Art
Are phone skills a lost art? Time to get back to basics say East Coast Experts – TheChronicleHerald.ca
The family phone used to be a hot commodity and phone time a valuable resource.
Waiting until evening rates to place a long-distance phone call to a friend or family member could easily take up a Saturday night. But these days, a person can reach virtually everyone they know instantly, with a few swipes of their fingertips.
Smartphones and technology have ushered in an age of texting, emailing, and messaging communication within both personal and professional aspects of many people’s lives. And with these forms of communication, there’s less need for speaking person-to-person over a voice call.
But this doesn’t mean the phone is on its way out, even if people might be finding increasing anxiety around phone calls, according to Mary Jane Copps, whose professional business, The Phone Lady, fosters connections between people and phone conversations.
Even if video calls are the new fad, Copps says voices are still what brings people together.
“The medium may change as technology continues evolving, but phone and voice calls are here to stay,” she says.
In general
Copps says comedian Jerry Seinfeld wasn’t kidding when he quoted a statistic in a stand-up routine that said people feared public speaking more than death itself. She says this feeling is one that many now equate with phone calls.
She says anxiety around phone calls is due to people now being used to the delay that comes with texting or email.
“We can edit and think about it – we don’t have to think of an answer off the top of our head,” she says. “For some people, there’s anxiety around what they see as a performance part of a real-time conversation.”
But even with that anxiety, Dalhousie University communications researcher and professor Dr. Binod Sundararajan says people are still gravitating towards the personal connection that voice provides, pointing to the prevalence of voice message exchanges in smartphone messaging apps.
“People still crave a synchronous connection – a real-time conversation – so they video chat or send voice recordings back and forth on apps like WhatsApp,” he says.
It’s because it lacks voice that Sundararajan says email and texting are “terrible” forms of communication beyond simple exchanges, as they cannot effectively convey true emotion.
And with the stress that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought, an empathetic voice on the other end of the phone could be exactly what is needed to relieve said stress, even if feelings of anxiety precede that call.
“There is so much uncertainty these days. The last thing someone should worry about is how to interpret communication, so asynchronous phone call is the thing that can best alleviate anxiety around this,” he says.
Phones at work
The importance of tone and inflection in the voice, whether virtual or over a phone conversation, is something Copps says plays a key role in professional interactions, even with the advent of video conferencing.
Copps says the past year has shown there are many distractions during virtual meetings that cause those in attendance to miss something or lose their ability to pay attention. While a 15-minute phone call can be “lovely,” she says, a one-hour one is often the opposite.
“Being on camera is exhausting for us,” says Copps. “A lot of people turn off cameras and listen, which is the same as a phone call.”
With phone calls still making up a significant amount of business communication, especially as people work from home, Sundararajan says proper phone etiquette – and specifically knowing how to communicate effectively and empathetically – is as important as written communication.
“Being professional doesn’t mean being cold and aloof – you can have empathy and warmth and still be professional,” he says. “A good phone call goes miles in making people feel respected, acknowledged, and listened to.”
Call it personal
It’s the allure of voice that means phone calls continue to be an important form of communication, according to Dalhousie University communications associate professor and researcher Dr. Kathleen Kevany, who says voice calls, like radio, are often more intimate than video media.
“Voice alone demands more of us, requires more interaction and imagination … and we like to activate our imagination. It’s why people listen to the radio or read a book,” she says.
This is why Kevany says a phone call remains the most effective and personal way to check in with loved ones and friends, something she says has become critical as COVID-19 keeps many people apart.
“We are in a time of isolation, so the more human connection we can foster, the better for our own wellbeing and others. Reaching out, picking up the phone, and calling someone can make a difference in their day and is much more memorable than receiving a text,” she says.
Sundararajan says the pandemic is perhaps the best example of why people need to fight for the phone and reconnect with feeling comfortable around using it, both personally and professionally. He says the same goes for people receiving a call, who must listen and respect the person who’s reached out.
“Yes it appears that calling someone on the phone is disappearing and yes, we should fight to retain that,” he says.
Connecting younger generations
Feeling comfortable on the phone is something Sundararajan and Copps say young people need to start mastering, as it’s crucial to succeeding in the job market.
Sundararajan says as the first phase of a job interview is often a phone or video call, the skill is critical to landing a job.
Copps has also seen a huge increase in her business since the fall in training professionals in phone communication. She says this is due partially to a lack of phone skills in today’s young professionals.
“Big companies are all really clear that soft skills are the most important thing they now look for, above education. Communication is part of that and it’s something we need to be teaching to kids,” she says.
Kevany, who teaches her students about public speaking and verbal communication, says humans have always felt a great sense of confidence in communicating until faced with presenting. Like presenting, phone calls are a skill she says comes down to practice.
“You learn knowledge, but you cultivate a skill. That goes for public speaking and it also goes for phone calls,” she says.
There is only one way to overcome a fear of the phone, according to Copps.
“You’ve got to pick up the phone and make the call,” she says.
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Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
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.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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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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