we read, the clothes we wear, and the food we eat.

While we've explored the artistic expressions that surround us, it's crucial to acknowledge a concerning trend: a decline in critical thinking. Despite the abundance of artistic and informational content, many of us passively consume media, failing to question its underlying messages or its potential biases.

To point out the need for media literacy I want to talk about Charli XCX’s album, Brat, which has taken the music industry by storm, becoming a trendy sensation.

This album offers a raw and honest portrayal of female experiences, it talks about the complexities of girlhood, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and emotional turmoil.The album's exploration of these themes is intertwined with darker elements, such as toxic relationships and self-destructive behavior. Many listeners seem to

be drawn to the album's edgy aesthetic and catchy melodies, without fully grasping the underlying messages. This superficial categorization overshadows the depth and nuance of the lyrics.

By reducing the album to a mere trend, we risk missing out on the powerful message it conveys.

Another example is Colleen Hoover becoming a literary sensation, captivating millions of readers worldwide. Her dedicated fanbase, fueled by social media and online book clubs, have helped her to the top of bestseller lists.

Despite its questionable literary merit, the novel It Ends with Us being adapted into a film reminds us of the power of popular demand and the influence of social media in shaping cultural trends.

Ultimately, the popularity of Colleen Hoover highlights the need for media literacy.

Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and participate with media. Critical Thinking is the skill of analyzing information objectively and making reasoned judgments. It's about questioning everything, considering different perspectives, and evaluating evidence.

In essence, media literacy is about using critical thinking skills to understand and evaluate the media we consume. This ability is essential in an era where misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly, shaping public opinion and influencing decision-making.

Here's how to level up your media literacy and critical thinking skills:

1. Question Everything

2. Analyze the Source

3. Look for Bias

4. Seek Multiple Perspectives

5. Engage Critically

Remember in a world where knowledge is power, being able to think critically is a superpower.

TOPICS LIKE:

• HOW STUDENTS CAN LEVERAGE THEIR POWER EFFECTIVELY.

• BUILDING SKILLS AND INTEGRATING ACTIVISM INTO DAILY LIFE.

• THE ROLE OF STUDENTS IN THE WIDER STRUGGLE FOR SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE.

• HOW STUDENT POWER HAS BEEN OPPOSED OR CO-OPTED. THIS IS A

Despite the abundance of artistic and informational content, many of us passively consume media, failing to question its underlying messages or its potential biases. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

Mourning, memories, and metal: Bonnie Trash redefines musical storytelling

A sneak peek into their upcoming album Mourning You

In the heart of Guelph, twin siblings Emmalia and Sarafina Bortolon-Vettor are redefining the boundaries of musical storytelling through their horrorgaze project, Bonnie Trash. Blending postpunk's intensity with goth rock's depth, the band transforms personal grief into a powerful sonic experience.

Ahead of their upcoming album Mourning You, set to release on Feb. 28, Emmalia and Sarafina reflect on their journey, their creative evolution, and the introspective themes that fuel their work.

Bonnie Trash’s music is deeply intertwined with their Italian heritage and the folk stories of their childhood.

“Our Nonna Maria and Nonno Germano passed us folk stories when we were younger,” they both explained. “Most of them were pretty horrific: cannibalistic tyrants, cursed houses, and the evil eye. These stories are specifically Trevisani and with them comes a dialect that is disappearing.”

Deeply influenced by these folk tales, they channelled their musical expression as a modern storytelling medium. Their earlier work even incorporated recordings of Nonna Maria and her brother, Cesare, storytelling in

their dialect, preserving both the tales and their cultural roots.

Originally a two-piece, Bonnie Trash has evolved into a four-piece band, adding Dana Bellamy on drums and Emma Howarth-Withers on bass. The now expanded group has brought a renewed liveliness to their performance.

“Playing as a full band made me fall back in love with heavy music,” Sarafina shared. “With a four-piece, we can really hone in on our instruments and performance, and produce those hard-hitting textures we envisioned for our new recordings.”

This growth is evident on their recent EP, My Love Remains the Same, and will undoubtedly shine on their upcoming album Mourning You

Bonnie Trash’s music defies strict genre classification, blending shoegaze, post-punk, and doom metal.

