Red Peony - 3rd Stolen Painting - RECOVERED
| Pink and White Eyed Creatures - 2nd Stolen Painting |
Painter Suzanne Stryker on Planet Erstwild
James Moore will discuss art and loss with local painter
Suzanne Stryker, who was the target of art thieves twice right
here in Fairfield.
Her story was featured in the Des Moines Register and
picked up by the Associated Press.
Painter Suzanne Stryker on Tanner & Moore
She shares her thoughts and reflections on Tanner & Moore
James Moore will discuss art and loss with local painter
Suzanne Stryker, who was the target of art thieves twice right
here in Fairfield.
Her story was featured in the Des Moines Register and
picked up by the Associated Press.
Painter Suzanne Stryker on Tanner & Moore
She shares her thoughts and reflections on Tanner & Moore
Art Theft 101
We recently received correspondence from artist Suzanne Stryker, and what she had to say shocked us.
“I need your help in catching the thief of my artwork,” she pleads.
It seems that Ms. Stryker, whose paintings were on exhibit at Entrée Café Gallery in Fairfield, has been struck by lightning
twice — a thief has stolen two of her ‘babies,’ as she refers to them.
“Normally, paintings aren’t stolen until the artist is dead and the painting is worth a few million!” she says. “The paintings
were uninsured. This was an unusual crime the first time it happened, and certainly the second time. I feel slapped, yet
deeply complimented, twice!”
The first painting is a colorful abstract acrylic painting about 14 x 16 inches, valued at $500. The second is a watercolor of a
peach and red peony, measuring 10 x 12 inches, valued at $200. Images of the paintings can be seen at her Web site,
www.paintyoga.com.
Her theory is that the thief isn’t a local. In a town of 10,000, she says that it would be hard for the thief to display or sell the
paintings without them being recognized. She is pleading for the thief to return the paintings.
“I am not trying to trick the thief,” she says. “I want him/her to know that I will drop the charges if he/she returns the paintings
— just mail the paintings to Entrée Gallery, 203 West Broadway, Fairfield, IA 52556.
What she’s wondering, though, is why did the thief choose one of the paintings over a nearby, more traditional oil painting
that was priced twice as high.
“Was this due to personal preference or professional incompetence? Art Theft 101 would tell you to steal the most valuable
paintings,” she jokes.
We’re glad to see that Ms. Stryker, besides having a big heart by offering to wait to file charges,
is maintaining her sense of humor throughout the experience. — Roderick Kabel
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On-line Reactions to Des Moines Register Article
VanTrike wrote:
I did a google on this artist - she has a website www.paintyoga.com . Must be the same artist
because her website has a page about these stolen paintings. You should see her other
paintings online- some of them are really magnificent! I would like to have several of them. I
would also like to have the abstract one that was stolen. I wonder if she could do another one
like it - her website says she does commissioned work. I can't decide which ones I like best
though.
12/22/2007 4:59:13 PM
najane wrote:
I like those paintings. The first one reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe, and the second
one seems like a cross between Picasso's cubism phase and Jackson Pollack, and a
stained glass window. I hope she gets them back.
12/19/2007 11:54:05 AM
Traveler wrote:
I think both pieces are beautiful and it is a shame that someone would have the nerve to take
them.
12/19/2007 8:40:22 AM
VanTrike wrote:
I did a google on this artist - she has a website www.paintyoga.com . Must be the same artist
because her website has a page about these stolen paintings. You should see her other
paintings online- some of them are really magnificent! I would like to have several of them. I
would also like to have the abstract one that was stolen. I wonder if she could do another one
like it - her website says she does commissioned work. I can't decide which ones I like best
though.
12/22/2007 4:59:13 PM
najane wrote:
I like those paintings. The first one reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe, and the second
one seems like a cross between Picasso's cubism phase and Jackson Pollack, and a
stained glass window. I hope she gets them back.
12/19/2007 11:54:05 AM
Traveler wrote:
I think both pieces are beautiful and it is a shame that someone would have the nerve to take
them.
12/19/2007 8:40:22 AM
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| GALLERIES |
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Conception - 1st Stolen Painting
(Not mentioned in some articles)
(Not mentioned in some articles)
Crimes of the Art
by Suzanne B. Stryker
From a global perspective, what are the top four criminal enterprises? You might correctly guess drugs, money laundering,
and weapons, and then get stumped. According to Interpol, the world’s largest police organization, it is commonly accepted
that art theft is third or fourth. They point out that exact figures for art theft worldwide don’t exist, but the FBI estimates that art
theft totals about $6 billion a year. To put that into perspective, the total 2007 FBI budget was approximately $6.04 billion.
There is something glamorous about stealing beauty, so movies and books are written about it. In real life, the modern
museum robbery can remind you of a James Bond movie, like the robbery of the National Gallery in Stockholm in 2000,
where the robbers used diversionary explosions, tire-puncture devices, and a getaway boat. The largest art heist in the U.S.
happened at the Gardner Museum in Boston in 1990. In a matter of one hour and twenty minutes, two unidentified
unarmed men wearing police uniforms removed 12 paintings worth $300 million. The museum is still offering a $5 million
reward for the uninsured artwork.
