Art
In case of emergency, break glass: N.L. woman creates mosaic art – CBC.ca
It seems a number people are trying new things to help pass all the time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But a Corner Brook woman is keeping calm and carrying on with a pastime that’s served her for several years now.
Karin Galliott O’Keeffe is known to many on the west coast as the former manager of the Arts and Culture Centre in Corner Brook, a position from which she retired in March 2014.
Now, instead of bringing someone else’s art to the stage, she’s creating her own, in the form of mosaics made from glass and tile.
“I think mosaics are a little bit like us. They’re little pieces that come together,” she said.
Galliott O’Keeffe said her interest in mosaics began at the beach.
She’d pick up bits of beach glass and arrange them to form shapes such as flowers, which she then glued onto wood to create pictures.
Art that sprouts up
Galliott O’Keeffe is an avid gardener, an activity she can only enjoy outdoors for part of the year in Newfoundland.
So mosaic art gives her a way to work on her garden even in the winter, as she’s made a bird bath and designs on patio stones.
“I did one that was a teapot, for my mom, who loved her cup of tea,” said Galliott O’Keeffe.
“And then I did another one with the masks, comedy and tragedy. So a nod to my work at the [Arts and Culture] Centre.”
“I think mosaics are a little bit like us. They’re little pieces that come together.”<br><br>Karin Galliot O’Keefe is keeping busy creating mosaics from glass and tile. It’s an artform she’s enjoyed for years, but especially now that she’s largely cooped up indoors (sound familiar?). <a href=”https://t.co/BrNygqyK67”>pic.twitter.com/BrNygqyK67</a>
—@CBCNL
Her latest project for the garden is an old window frame, which has a different Alice in Wonderland-inspired mosaic in each pane of glass.
One person’s trash
Galliott O’Keeffe said making mosaics is also a chance to repurpose things that might otherwise have ended up in a landfill.
An old teacup or a few spare tiles will never go astray in her studio.
“I upcycle old dishes that I find at yard sales and in thrift stores, or people give them to me because they don’t need them anymore,” said Galliott O’Keeffe.
Good therapy
Galliott O’Keeffe suggests it’s not just the process of creating something new that can be helpful.
She said breaking apart her found items of glassware and tile can be beneficial, too, in a cathartic sort of way.
“Breaking dishes is very therapeutic, I can tell you,” she said. “And then you can cut them into the pieces that you need.”
Even now, during COVID-19, Galliott O’Keeffe goes for a walk outdoors on most days but, early on in her retirement, she found that the winters were long, and she needed something out of the weather to help occupy her time.
“I’m not a cold weather person. I love being inside, being cosy,” she said.
“So when the sun is not shining and it’s grey, which it is here most of the time in the winter, I’m here in my studio, where it’s warm, and I’m clicking away.”
She said it’s not unusual for her to go to her studio to work on a project, and then come out hours later, not realizing how much time had passed.
“It’s like there’s some sort of different time zone in this room, and I love it,” she said.
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.
Art
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com
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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
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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