“It starts with a primary riff,” said Emmalia. “The sounds aren’t initially intended to be genre-specific; but more-so tone and texture to give presence to what Sarafina is writing.”

The band is often influenced by music Emmalia and Sarafina have listened to forever like Black

Sabbath and Bauhaus to Cocteau Twins and Sisters of Mercy.

“Storytelling and horror truly inform the way we write,” Sarafina added. “For us, horror is the balance of both supernatural and social commentary. It is an extension of how we want to explore (and blow up) the inner dark and the absurdities of being alive.”

The themes of Mourning You and My Love Remains the Same stem from the sibling’s personal grief after the death of their Nonna Maria. Emmalia explained how the album is the embodiment of processing her death, with soundtracking grief as horror through music.

“I’m haunted by these lingering memories; both the pleasant and the bitter spaces we found ourselves in together,” said Emmalia. Mourning You confronts the raw, desperate human impulse of grief–What would you sacrifice for just one more encounter with someone you've lost?

“Each song is part of an internal dialogue, ruminations, remembrances, and processing the disappointments of being left to die,” Emmalia explained.

For Sarafina, the songwriting process involves confronting grief head-on.

“I write mostly in first person, this narrative choice helps me share my grief by becoming grief itself; through songwriting, I get to share different versions of myself when I grieve," she explained. I take the power of my nightmares by becoming them.”

By reimagining horror, Bonnie Trash invites audiences to engage with fear as a pathway to resilience.

“When we are scared, we are at our most vulnerable state, and open to all fear’s mysteries. Grief is a powerful and scary thing that every human experiences, and to mourn means to not only grieve but to continue living while carrying the beautiful memories of what or who was lost,” said Sarafina.

In the music video for "Veil of Greed," Bonnie Trash creates a haunting visual metaphor for grief, featuring a menacing presence that follows, chases, and drags—set against the backdrop of a performance similar to a vampire cave as well as the iconic Roadhouse from Twin Peaks Bonnie Trash transforms grief into a visceral narrative, depicting loss as an unrelenting force that rips your heart out of your chest. The music video por-

trays suffering not as something to be suppressed, but as a complex, transformative experience where pain and beautiful memories coexist, ultimately revealing grief as an open wound that will never fully heal.

With Mourning You, Bonnie Trash aims to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.

“We hope listeners can hear and process a piece of their horror in ours, rather than falling into the voids that grief can build; we love each other with deeper compassion and empathy. So much love has been lost and stolen. Kindness is an act of resistance.” shared Emmalia and Sarafina.

The band will debut the album at the Wavelength Winter Festival in Toronto on Feb. 27 with a Guelph show following on March 1. More tour dates are in the works for 2025, promising plenty of opportunities to experience Bonnie Trash’s powerful and haunting performances.

As Bonnie Trash continues to transform grief and horror into art, they’ve solidified their place as one of Guelph’s most compelling musical acts. For fans of dark, heavy, and deeply emotional music, Mourning You is sure to be a cathartic experience.

ALYSSA CUNNINGHAM

The upcoming album explores the raw emotion that is grief. PHOTO PROVIDED BY DANA BELLAMY

Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs)

Summer 2025

Why Should You Apply?

Full-time summer employment through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)

On-campus positions under the supervision and mentorship of U of G faculty

Minimum salary of $10,020

NSERC encourages qualified Indigenous students to apply

Talking Tamil: A look at Tamil arts

Embracing cultural arts during Tamil Heritage Month

ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN

In many cultures, the arts play a significant role. They serve as a way to capture and preserve each culture’s unique and beautiful history and identity. Through music, dance, literature, and visual arts, communities can share their stories. Bridges are created, connecting the past to the present, and creating bonds between generations.

For Tamil communities, the arts are not only a reflection of their rich cultural history, but they are also an integral piece in ensuring traditions, customs, and stories are properly passed down to future generations. They are a way to guarantee that future generations do not forget where they came from. A way to remember the tragedies they have overcome. And the triumphs and battles that they have and continue to win.