Art crime has even touched Fairfield, Iowa. During my last move, a thief stole a large abstract painting yet left everything
else. But this was not a one-night stand, there was follow up. About nine months later a painting was stolen from one of
my art exhibits. Nine months later another painting disappeared from my current solo show at Entrée Café Gallery. (This is
no reflection against any gallery; even the finest museums get robbed.) If there is such a thing as regularity and discipline
in their profession, then should we expect the criminals to strike again in another nine months?
I realize that my three missing paintings are just a footnote compared to three Picasso paintings that were stolen around
the same time as mine. Valued at almost $60 million, only one of Picasso’s paintings has been recovered. Picasso has
had more works of art stolen than any other artist in the world, at least 554! My advice to art thieves is to help Picasso
maintain that status and leave the smaller artists like me alone!
People who aren’t interested in art may not think this story is of personal relevance. But I’d like to say something to anyone
who does manual labor: I work with my hands; I’m a manual laborer too. I just don’t break a sweat. And my boss, even
though she’s myself, is very fussy, demanding, and obnoxious.
Since my stolen paintings are such an unusual and personal theft, it brings up many thoughts and questions: who would
do such a thing, why would they do it, and where are the paintings?
Should I flatter myself that my stolen paintings are hanging in the robbers' living room? Or maybe they gave them to their
mother or their lover? I want to know, do they like the paintings? Do they go with the couch?
Really, where are my paintings? They are orphans in the sense in that they are separated from their parent. This is different
than having a stereo stolen out of your home--you didn’t create it. To the extent that an artist gives birth to a painting, the
theft of these paintings approaches kidnapping. And the second painting that was stolen took longer than nine months to
create.
I wonder if my paintings are okay. I want to tell the thieves that, like all fine art, paintings should not be put in direct sunlight
or exposed to extreme moisture or temperature changes. God forbid they are hanging in a moldy bathroom, by the shower,
in direct sunlight!
Why did they take and take again--is business that good? Who wants this kind of art? Perhaps I should open a gallery
there. If the new owners of my paintings like them so much, why don’t they call me directly and cut out the middleman?
It might be easier to steal other things. What does that say about this person? He passes by purses and lap top computers
and instead takes artwork. Who would brazenly steal paintings as large as 16 inches by 20 inches from Entrée Café
Gallery, located in the busiest section of the downtown area, right across the street from the Fairfield Post Office?
Why did the robbers steal those particular paintings from my solo art exhibits? Why didn’t they swipe a nearby oil painting
of the same size that was priced twice as high? Did they breeze by the more expensive paintings because of personal
taste or because of professional incompetence? Did they flunk Art Theft 101? Their fence should be furious.
What is the profile of an art criminal? Is he like in the movies: a charming and sophisticated playboy who’s a
connoisseur of fine art and fine women and has a burglar’s mask tucked into his tuxedo?
Many people have paid their hard earned money for my artwork, but no one has ever dared to take such a risk as going to
jail for five years and having this go on their record permanently. The bandits could be considered to be my biggest fan! On
the other hand, selling paintings is how I make my living. I feel slapped and deeply complimented thrice, but not so
complimented that I don’t want my paintings back. If anyone has any clues, please call me at 641-472-7767. I am offering
a $200 reward for their safe return.
The media has been helpful in getting the word out. TV and radio stations interviewed me. Numerous papers and
websites covered the story, especially after the Associated Press did a piece. The Des Moines Register has an article with
photographs of two of the stolen paintings on its website. People have added on-line comments, such as, "I like those
paintings. The first one reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe, and the second one seems like a cross between Picasso's
cubism phase and Jackson Pollack, and a stained glass window. I hope she gets them back.” Other comments,
coverage, and color pictures of the stolen goods can be seen at my Web site www.paintyoga.com. There you can also view
pictures of paintings that the thieves passed over. I am curious if you agree with their choices. Feel free to e-mail me from
the Contact Us page.
I would like to communicate with the robbers: I want you to know that I will drop the charges if the paintings are returned.
Please let me know if my paintings are okay. Write me at P.O. Box 962, Fairfield, Iowa 52556. By the way, are you really a
charming and sophisticated playboy with an art history degree? Do you own a tuxedo? Also, I want you to know: if you know
people that appreciate my paintings, let’s work together. Let’s go legit; I’ll be generous with commission.
by Suzanne B. Stryker
From a global perspective, what are the top four criminal enterprises? You might correctly guess drugs, money laundering,
and weapons, and then get stumped. According to Interpol, the world’s largest police organization, it is commonly accepted
that art theft is third or fourth. They point out that exact figures for art theft worldwide don’t exist, but the FBI estimates that art
theft totals about $6 billion a year. To put that into perspective, the total 2007 FBI budget was approximately $6.04 billion.
