Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Copying

Yes...my work has been copied. Once I came across a reproduction of one of my jewelry designs on display in a gallery I might have enjoyed showing in. Such revelations never make me happy, but mainly for reasons you might not expect.

No one creates in a vacuum. Everything experienced on a conscious and unconscious level impacts our self-expression. Inspired by the world around us, we attempt to find our own creative center and define an individual point of view.


 Hanging Sculpture 4,  detail
Inspired by the paintings of Wassily Kandinsky.

Every artist knows the difference between being inspired and copying. Inspiration is a positive influence. It ignites a creative spark and encourages self-discovery. Copying has the opposite effect. It cancels out the opportunity to find our unique vision because it circumvents our inner creative process.


This was one of the most valuable ideas I explored with students when I taught art. The issue of copying concerns
self-awareness and being clear about personal motivation. For instance, I know that I create to discover my authentic, evolving aesthetic. Connecting with my artist-self is the most dynamic part of my process. Growth expands and transforms my perspective as well as my output. What I go through to produce my work is as important as any actual piece I make. It's often more important as it shapes the character of my art.
__________________________________________________Read what other artists in the Snow Leopard Network think about copying: Andes Cruz, Jewelry by Natsuko, Beth Cyr, Tosca Teran, Tamra Gentry, Mary Spencer, Thomasin Durgin, Susan Moloney, Rosy Revolver.

13 comments:

Thomasin Durgin said...

Very well stated, Jan! I couldn't agree more. xxoo

Jewelry by Natsuko said...

sorry to hear that you been copyed. it must be shocking to see your design made by someone else... but copy is just a copy. you are the original shining star!

Jan said...

Thanks so much, Tomi and Natsuko! I totally agree with Tomi's powerful blog statement..."Keep moving forward".

I'd rather use my energy on my own work! I've got more ideas than time to express them!

Love your thought..."you are the original shining star", Natsuko! :)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post Jan. thoughtful, inspired, and concise. xo

Tamra said...

Ooooo, love your post, Jan--especially the notions of "self-awareness" and "personal motivation." Absolutely LOVE it!

Jan said...

This is a wonderful blog topic, Ande! We all have such strong feelings and personal experiences with it.

Thanks to you and Tamra for commenting!

My thoughts have certainly changed over time. I used to be so angry when copied until I liberated myself. Guess I believe in karma!:)
xo

WATTO said...

I love hearing your thoughts on this subject! And I love your Kandinsky inpiration. I see the influence but NOT the copy!!! That was a great addition to make your point!

Jan said...

Thank you, Mary! It's so great to have someone with a background in painting give me feedback on the visual I included to underscore the point about inspiration! (What Kandinsky did with line and space in his later work blows me away!)

Rosy Revolver said...

Love this post. Really proud to be on a team with you people.

Jan, really well said a supported. xo

Beth Cyr said...

"Every artist knows the difference between being inspired and copying. Inspiration is a positive influence. It ignites a creative spark and encourages self-discovery. Copying has the opposite effect. It cancels out the opportunity to find our unique vision because it circumvents our inner creative process."

So true!! This is why I wonder how people can copy and still call themselves artists.... its the inner drive that makes me want to create, not seeing something someone else did!

Jan said...

Thanks, Rosy!

And I know the feeling...It's so energizing to be in a conversation with such dedicated and passionate creatives.

Love your music this morning! :)

Jan said...

Thanks, Beth! So basic, isn't it?!

And I love your take, "...its the inner drive that makes me want to create, not seeing something someone else did!" Exactly!

I've found that being naive about the issues involved and then self-deception are two major problems. Education is crucial. What we are doing now...there needs to be more awareness and discussion.

K Shiroma said...

I came across your post more than a year after you wrote it.

Copying has once again become an issue with the "I heart My State" pendant issue that I recently blogged about.

It also brought up a lot of questions, such as:

"Is there really anything original under the sun?"

As far as artistic creations go, I'd say yes because each artist is an individual with his/her own ideas and ways of seeing the world around them.