With January being Tamil Heritage Month, it is essential to reflect, commemorate, and celebrate Tamil arts, culture, and history. It is especially important to proudly embrace the Tamil arts as previous generations did not have the same ability to do so. With the many genocidal acts committed against Tamils, previous generations were forced to be ashamed and disregard their heritage.

An example of this was the tragic burning of the Jaffna Library that took place from May 31st, 1981 to June 1st, 1981. In 1981, the Jaffna library was the library in Asia. It held over 97,000 books, manuscripts, magazines, and newspapers. Additionally, the library had original manuscripts that were written on palm leaves. Unfortunately, on the night of May 31st, 1981, a fire was set to the library.

This event destroyed irreplaceable artifacts of Tamil literature, art, and history. With many more genocidal acts following, and an uncountable number of Tamils being lost as a result, hundreds of Tamils had no choice but to flee, creating today’s Tamil diaspora. Through generations of forced dispersion of Tamils and silencing acts, there is a large disconnect between Tamils and their culture.

This is why it is crucial to take the time to embrace Tamil arts during Tamil Heritage Month. By embracing the arts, Tamils are given the opportunity to rebuild what has been lost. The arts are a powerful tool that can allow connection to roots and ancestors.

Through literature, people can advance their knowledge and spread and keep the language alive. Through music, visual arts, and cultural dances such as Bharatanatyam, historical and cultural stories can be learned and shared, even going

as far as to give an opportunity for those who struggle with language to connect without needing to fluently understand the language.

Despite being scattered across the globe, Tamils are able to maintain their cultural identity through the arts. The arts are able to reach all generations and borders. In diaspora communities, the arts provide a sense of comfort and pride for Tamils. Additionally, they act as a thread that unites Tamils across all borders and ages, allowing for emotional and cultural connections.

As Tamil communities continue to expand and thrive, it is important to listen to the younger generations who continue to keep the arts alive.

To learn more, The Ontarion spoke with Yuvan Surya, third-year representative for the University of Guelph’s Tamil Student Association (GTSA).

Although the GTSA is a small group they still create successful events that celebrate key cultural milestones of Tamil culture. The GTSA has hosted many informative and entertaining events such as Pongal (an annual harvest festival) and dance workshops.

Through these events, the GTSA is able to foster a strong sense of community for Tamil students. They provide a space for youth to explore their roots and connect deeper with their heritage.

“With Tamil being one of the oldest languages in the world, it is challenging to single out a few important figures from its rich history. For the youth, however, it is crucial to delve into the depths of the Tamil language and heritage in their own way,” Surya said.

As January begins, Tamil Heritage Month reminds us of the significance of the arts. The arts are not just a celebration of culture. They are an indispensable tool for cherishing and honouring the traditions, history, and stories that define the Tamil people. They are a reminder of how far the people have come.

Through music, visual arts, and cultural dances such as Bharatanatyam, historical and cultural stories can be learned and shared. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

ART in the BULLRING

BY SOPHIA

PHOTOS

MARCON

FROM THE ARCHIVES

WHY SO BRUTAL, GUELPH?

Is anyone else appreciating this?

-Carly Jenkins

What stunning architecture we have on campus.

Did you realize famed CN Tower architect John Hamilton Andrews built the South Residences during Guelph’s expansion in the 1960s? His love of raw concrete and angles seems to know no bounds, and though many of you might look at those buildings on the south edge of campus and wonder, “Why, Guelph? Oh why?” they are, in fact, an incredible example of the brutalist style of architecture. Tall evergreens now hide many of the most beautifully finessed angles of the residences (reminiscent of Montreal’s Expo ’67 Habitacion), but rest assured, the building’s remarkably ageless appeal is that it looked just as harsh and fortress-like when it was built as it does now.

Originally coined by Swedish architect Hans Asplund, the term “brutalism” was used to describe a new form of modernism that was a crisper and more honest use of the raw concrete, or béton brut (the beginning of the evolution to the term brutalism) modernism was known for. Swiss architect Le Corbusier is probably the most famous brutalist designer, though he is more often known for his modernism. You may know his work from the wonderful world of Lego – they have used his modernist Villa Savoye in their more adult focused Architecture collection, which includes the famed Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as the Sydney Opera House by Jørn Utzon.

