Art
Fine art printmaking in a Zoom World: Shoebox Studio on surviving back-to-back slowdowns – OttawaMatters.com
Had all gone to plan, this year was supposed to be the turnaround for businesses on Elgin Street, after a bitter year-long street renewal project that had decimated foot traffic and left many small business owners to fend for themselves.
Sam Hopkins, the owner of the boutique printshop Shoebox Studio, can rattle off the casualties: Pure Gelato, Boko Bakery, Tokyo Shop — all closed, either directly or indirectly, by the big dig. Last year was rough, but 2020 was meant to mark the start of the way back.
And then the other shoe — yeah, we all know which one — dropped.
“To be hit with the lockdown right after the construction was tough,” Hopkins said, in a bright, windowed studio overlooking the corner of Elgin and MacLaren. “There’s a lot of empty storefronts already. That’s really scary.”
COVID-19 posed a different challenge for Hopkins though, turning the studio from a place where artists, photographers and the general public could drop by and collaborate on a print project into an appointment-only space. While he readily admits that other businesses are far deeper in the muck than he has been, things have still been tough; for four months, nobody entered the studio but Hopkins.
“The business model is collaborative — having the artist in the space. That’s what the business is based on,” Hopkins said. Hopkins’ vision of the studio was one where artists could come in, open their files alongside Hopkins, talk about papers and inks and techniques. “I still came in every day, and did as much as I could digitally. The best I could do was say ‘Hey, send me any files if you can.’ But all those in-person meetings couldn’t happen.” (How do you show off different paper types on Zoom? Wave it around, he says, only half-joking. “I’m saying, like, ‘listen to this!’”)
In some sense, a challenging environment is the only one Shoebox has ever existed in, and has thrived nonetheless. On August 1, it will turn two years old; nearly its entire lifespan has been spent in the shadow — first of the construction, then of COVID-19.
Shoebox is not your average printshop — “we’re not doin’ $3 8×10’s” — catering to perfectionists (as Hopkins might self-identify) and people with particular needs. Within Ottawa’s creative community, Shoebox enjoys a stellar reputation, both for quality and the level of work that goes into each piece.
“You can always just hit CTRL+P and print an image,” Hopkins says, explaining his philosophy (and justifying his correlated price points). “The advantage of Shoebox is all the extra time and interest we’ll put into making it correct.” That means you’re also paying for: his thoughts on paper choice, his thoughts on ink choice, test strips, proofing prints, proactive edits on every single image, adjustments, re-adjustments and everything else that goes into getting something as close to perfect as he can get it.
As the COVID-19 lockdown starts to lift, Hopkins has the sense that this trend will continue, even if the gallery show jobs — he calls them “the best and biggest jobs” — are “not going to happen, for a while.” But there’s still art being created, shared and sold. The creative economy chugs along.
“What we’re seeing, post-lockdown, is far more new clients, far more new artists,” he said. Part of it, he thinks, is creatives with some disposable CERB money, looking to support their own industries. Others are people “who were stuck at home, musing about doing stuff with their art.”
And in that position, Hopkins has had a bit of a front-row seat to the creative incubation of the whole experience. Lockdown was a clear “creative dead zone,” he calls it, but as it is lifting, he is seeing Ottawa’s creatives come to life again.
“I’m seeing,” he said, thoughtfully, “the result of a post-lockdown creative overflow.”
Got an idea for Ottawa Matters’ next What’s Up Wednesday? Email the author at delamont.kieran@gmail.com
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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