Art

‘The perfect combination of strength and art’

Published

2 years ago

January 8, 2023

Lisa Hearn works a government job by day, but spends much of her downtime suspended in the air, contorting herself around a steel hoop.

Lyra, or aerial hoop, is a century-old practice traditionally more synonymous with lion tamers and sideshow freaks than government workers, but it’s increasingly becoming more popular among non-circus folk.

“It’s a way you can work up your upper body, especially women. Because as we get older, we kind of lose that strength in our upper body. So it’s a good way to train while still having fun,” she said.

Hearn herself has been practicing circus arts like lyra for the last eight years, including aerial silks, where artists perform aerial acrobatics while hanging from fabric – without the use of safety lines.

But she also dabbles in ground-based circus-type arts, like fire shows, hula hooping and poi dancing.

“Sometimes, aerial acts are hard to sell, because they’re expensive for rigging. So I have a whole bunch of ground stuff I do,” she said.

However, hoop is her “real love.”

Hearn grew up as a competitive gymnast, but stopped competing around high school after growing tired of the competitive world.

By the time she finished her science degree at the University of Guelph and was working a full-time job, she started to really miss acrobatics.

So, she found an aerial studio in Mississauga that had adult classes, and tried her hand at aerial silks and lyra for the first time.

Because she had been practicing yoga regularly and was strong, she figured she would be alright after.

“It kicked my ass,” she said. “The next couple days I could barely walk. I felt like a bus hit me.”

But that didn’t deter her. She stuck to it, and spent the next three years in a competitive training program. Despite the shock of learning how hard the aerial arts actually are, it was still easier for her to pick up than most because of her background in gymnastics.

Once she got the hang of it, she started performing, and eventually, teaching.

“I just fell in love,” she said.

Lisa Hearn Patience is essential when learning the aerial arts, as well as an eagerness to continue, “because it’s hard work. There’s a huge learning curve in the beginning.”

“If you’re persistent and stick to the training, you will make a lot of progress,” she said.

Aerial silks and lyra belong to the circus arts – skills traditionally passed down the family line, much like a physical manifestation of oral traditions.

“You hear about famous families in history; it’s all family lines. So it was passed down from moms and fathers to their children. Basically, if aerial was in your family, you would probably be trained to do it from a young age.”

But it’s been growing in popularity in the last five years, she said, because “people have the ability to look at anything online; they see a lot more circus than they used to.”

Most of the circus companies are in the GTA, but small circus arts communities are forming in the surrounding areas, like Royal City Aerials in Guelph and the TriCity Centre for Circus Arts in Cambridge. There are even aerial silks classes at the Guelph Grotto Climbing Gym.

With its growing popularity, there is also a push to standardize the practice with a curriculum and teacher training programs.

“(Lyra is) different from, for example, the pole world, because the pole world here is very structured. There’s a curriculum, and it all is standardized because of the pole arts association. But circus doesn’t have that,” she said.

It’s this push that put her in contact with Victoria Kirichenko, the owner of Royal City Aerials studio, where Hearn has been teaching since 2019.

Her typical client base is adults who want to have fun building strength.

“I find people are drawn to this stuff, because it’s a better workout than going to the gym.”

But for Hearn, it’s grown to be more than that.

“It’s a place to be completely creative and just let your artistic mind be free. You really can do anything with circus. When I’m up in the hoop, it’s a perfect combination of strength and art.”

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Art

Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

19 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

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Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

4 weeks ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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