In contrast to those bright, clean lines of modernism, brutalism feels heavy. Its weight and impact are not hidden by smoothness or curves. Instead, the buildings o�ten �eel aw�ward and ill��tted to their surroundings, no matter where they have landed. This is ever so true on the University of Guelph campus, where the historic Johnson Hall lords so elegantly from the top of the green while brutalist edi�ces li�e the �ac�innon Building loo� aw�wardl� large and cumbersome. Architect Josep Lluis Sert oversaw the brutalist buildings on-campus during Guelph’s expansion in the 1960s. Sert worked under Le Corbusier in his youth, and you can see the strong in�uence o� those hori�ontal �lains he uses over and over – particularly in the overpasses of the �outh �esidences� �etting o� the buses in the morning, and looking down at those three strong concrete buildings all in perfect unison, you can understand how the harsh style can be a little overbearing and dark. Even at the time people agreed. Brutalism was not thought to be a new and exciting style – this was a style of architecture that conveyed heaviness and importance.

My favorite example on-campus is the Mc�aughton Building� Built in ���� �or the stud� o� chemistry, physics, and mathematics, the building has nothing of the hippie tie-dye bursts of colour and free love that were happening that year. Perhaps it was built in reaction to that, perhaps the university wanted to convey the seriousness of the disciplines to be studied within its angled walls. Looking at McNaughton, and how closely they have built the HVAC system for Zavitz Hall to one of its looming angles on the east side, it seems apparent that this building – this cold, harsh style – is not very respected. Have you ever pondered the hilarity of McNaughton’s down facing windows? How wonderfully angled they are? How rich the texture on the concrete is and how perfectly the angles interplay and align? It’s quite a stunning example, and I hope that next time you are hurrying to class, you pause a second and appreciate the beauty of something so harsh. Maybe now that spring has arrived, it’ll be easier to look at cold, dirty concrete and think how underappreciated this style really is.

The Ontarion has been around since 1951 and we’ve witnessed some pretty historic moments. This is a new feature that will focus on noteworthy articles pulled from our archives that are of interest to our readership today.

We’re currently in the process of fully digitizing our archives and creating a searchable directory. If you’d like updates on when this project is complete, sign up for our newsletter by emailing info@theontarion.com

ALL PHOTOS BY ALEXANDER STÖPFGESHOFF

beCause We asKeD...

If you were a colour, which one would you be and why?

" I would be blue because blue is calming and I think I'm fairly calm."

Malena Topic 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering

i"I’d

pick pink because I just like the colour and it makes me happy."

Veronica Addorisio 1st year, Psychology

"I would be green because I'm definitely a nature lover and a relatively calm person."

Olivia Aitchison 4th year, Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, Minor: Biology & Psychology

" My colour would be red because I'm a very passionate person."

Ashley MacGillivray 2nd year, Microbiology

"I would say yellow, just because it’s very happy and I like to stay positive. "

Liliana Miller 1st year, Psychology

"I think I would be the colour blue. I just think it’s a really calm colour and I think we all need that during exams."

Josh Hill 4th year, Marketing Management, Minor in Political Science

THE ONTARION'S CLUB OF THE MONTH

Club Name: Human Kinetics Student Association

Club Since: 1972

Club Mission: The club consists of students enrolled as an undergraduate student in the Human Kinetics

program at the University of Guelph. The club works to build a network between Human Kinetics students in both social and academic settings, as well as the link between students and the faculty in the HHNS department. The club works to assist in creating a memorable university experience for all Human Kinetics students.

How can others get involved: Non-members can follow us @uog_hksa on Instagram or @uog_hksa on tiktok, to attend academic or social events throughout the academic year. Those who are interested in joining the HKSA at the beginning of a new year, may follow our posts to be notified when applications are open.

If you want to be the next club of the month, email tpipe@theontarion.com

HEY PET OWNERS!

The Ontarion is still looking for pets for our Pets of the Month section here in the fun pages.

Send a photo of your fur baby to tpipe@theontarion.com with your name, your pet's name, their breed, age, and a fun fact to have them featured!