There is something glamorous about stealing beauty, so movies and books are written about it. In real life, the modern
museum robbery can remind you of a James Bond movie, like the robbery of the National Gallery in Stockholm in 2000,
where the robbers used diversionary explosions, tire-puncture devices, and a getaway boat. The largest art heist in the U.S.
happened at the Gardner Museum in Boston in 1990. In a matter of one hour and twenty minutes, two unidentified
unarmed men wearing police uniforms removed 12 paintings worth $300 million. The museum is still offering a $5 million
reward for the uninsured artwork.
Art crime has even touched Fairfield, Iowa. During my last move, a thief stole a large abstract painting yet left everything
else. But this was not a one-night stand, there was follow up. About nine months later a painting was stolen from one of
my art exhibits. Nine months later another painting disappeared from my current solo show at Entrée Café Gallery. (This is
no reflection against any gallery; even the finest museums get robbed.) If there is such a thing as regularity and discipline
in their profession, then should we expect the criminals to strike again in another nine months?
I realize that my three missing paintings are just a footnote compared to three Picasso paintings that were stolen around
the same time as mine. Valued at almost $60 million, only one of Picasso’s paintings has been recovered. Picasso has
had more works of art stolen than any other artist in the world, at least 554! My advice to art thieves is to help Picasso
maintain that status and leave the smaller artists like me alone!
People who aren’t interested in art may not think this story is of personal relevance. But I’d like to say something to anyone
who does manual labor: I work with my hands; I’m a manual laborer too. I just don’t break a sweat. And my boss, even
though she’s myself, is very fussy, demanding, and obnoxious.
Since my stolen paintings are such an unusual and personal theft, it brings up many thoughts and questions: who would
do such a thing, why would they do it, and where are the paintings?
Should I flatter myself that my stolen paintings are hanging in the robbers' living room? Or maybe they gave them to their
mother or their lover? I want to know, do they like the paintings? Do they go with the couch?
Really, where are my paintings? They are orphans in the sense in that they are separated from their parent. This is different
than having a stereo stolen out of your home--you didn’t create it. To the extent that an artist gives birth to a painting, the
theft of these paintings approaches kidnapping. And the second painting that was stolen took longer than nine months to
create.
I wonder if my paintings are okay. I want to tell the thieves that, like all fine art, paintings should not be put in direct sunlight
or exposed to extreme moisture or temperature changes. God forbid they are hanging in a moldy bathroom, by the shower,
in direct sunlight!
Why did they take and take again--is business that good? Who wants this kind of art? Perhaps I should open a gallery
there. If the new owners of my paintings like them so much, why don’t they call me directly and cut out the middleman?
It might be easier to steal other things. What does that say about this person? He passes by purses and lap top computers
and instead takes artwork. Who would brazenly steal paintings as large as 16 inches by 20 inches from Entrée Café
Gallery, located in the busiest section of the downtown area, right across the street from the Fairfield Post Office?
Why did the robbers steal those particular paintings from my solo art exhibits? Why didn’t they swipe a nearby oil painting
of the same size that was priced twice as high? Did they breeze by the more expensive paintings because of personal
taste or because of professional incompetence? Did they flunk Art Theft 101? Their fence should be furious.
What is the profile of an art criminal? Is he like in the movies: a charming and sophisticated playboy who’s a
connoisseur of fine art and fine women and has a burglar’s mask tucked into his tuxedo?
Many people have paid their hard earned money for my artwork, but no one has ever dared to take such a risk as going to
jail for five years and having this go on their record permanently. The bandits could be considered to be my biggest fan! On
the other hand, selling paintings is how I make my living. I feel slapped and deeply complimented thrice, but not so
complimented that I don’t want my paintings back. If anyone has any clues, please call me at 641-472-7767. I am offering
a $200 reward for their safe return.
The media has been helpful in getting the word out. TV and radio stations interviewed me. Numerous papers and
websites covered the story, especially after the Associated Press did a piece. The Des Moines Register has an article with
photographs of two of the stolen paintings on its website. People have added on-line comments, such as, "I like those
paintings. The first one reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe, and the second one seems like a cross between Picasso's
cubism phase and Jackson Pollack, and a stained glass window. I hope she gets them back.” Other comments,
coverage, and color pictures of the stolen goods can be seen at my Web site www.paintyoga.com. There you can also view
pictures of paintings that the thieves passed over. I am curious if you agree with their choices. Feel free to e-mail me from
the Contact Us page.
I would like to communicate with the robbers: I want you to know that I will drop the charges if the paintings are returned.
Please let me know if my paintings are okay. Write me at P.O. Box 962, Fairfield, Iowa 52556. By the way, are you really a
charming and sophisticated playboy with an art history degree? Do you own a tuxedo? Also, I want you to know: if you know
people that appreciate my paintings, let’s work together. Let’s go legit; I’ll be generous with commission.
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