Art
Chainsaw art in Fort Qu'Appelle inspiring hope during pandemic – CBC.ca
This is a feature in the Good News Saskatchewan series. You can see all the stories at cbc.ca/lovesk.
The loud buzz of a chainsaw and sound of a blowtorch echo on the streets of Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask. Instead of avoiding a work area, people walk and drive by, stopping to stare at the wood carvings being created at the Hansen-Ross House.
The new attractions are bringing in a physically-distanced crowd. The artist hopes he’s giving them a bit of hope.
“It’s more from my soul and it’s for the people,” Douglas Lingelbach said.
Lingelbach has been using a chainsaw since he was 19 years old. He started carving trees into shapes like chains, gnomes and more about 28 years ago while working for SaskPower as an arborist.
He’s since competed in both wood and ice carving with a chainsaw. He had shows, competitions and more lined up this summer, then the pandemic hit Saskatchewan.
“It was kind of devastating, to tell you the truth, because I wasn’t sure what to do,” Lingelbach said. “So I went straight into my studio and put my head down and continued to just do what I do and that’s create art.”
Lingelbach isolated at his friend’s farm near Asquith, Sask. He tried to work on various projects, taking any commissions and getting inspired by solitude.
At the same time, Connie Chaplin was doing the same about 350 kilometres south. Chaplin is an artist and owner of the Hansen-Ross House in Fort Qu’Appelle. When the pandemic hit, she continued on in her studio, but also wanted to give artists work during the pandemic.
The house had two large elm trees out front that had to be cut down. Instead of simply leaving stumps outside, Chaplin asked Lingelbach to carve what was left.
“I had originally seen [Lingenbach’s] work in Moose Jaw at the Art Gallery and in Crescent Park,” she said. “I wanted to create curiosity.”
Lingelbach said he was hesitant at first but sorted out a way to travel safety and stay physically distant while in town.
He said he used to come to Fort Qu’Appelle to stay with his grandparents in the 70s and 80s.
“It was more excitement because I’m coming back to where my childhood was,” he said.
“It’s very, very moving. I’m seeing a lot of my family now — people I haven’t seen in 30 years.”
Chaplin said she wanted to show off Saskatchewan artists whose shows are cancelled or postponed during the pandemic. She said people stop to look at the carvings, then step inside and have questions.
“It’s a showstopper,” Chaplin said. “He’s pulled that off exceptionally and it’s also something that the whole community can enjoy.”
Lingelbach’s artist-in-residency was supposed to be 10 days long, but it was extended to allow him to have more time to work and create pieces.
“It’s putting smiles on people’s faces and that’s what’s important,” Lingelbach said.
Lingelbach said with commissions people give him a topic, but he still lets the wood decide.
“They were just going to be a bison and a pelican and it turned into a story and it’s very deep,” he said. “It’s like magic if you let your mind get into that.”
Recycling diseased or dying trees into artwork
Lingelbach prefers not to kill live trees. He has focused on trees in Fort Qu’Appelle that were hit by Dutch Elm Disease or were at the end of their natural life cycle.
Lingelbach said there’s a process for managing diseased trees: he strips them of the bark then burns the outside of the tree, eliminating the fungi on the tree’s exterior vascular tissue.
“Then [I] repurpose it into beautiful art because elm is one of the best woods to carve in the world.”
Art to help lift community spirit during pandemic
Chaplin said she has a painter hoping to be the next artist-in-residence. She feels the program gives something to the community.
“When people come in, they’re just almost overwhelmed with just a feeling of goodness,” Chaplin said.
“So many people have tried new things, with either cooking or painting or drawing. I think it’s that time that you take just to have quietness and to develop something — to enjoy it.”
Lingelbach said he hopes his pieces are more than just something nice for people to look at. He hopes they inspire.
“It’s inner hope,” he said. “Everything’s going to be okay … It’s like calming rain and smiles, it’s supposed to make you smile.”
Chaplin hopes to eventually have a bench by Lingelbach’s carvings so people can relax and enjoy them.
“The big thing that I’ve noticed is the appreciation and the smiles and the hope,” he said. “Life does go on.”
Art
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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