Monday, June 15, 2009

STOLEN




Yesterday at my art show on Bleecker Street in New York City, FOUR of my original paintings were stolen! To be honest, the money part doesn't bother me in the slightest-- but the idea that a mean criminal has four of my paintings-- two of which were my favorites! -- in his possession gives me chills. This was my third run-in with credit card fraud, but the very first time that the artwork stolen was of such enormous value, both monetary and sentimental.

My parents and I suspected the guy from the start, and as he was waiting for my dad and I to pack up the paintings my mom started chatting with him about how I was only 22, I wasn't making much money off of this, I'm really a sweet girl, etc. discreetly trying to stress how important it was that he shouldn't steal from me. What a low life to actually go through with it after that.

The robbery was reported to the New York Police, and I am officially STILL the owner of these paintings. They are legally mine. Do not buy them from anyone, even a reputable seller. If you see them, immediately report it to the New York Police department.

I will be painting new versions of these paintings, and when the originals are found I will keep them.

To all artists doing outdoor shows in the New York area: be on the lookout for two young, slim, middle-upper class Middle Eastern men at your art shows. They were a criminal team-- one rides around on a bicycle looking for artists who use old fashioned credit card imprinters, and then the other swoops in to meet the bike guy and to purchase the artwork. The man on the bike was wearing a t-shirt and the man who paid had on a black windbreaker, a preppy plaid and khaki outfit and they both had short cropped hair. At first they said they were on a budget, and bargained me down on two paintings. It would be wise, if people resembling this description try to purchase an expensive item from you, to try to run an authorization first before letting them leave.

19 comments:

Mercurie said...

That is horrible, Kate. I cannot imagine how it must feel to have something of one's own stolen (the closest equivalent for a writer I suppose would be plagiarism, which I fortunately have not had happen to me). I hope they find the culprit, arrest him, and, more importantly, recover the paintings.

Elizabeth said...

How awful! I hope you get them back soon!

Ann said...

finally got to leave a comment......can you set up a link to this post so it can spread faster and farther? this is a despicable act and I'm sure everyone would like to do all they can..we care about our blogger friends.

elena-lu said...

thats terrible kate! sending you many good vibes and good thoughts!

Elsie said...

I'm sorry that happened to you. I hope very much the paintings make their way back to you!

Trixie said...

That is horribly rotten! I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this! Just awful!

NoirGirl said...

Oh Kate! This is awful! I feel so bad for you. I know how I would feel if someone stole my work.

What jerks! I hope the paintings are found soon so they get their due. They really are creeps to actually see you and your family, hear your life story and still steal from you. UGH!

Bug said...

Oh no!!! That sucks - I hope you get them back. I love your blog, its very cute.

If you get a chance, come by my blog and maybe follow too. I would love to see what you think of it.

http://inbugsdrawers.blogspot.com/

Hala Pickford said...

Thats a shame Kate I hope they catch the bastards!

Is there any way to get a more modern card machine? Via laptop or something (of course then that might bring further stolen worries)? Id say that Iphone looks spiffy for it, but Iphones are insanely expensive so I wont suggest it :p.

Seriously though...there is karma in the world. Id watch Ebay closely, seems the kinda thing they'd do with them.

DKoren said...

Grrrr. The rats. That just plain stinks and I hope the paintings are recovered for you soon.

Eileen said...

BUMMER! I hope they have a change of heart and return them to you!

Eileen
http://ruralwisconsin.blogspot.com

Raquelle said...

What a horrible person to do that to you. I think some people get some sick twisted pleasure of being cruel to kind people. You definitely don't deserve that.

And isn't it interesting that he stole your two Munch paintings and the original "The Scream" painting was stolen too?

Rachel said...

Kate I am so sorry this happened to you. What a bunch of losers. Here's hoping they get caught by New York's finest.

Sarah said...

How sickening and disheartening.

artistamyjo said...

It's so sad to know there are people like this in the world.
It always seemd they are the ones that can afford to purchase these items they sell.
Must be some thrill for them. Hope you get them back.

Robin Armstrong Seeber said...

geeze, that is so disgusting kate, my eyes are peeled for you! robin

Stacia said...

This is horrible news! I hope you get them back soon!

Mel said...

Omgosh that's terrible! Who would do such a heartless act? I'm terribly sorry about the whole incident and I hope you can recover the paintings very soon!

edward said...

sad.