CFRU's MONTHLY TOP 10

SHEBAD** Music is the Answer (Lovetown)

OMBIIGIZI*

(Arts & Crafts) 3. BONNIE TRASH** My Love Remains the Same (Hand Drawn Dracula)

GUH* Out Of Frame (Self-Released)

7. HIS HIS* Good Gold Cassette [EP] (Victory Pool)

8. MUSHROOM VALLEY* You Don't Have To Wish Anymore (Self-Released)

9. GADFLY* Sura (Ripsesh)

36?* Finding Love//Having Autism (North Pole) 6. JENNIFER CASTLE* Camelot (Paradise Of Bachelors)

10. KIM DEAL Nobody Loves You More (4AD)

For the creator in all of us!

CFRU offers FREE training, use of high-quality recording equipment, and (remote) opportunities for on-air and behind-the-scenes projects. Give it a try today! Email volunteer@cfru.ca to learn more.

JANUARY TO-DO LIST

A One-Woman 30-Min Free Show about Regenerative Farming

• 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• Activity room, 10Carden

• A 30-minute one-woman show and conversation about regenerative food growing and climate solutions written & performed by Dale Colleen Hamilton

In Conversation with Susan Mogul

• 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Virtual

• An engaging conversation with pioneering video artist Susan Mogul

• For more information and to register visit artgalleryofguelph.ca/ program/in-conversation-withsusan-mogul/

Reputation Drag Brunch (Taylors Version) hosted by Anne Tique and Ultraviolet

• 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• Royal City Brewing

• Get tickets and learn more on eventbrite.ca

15th Annual Frosty Mug

• 7:00 p.m.

• Sleeman Centre

• Visit thesleemancentre.com/ event/15th-annual-frosty-mug for more information SUN JAN 19

ONGOING EVENTS

Break the Anxiety-Procrastination Cycle

• Begins Monday, Jan 27

• 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

• Meet online every Monday for three weeks

• Learn how to stop your anxiety and procrastination from feeding each other

• Learn more at selfregulationskills.ca

Relaxation & Stress Management Skills

LETTER TO THE EDITOR I

A Special Message

• Begins Tuesday, Jan 28

• 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• Meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a total of 12 online sessions

• Gain skills in calming your anxiety, relaxing, and quieting a busy mind

• Learn more at selfregulationskills.ca

Grand Slam of Curling

• Tuesday, Jan 14 - Sunday, Jan 19

• Sleeman Centre

• Watch top curling teams from around the world compete

• Get tickets at eventticketscenter.com

People now-a-days don’t normally have an interest in newspapers, especially since we can find it all on our phones, but I made a connection with the newspaper and my grandfather, so it has always had a special place in my heart.

When I was 6, I was living with my grandparents in the house they are currently living in.

Every morning, I noticed that my grandpa would sit out on the front bench and read the paper while drinking his morning coffee before work. Being a younger child, I always woke up early, so I would go outside at 6am and sit with my grandpa.

I would join him in reading the paper, but instead of reading in my head, I asked him questions about the paper for 2 hours before he left for work. We did this for quite a while and took longer on weekends outside when it was nice enough weather.

From that day on, my grandpa and I have had a connection to all the things that our family finds no interest in. Over holidays when we go visit our grandparents, we still have our time together, where I go and sit with him in the garage, and he tells me stories about everything he has done with travelling or things that he finds cool.

We have had a connection with one another since we sat outside that day, so I have always connected the newspaper to my grandfather and the bond we made over the years.

Thank you to the newspaper that reminds me of the bond I made with my grandfather years ago. Love you Grandpa.

To anybody reading this, find a local newspaper, (maybe even this one), sit down with a family member or friend and make a special connection. I promise you won’t regret it.

PUZZLE PAGES

CROSSWORD

BOB'S DOGS CROSSWORD CONTEST

For your chance to win two Bobs dog’s and two pops, just complete the crossword, snap a picture, and send it to puzzles@theontarion.com by January 23 at 3 p.m. Winners are announced in each issue and can arrange a pickup of their voucher by emailing the same address.

Last issue’s winning puzzle was submitted by Zelia Forrest!

Across

1–Oceans

5–Sling mud at

10–Beer buy

14–Big Apple river

15–"The ____ has landed."

