Photos courtesy of Dems and Doll and Erika Struck
Making your way through town recently you may have noticed some of Ottawa’s new and vibrant murals: butterflies, painted cars, whales, and some wacky graffiti. Doll and her husband Dems are an Ottawa couple who have painted 100 Murals in the last 3 years. The couple is taking creativity to a new level, painting on anything from ambulances to boats, busses, chairs, and records, and of course adding their own murals to Ottawa’s mix.
The Creative Explosion
Doll is self taught and has been doing street art for the last 10 years and Dems is an acknowledged graffiti artist and has studied art. Doll explains, “It’s a creative explosion” that started once they met and began collaborating. The two different styles of this artistic duo often clash, creating unique and fun work as canvases, walls, and large props for themed events.
Their work has been featured in Ottawa in places such as Gallery 101, Fall Down Gallery, Saw Gallery, Oh So Good Cafe, Clearsky vape shop, Maxwell's and more.
Out of so many projects, Dems admits there are some favourites. Recently Dems & Doll hosted Ottawa’s first Night Lights festival in Little Italy where they built a large scale rabbit and fox and a 17ft glowing blue tree of lights. “It Super fun and was our first time doing anything on that scale.” The couple continues to challenge themselves for new ventures and gives back to the community. Their upcoming artwork for their Disco Night Skate Fundraiser on February 9-10th at Plouffe Park will include lights, art, fire performers, live music, and a fundraiser for socks for the homeless.
It was a challenge for Dems & Doll to become full time artists however Doll explains, “hard work and consistency has made it all incredibly worthwhile.” They advise future artists to keep their heads up and not to be afraid of trying new things. Next time you’re out on the town keep an eye out for a big butterfly, a painted car, or even a 17ft glowing tree. We’re excited to see what Ottawa’s creative couple comes up with next!
