Art
Science meets art: Two worlds collide at Three Crows Speak studio
What do you get when you have a biology major who is also a Métis artist with a passion for alternative spiritual practices? A shop in the Peter Streets Art District that is wall-to-wall with paintings, that is filled with crystals, candles, soaps, handmade jewellery and a medley of items by local artists.
Sylvia Tesori, owner of Three Crows Speak Studio on Peter Street in downtown Orillia, personifies the harmony of bringing different worlds together. Her educational background in science is far from a contradiction to her artwork and the nature of her shop, she explains.
These aspects of her life overlap and despite any challenges they present, she says she strives to live in balance.
“I keep them somewhat separate,” Tesori says of her scientific and spiritual natures. “I have a left brain topic to teach, so I compartmentalize quite a bit … (and) tend to really like the changing dynamic of my work life where I get to be the scientist the first half of the week and the artist and the crystal shop owner the last part of the week.
“I have a great time doing both of them,” she says.
Though she has always had an interest in meditation, tarot and holistic wellness practices, Three Crows Speak Studio started as an art studio and grew from there. Now, you can find everything from full canvas artworks to incense and tarot cards.
Tesori teaches math, biology and chemistry during the early part of the week and then opens her shop Thursday through Saturday.
Art has always been a big part of her life, but there was a 20-year gap of not making any.
“In high school I made a lot of art but let it go when I was in university for science,” she says.
While working as an educational assistant, Tesori was inspired by an art teacher and friend.
“She taught me how to look at art in a different way and gave me the freedom to paint whatever I wanted and to move away from realism,” Tesori explained.
Creating art again was the early stage toward opening Three Crows Speak Studio.
“In the beginning I would only use palette knives because I wanted to create my own style, I didn’t want to fall back into landscape or florals, picking away with the little brush. I wanted to be more expressive with the paintings,” Tesori says of her art journey.
Accumulating completed artworks indicated a need for space, so she rented from other galleries for some time. But she wanted more.
“I thought it would feel really good to have a little shop that was all just me.” So, in 2017 the studio on Peter Street was born, “and, of course, I don’t just paint, I make all kinds of things …I love to play with all different mediums,” she says with a chuckle: “it’s not hoarding if it’s art supplies.”
In particular, her handmade soaps depict the dual nature of her work.
“It’s science and art together and if you do it wrong you can hurt people, so you better know what you’re doing and better understand math or you can make something that can be quite harmful,” Tesori remarks about the soaps, balms and scrubs she makes.
Art tells a story and for every object in the shop, Tesori has a story connected to it. One might get to hear some of these stories if they wander in and acquire an invite to “the friend chair.”
The little wooden chair with a red felt cushion decorated by a floral design is positioned near the desk at the front of the shop. It is so named for the many people who come to visit and share their stories.
Tesori also works with a number of local artists who create jewellery such as silver rings with gemstones set in them, or ornaments for shelves, altars and walls. She also provides a space for services like tarot readings, connecting people with each other, art and spirituality.
“I bring in different kinds of mediums,” Tesori says, describing the various spiritual methods of providing readings. A psychic medium and reiki master has often done Tarot readings from Three Crows Speak Studio, returning almost monthly.
At the front of the shop stands a tall red figure, much like the one dressed in black standing outside; wire is wrapped and shaped to form a crow’s head with shiny eyes and all. If you walk around Three Crows Speak Studio it’s hard not to notice the images and shadows of birds in much of the work.
“I love birds,” says Tesori. “Crows are kind of the icon of the shop. I was seeing three crows everywhere for about a month. So that’s where the name of the shop came from, these messenger crows.… With my wildlife biology degree I’m just really connected to animals and also to the natural world in general.”
Tesori finds herself teaching many customers how to meditate or perform smudging.
“We talk about crystals a lot,” she says while describing a spectrum of beliefs and viewpoints.
“The crystals aren’t magic. I believe that we are the magic. For example, someone that is constantly trapped in negative thinking, you could give them a stone that’s associated with positivity and banishing negativity, but what you’re really doing is helping them to harness the power of their own thoughts,” she explains.
While talking to a reporter, a gentleman came in seeking “something to help ground me.” Tesori quickly had options available to offer him.
Tesori applies her creativity to her teaching methods in the classroom as well.
“I bring a lot of art into my teaching,” she explained, noting she gives assignments for students that often stray from traditional essay writing, like sculpting a cell or writing a fictional diary to demonstrate learned material.
“But I’m not so artsy that I’m speaking a different language to the science people and I’m not so sciency that the artsy people can’t understand me. I fall into some weird grey zone walking a line between the two. I can fit very well, like a chameleon, in either world,” says Tesori.
This summer, Tesori will embark on a project as both biologist and artist. She and a friend, also a professor and biologist, will seek and study a species of coastal vegetation called vetch.
“This one in particular is called the beach pea,” she says, describing with fascination its significance to the salty ecosystem and the symbiotic relationship between it and species of bacteria that live in the root nodules.
Working directly in the field of science and creating art while owning a metaphysical shop, Tesori notes how her perspective has evolved alongside her work.
“What’s changed is that I have an open mind about these things, I think. I wait and reserve judgment on things until I see for myself. … I think it’s made me a very balanced person and I can see both sides of the coin as many artists can.”
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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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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