I spent hours painting this face…I just kept mixing and mixing paint and watching the colors change.

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I am pushing myself into some uncomfortable places hoping to be stretched and learn more about color. It makes for a strange mix of pleasure and pain during the creative process.

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Close to three years ago I started painting folk art angel paintings and selling them on ebay. People loved them and I was blessed with many bids. I painted on found items like ceiling tins and cupboard doors, as well as canvas and wood. I collaged dresses out of fabric and paper and often incorporated scripture (actual pages from the Bible) into my work. Their hands were tucked behind their backs or holding birds or hearts (because I could not draw hands). My angels all had a similar style of face, often with a tilted head, and a handful of different halos to match their dresses. I also painted on long planks of wood (old shelving and such) and created what I called a Tall Angel. Each piece was intentionally aged and distressed to create a grungy…or “gritty” look.

I used to search ‘folk art angel painting’ daily to view my paintings listed on ebay and see what else was going on in that category. When I began there were only about 40 on any given day (now there are often 100 or more). My paintings were selling for a decent price and I felt so fortunate to be able to make money creating art.

As my paintings became more popular and valuable, imitations began appearing. People were listing very similar angel paintings to mine…sometimes changing it up a little and other times offering blatant knock-offs! It was very upsetting. I confronted a few people and wrote a little thing on my About Me page about “copycats and thieves creating a smog in the atmosphere here on ebay”. I had much support and much controversy over it all so I backed away and tried to just carry on doing what I do and not worry about the people who were stealing my ideas.

Now, there are so many similar folk art angel paintings flooding the internet (mainly ebay and etsy) that it has simply become a fad. (This is not to insult credible artists who paint their own style of angels much different from mine). I’ve tried to change my angels so as to not look like the rest…but even those got copied and I felt resentful that I could not paint my own style, the angels I was meant to paint,  without looking like the masses.  I loved painting angels…but, not anymore. I cannot say never again…but, I am definitely trying to move on.

People like to say that “imitation is the highest form of flattery”…but I was not flattered. I felt robbed. It is one thing to be inspired by someone’s art and quite another to reproduce it and call it original. These people were not copying me because they liked me…they had no respect for me. They only wanted to make a dollar. Granted, there are a few folks out there that simply do not know better and need to be educated regarding intellectual property rights and courtesy with fellow artists.

Copycats seem to take about 3 different roads: 1) they give it a try and find out it is harder than it looks, they don’t make any money and give up 2) they copy for awhile and then eventually find their own style and move on or 3) they set up shop, do a great job at copying, call their work “original”, and make a lot of money off stolen ideas. It is copycat number three that I am most concerned with.

I have struggled greatly over this…thought I’d found peace…realized I didn’t. I have sought help from VERO (ebay’s art police) and got no help at all. They do not have a sufficient system set up to deal with this stuff and I do not believe they even care.

I am an artist. I am going to be an artist for the rest of my life…until my hands are gnarled and I cannot see. I am going to paint until inspiration dies out…and God willing, it never will. I am also going to get better and better. And I am realizing that I will always have to deal with folks who copy me. So, here is what I am going to do…

I am going to take action against individuals who infringe on my intellectual property rights. This is not only to protect myself, but to protect others as well. As a community of artisans, we should not allow people to come in and steal from us. Let this post be a warning to those who feel like trying to reproduce my artwork. You do not have my permission. It does not flatter me.

A few things I have been dying to say:

If you are inspired by my work and want to reproduce it to “study” my style, DON’T SELL IT! Give it to your mom or something.

Go look at the masters for inspiration…I’m really not that good.

When you are thinking of using the word “original” to describe your painting, please make sure it is true.

Yes, I know all art is derivative of other art… I too aspire to paint like others…that’s not the issue here.

This has nothing to do with whether or not I am a “good Christian”.

I am a real person, with two kids and a husband just trying to make a living doing what I love. I am not nameless or faceless and when you steal from me you are stealing from a real person…with bills to pay.

Perhaps this post sounds harsh. Perhaps you cannot understand where I am coming from because you have not been in my shoes. Many of you know I am a sensitive, prayerful person with much love for others. I also know I am not perfect. Yep, I have even imitated other’s artwork early on (and have since humbly apologized and quit). I understand the denial that allows a person to do that. I understand what it is like to need money…to feel unsure of yourself as an artist…to not know where to begin.

This post is just a statement regarding my experience with copyright infringement and where I stand now regarding such things. I know that most people who have infringed meant no harm.

If you do not know about copyright laws and intellectual property rights, please take some time to review the links below. I also recommend you so an internet search of your own to find out more.

http://drawsketch.about.com/cs/resources/a/copyright.htm

http://drawsketch.about.com/cs/resources/a/copyright_2.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright

http://www.whatiscopyright.org/

http://bigcrow.com/anna/ebay_fraud/evidence.html

http://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/practice/Intellectual-Property-Law

http://www.aipla.org/

*I’ve kept the comment section off for this post. Mainly because I just wanted to be heard…not discuss things or fight about anything. Thank you to everyone who has wrote me with your love and support. I feel so honored to have such loyal friends. You’re the best!

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The move to North Carolina has brought about a newness in my art. There are many factors involved but I am excited about the direction I am heading. I have loved impressionism for quite some time but have been afraid to give it  a try. I have also wanted to paint figures but have felt as if I could not draw a body (hence, all the collaged angel dresses).

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The last few days I have been painting with such energy and focus. I feel as if I am trying to get something out of my system and I cannot move fast enough. I am full of inspiration and ideas are running over. I went for a week or so without painting. I was making dolls but that isn’t the same. When I finally got set up with some wood and paints, I could feel the stress leave with every brush stroke. There is something so soothing about having that paintbrush in my hand and knowing where I am going. It gives me such a sense of purpose. While I wait to see where our family is going to live…where my husband will work…what my studio will be like…whether or not we will homeschool our kids…what church is right for us…painting is as close to home as I am going to get.

Many of you know my sister Daphne. She is the sister I am staying with right now and who has helped me with grittyjane.com in the past.

Daphne and her husband Keith have strong personal ties to Guatemala. Their two daughters were adopted from there. During the adoption process they found a love for the country and developed a passion to help rural Guatemalans living in need. They believe God has a plan and purpose in their lives which includes further involvement in Guatemala.

Now she has a small non-profit organization (herself and two other people) called Guatemalan Harvest. She has worked hard to help folks in Guatemala and her current project is building a walled in playground for kids. You can read all about that HERE. Funding this playground not only brings a nice place for children to play, but it also gives men jobs, and brings hope to the community.

She has had yard sales, ornament sales, sold Christmas wreaths, did gift wrapping, and have given much of their own personal money. Anyways, they are down to needing the last $500 to complete the project and I figured I would just do a post to see if anyone would be willing to give even $5 for the cause. We know times are tough finacially for lots of people right now…but, you would be amazed at what $5 can accomplish in Guatemala! There is a convenient

Pay Pal button HERE to give your (tax deductible) donation.

Please take a moment to check out Guatemalan Harvest website.

If you feel so inclined, pass this on from your blog and help spread the word. You are welcome to grab the photo below or any other photos from this post to share as well.

I will be sure to share progress pictures so you can see how your money has helped others. BIG big thanks from Daph and the children in Guatemala!

Thanks to everyone who gave! The goal has been met and the playground will be completed!!!!

I will be sure to share photos with everyone and you can keep tabs at GuatemalanHarvest.org