This topic raises its head so often and I usually let it slip by me.
This week... COME ON my ASTROLOGY crew, what is going on???... THIS week I have LOADS of messages from other artists pointing out people 'copying' me or those asking my advice on what to do when someone copies their artistic creations (paintings, jewellery, writing and so on)
So here goes..... CAN OF WORMS OPEN!
HOW I DEAL WITH IT
I don't.
I really don't give a rats bottom parts. This is not an invitation for you to start "photocopying" my work though. You better finish reading my post :)
I don't need to deal with it because I have something that not a single person can actually 'steal' from me, no matter how they mass produce and punch out my ideas. They don't have my passion, my heart, my vision and my love of what I do.
If they did, then they never in a million lifetimes would do anything as stupidly crass as directly copy another artist.
They are not artists at all, they are object/homewears/jewellery producers.
Artists have vision and a story to tell. They do not mime others.
YOU DEAL WITH IT BY HAVING BELIEF IN YOURSELF & YOUR ART.
YOU TEACH SO THAT IS AN INVITATION TO JUST COPY, RIGHT?
Wrong!
Teachers teach techniques! But if you are blind and empty of personal connection to the Universe and your own message, then you need to go and do some personal work to open those pathways.
OK THAT'S hard tough love.
I also know many of you will be saying 'but I can't get ideas' YES YOU CAN!
Go and get a note pad and pen, I'll wait.....
OK write down EVERYTHING you like in the room you are sitting in.
NOW write down everything you don't like.
TWO lists of things that you have an emotional response to, a PERSONAL emotional response.
Artistic Inspiration comes from emotional response. Many years ago I stood in Brett Whiteley's Studio, anyone can do it... lol I'm not being a name dropper! In fact if you want to go with me, I'm planning a trip soon, its in Surry Hills, Sydney so jump on over to Creative Witchery on Facebook for details. ANYWAY over at Brett's place I was really pulled into a notice board of his ideas. All where questions and ideas about everyday really simple things. No grand design plans there.
A lot of my work has wings.... BECAUSE.....I can sit for hours watching BIRDS!
See you thought it was Angels or Fairies didn't you ?? ;)
When it comes to materials I agree it can be really really tricky. You adore the effect that your teacher/artist has achieved so how do you emulate it? Well colour ways are a great way to move towards YOUR response and YOUR personal reflection on the subject.
Also, if a teacher shows you how to do something with a certain brand/colour/length ribbon and you can't go out and source something that speaks to YOU, then can you see my point?
It's also a WIN WIN situation. You never know what you may see, discover, connect with while doing so. You MAY just become the Queen of using multi coloured electric cord in your artwork... or WHATEVER! You will also FIND YOUR VOICE!
PLAY THE TEACHERS RECORD BUT SING WITH YOUR OWN VOICE BEFORE RECORDING.
"YEAH YOU ARE RIGHT BECAUSE I AM THE VERY FIRST PERSON TO MAKE CARDS WITH ROUND HOLES IN THEM WITH THE MOON"
No NO you are not!
Sorry but really there is NOTHING that new in the Universe, but new ways to put things together and do them. This is VERY VERY hard to hear for many people I know it. I'm also not the first to make Talismans with wings, or paint pathways and doorways or make goddess sculptures out of recycled materials.
Look someone, somewhere, sometime has done work similar to you. DEAL WITH IT. You didn't invent air brushed Dragon-cats... GREAT IDEA but yeah no. You where not the first one to write about Fae Circles either. You can however develop your own STYLE and you most certainly can add YOUR voice and vision to what is there. It can take a long time sometimes but it's achievable. Your style and voice come from all of the above AND from what you like, what empassions you, what works for you. You may find you may also need to technically learn a few things first Tiger!
LISTEN TO YOUR OWN HEART.
That's Sedona! I painted that over there when I found my own heart & voice. :)
I hope this post helps just a little.
I truly understand how exciting it is to see a new artwork and have that thrill of 'OHHHHH I'm GOING TO THAT!" Of course I do! It's beautiful, you are artistic, you want to try it.
Often artists and teachers do say when offering to teach you, "Look its ok if you make a direct copy, just keep it for personal use, don't sell it"
I really don't believe that.
Create with your own voice and
if you want the exact article HONOUR the artist as you wish to be honoured and
purchase it from him/her.
If you can't afford it, barter, sell YOUR creations or cup cakes until you CAN!
I own many, many beloved pieces made by other artists that I could of perhaps easily (or not so easily!) created myself.
If you are the artist worried about people copying you, then please find peace. These people may be just miss-guided, they may at times, sadly, be trying to financially/artistically overshadow you. The former can be enlightened & guided by you to find their voice, the latter will copy it anyway.
They will steal your energy, make you sad and leech more than a few dollars and 'fame' in their neck of the woods with your design.
Don't waste your time with those without artistic integrity......
BE BUSY MAKING AMAZING ARTWORKS
DON'T REST ON YOUR LAST ARTISTIC SPARK
KEEP GROWING, KEEP BEING PASSIONATE
PS... that's my favourite tree... come and sit under it a while and BREATH :)
Happiest Creative Blessings!
Cheralyn xx