16–Cowardly Lion portrayer

17–Opera solo

18–Trimmed grass near the sidewalk

19–Tract

20–Part of UHF

22–Commanded

24–Picard’s journey

27–Hatcher of "Desperate Housewives"

28–Canadian ski destination

32–They're taboo

35–007 creator Fleming

36–Winter woe

38–Simmons rival

40–Western Indonesian island

42–Guilty or not guilty, for example

44–Lose pep

45–Bert's buddy

47–Subsequently

49–Special type of paddle

50–Red Sea land

52–Raider

54–Defendant's answer

56–Equestrian's control

57–Throb

60–Transitional state

64–Persian fairy

65–Carried

68–Letters

69–You wish!

70–Dropped the first A-bomb

71–Dying to know

72–Prying

73–Related to the kidneys

74–Brainy “Simpson’s” character

Down 1–Linebacker Junior 2–Noble rank 3–___ were 1 6 6 5 8 7 3 9 6 5 1 3 6 7 5 9 7 2 1 7 5 6 9 8 1 2 6 5

4–Begins

5–Perceive

6–Deranged

7–“Stranger Things” food brand

8–On the ball

9–Blush

10–Woodwind instrument

11–River in central Switzerland

12–Molt

13–Piece of history

21–Some are liberal, some are fine

23–God of love

25–Queen of Jazz

26–Retains

28–Fermented grape juice

29–Like a sasquatch

30–Cockamamie

31–Piece of the past

33–Hunter in the night sky

34–Fine fiddle

37–Pavarotti, e.g.

39–Dynamic start?

41–Make less complex

43–Wile E. Coyote’s favoured brand

46–Sushi fish

48–Runner Zatopek

51–Less messy

53–Beast

55–Make up for wrongdoing

57–Mexican money

58–"Exodus" author Leon

59–Town on the Thames

61–Biblical trio

62–Life stories

63–First name in gymnastics

64–Metal container used for frying

66–Turkish name meaning hazel

67–Lentil and spice dish

Fill in the empty squares so that each of the digits 1 through 9 appear once in each row, column, and 3-by-3 block.

RIDDLE ME

University

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PHOTOGRAPHY

FABRIC MUSIC MULTIMEDIA SKETCH CLAY TAPESTRY BRUSH

PAINT

PRINT

519-824-4120

Editorial: x 58250

Advertising: x 58267

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EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor-in-Chief

Taylor Pipe

News Editor

Carlota Sousa

Arts & Culture Editor

Andreea Burlacu

Sports & Health Editor

OPEN POSITION

Copy Editor & Fact Checker

Olivia Strutt

Digital Editor

Alyssa Cunningham

PRODUCTION STAFF

Graphic Designer/Art Director

Paige Stampatori

Photo & Graphics Editor

Sophia Marcon

OFFICE STAFF

Executive Director

Patrick Sutherland

Accountant

Laurie Arnold

Marketing Coordinator

Lucca Maggiolo

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Paula Henry-Duru

Chair of the Board

Katelynn Huong

Vice President Finance

Jaidyn McCrae

Vice President Communications

OPEN POSITION

Staff Representative Paige Stampatori

DIRECTORS

Denver Bubelich

Mariana Erazo

Jordana Glowinsky

Avneet Grewal

CONTRIBUTORS

LAURA APBLETT

JANICE AUSTIN

AMELIA BAJOR

LAIS BECKETT

AMIR BENKELAI

MANNY BRINTON

CARTER CARON

SUVI COULSON

ABENA DANKYI

HAILEY DABOR

HANNAH DICKHOFF

KAITLYN FEAVER

MAIA GALLETTA

EMMERSON JULL

BECCA PALM

MARTIN LIMA PEREZ

MARKUS MADILL

MARTINE MENDOZA-BOYD

TALIA NICHOLLS

CHIDEBEREM NOSIRI

ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN

AMAZA PAYNE

ELLIE PETRAK

MATTHEW RENNIE

MORGYN ROBERTS

RIYA VAID

ARPIT VAGHELA

PATRICIA VON HOLSTEIN-RATHLOU

BRIAN WAUGH