Art

Is Leadership An Art Or Science? – Forbes

Published

3 years ago

March 9, 2022

Many business executives view leadership as a scientific pursuit: a repeatable, proven process that can be learned through literature and practice. Taking a systematic, well-established approach to leadership drives results, ensures the safe stewardship of a company, and enables leaders to rally employees around a common cause. Or does it?

Not according to Chris Duffin, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and chief visionary officer of international fitness brand Kabuki Strength. For Duffin, leadership is one of the most profound art forms that exist in the world today, and he argues that a scientific approach holds leaders back from realizing their true potential.

As a six-year-old child, Duffin roamed the Pacific Northwest, living in tree forts, catching fish by hand, and skinning rattlesnakes for sustenance. Since then, he’s founded multiple successful companies, led organizational transformations across the aerospace, high-tech, and heavy manufacturing industries, and emerged as one of the leading voices in the worlds of strength training and biomechanics.

Duffin also holds the Guinness World Record for the heaviest one repetition sumo deadlift, is the first person to ever squat and deadlift 1,000 lbs for multiple repetitions, and recently became a best-selling author with the release of his first book, The Eagle and the Dragon. He’s known as the ‘Mad Scientist of Strength.’ While he holds science dear, Duffin steadfastly views leadership as an art form.

Through his extraordinary journey, Duffin’s philosophy on leadership has evolved, and he now views himself as an artist, his business his brush, and the world his canvas. In his view, the role of a leader is to be a visionary: an artist who brings their values to life through their actions, words, and impact on the world around them. But is he right?

The Making of a Great Leader

Great art stirs something deep within us all; powerful emotions we didn’t know we had. It provokes thought, imbues inspiration, and creates soaring joy. For Duffin, there are direct parallels between great leadership and great art.

Leadership and art are fundamentally driven by bringing a new vision to life. For artists, it might be a beautiful painting or an enchanting instrumental, and for business leaders, it’s an organizational strategy or culture, he suggests. Transforming these visions from the spark of an idea to reality is no mean feat and demands dedication, authenticity, and unbridled creativity.

Truly great leaders have the capacity to reach into the future and mold their visions into a reality. They deeply understand their internal values. They possess the drive and entrepreneurial vision to impart their philosophies to the wider world through their actions, and they have the capacity to bring an entire organization of people along with them, according to Duffin.

Therefore, he suggests, treating leadership as an art form rather than a science opens up tantalizing possibilities for all kinds of leaders. It’s common to see these leadership philosophies exhibited in innovative startups that set out to change the world. But as organizations grow, this flair and spark are often dampened, leading to stagnation and an absence of innovation.

According to Duffin, leaders must resist and continue to cast themselves in this visionary role. Among the leading proponents of this idea is Simon Sinek, who argues that CEOs should recast themselves as chief visionary officers, with the primary responsibility of setting and delivering the company’s ultimate vision.

Duffin fundamentally disagrees with this view, calling for a more balanced approach. His philosophy towards effective leadership is characterized by a fine balance between artistry and science.

Striking The Balance: Yin and Yang

Many of the most significant transformations in history have been ushered in by organizations led jointly by two distinct types of leaders: a relentless visionary and a laser-focused operator.

Take Orville and Wilbur Wright, the fathers of modern aviation. Orville was the innovator, a blue-flame thinking inventor who envisioned and brought to life something nobody else could. Meanwhile, Wilbur ran the business, negotiating contracts and securing orders.

The early leadership of Apple –– now the world’s most valuable company –– followed a similar pattern. Steve Jobs, the iconic visionary who pioneered countless new technologies, was complemented perfectly by Steve Wozniak, a hardcore engineer who built the infrastructure required for success.

History, according to Duffin, shows us that unleashing the true potential of visionary leadership requires a two-pronged approach, where businesses are jointly led by a chief visionary officer and a CEO. The visionary must be freed to bring the future to life, unencumbered by the CEO’s day-to-day administrative and operational requirements. Together, the CVO and the CEO are Yin and Yang: two opposite but complementary forces that act in harmony, driving the perfect balance.

While this approach is paramount at the upper echelons of an organization, the principle of leadership as an art form holds true at every level, says Duffin. It’s critical that leaders free their employees to think creatively, bring their values to life, and create powerful movements that garner widespread support.

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

Published

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

Published

1 month 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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