I would like to take a minute to discussion design integrity. To preface, Im not cranky nor do I feel like Ive been offended. Im just noticing a trend in some of the groups Im in, where artists see a picture of something online and replicate it. First of all, I realize that weve all been influenced by people along the way. Two artists in particular that have influenced ME are Laura McCabe (who I single-handedly credit with my crystal bezel obsession—beginning with beadwork and progressing into my desire to design things incorporating crystal rivolis with my OTHER passion chainmaille) and Melissa Banks of Rapt in Maille Jewelry, whose work I also adore. I have to work REALLY, REALLY hard to make sure Im not incorporating her designs into my own work, because she has fabulous pieces and we have similar tastes. I could go on indefinitely about artists I admire. That all said, I do make pieces that come from other artists designs—IF they offer up a tutorial for sale and encourage other artists to make and sell such pieces from their designs. These I try to do in limited quantities and I also make a point of both crediting the original designer and often include links to the source so other artists can ALSO purchase, make, and sell those designs. Im not out to make a profit at another artists expense. Just because we see something online somewhere and like it and can figure out how its done, doesnt give us the right to reproduce another artists design or pretend like it came out of our heads. Even if I sit down with my supplies and create something right from my head without a pattern, I am aware that all of the data that Ive seen from all the sources/pictures/photos Ive come across are logged somewhere in this magnificent computer that I call a brain. It is egotistical to assume that no one will ever come up with my designs on their own. I acknowledge this. Where this leaves us as artists is at a place of intent. Each artist should ask themselves this question: Where was my intent in designing this piece of jewelry? Am I erring on the side of integrity? And always, always put yourself in the position of the other. How would I feel if someone was recreating MY designs and claiming them as their own? There will always be those that feel that everything should be shared freely and there will always be those that disagree. I myself ride this fence on a daily basis. I keep some of my ideas to myself and I share others. And other things I share at a price. All of this is entirely up to me. Im not obligated to do anything more than be honest with myself and no one else is automatically entitled to any more than I choose to give. And . . . I fully believe I should give others the same respect Id like to see returned to me. Food for thought. Now go out there and make and do beautiful things. The world needs more beauty.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:08:40 +0000
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