A while back I wrote a blog post titled "Connecting". Within that post I included a few images, a quote, and a video ~ all of which I had found on Facebook through other friend's musings and page postings. I found the content particularly inspirational and so I felt with the proper citations I could share them with my audience. All was fine until yesterday when I received a comment from a blogger informing me that one of the images I used was her own original work and I did not have her permission to use the image.
I was mortified.
Of course it drives me crazy to see my own images used or altered without my permission but as an artist, an Art Education student, and being someone who tries to literally "live" the change she wants to see, the concept that I had inadvertently infringed on someone's copyright was absolutely horrifying.
Fortunately Kinga, the aforementioned artist, included a link to her diviantArt page within her comment and so I was able to contact her directly. I think it's important to share this part because I could have easily just removed the image, deleted the artist's comment and none would have been the wiser but in truth I would have missed out on a wonderful opportunity. You see upon visiting her page I was met with the most exquisite imagery I've seen in a very long time...
The Christmas Miracle by Kingabrit
Honestly this is my type of art ~ it's eclectic, whimsical, and phantasmagorical all rolled in one.
Here was an artist who's gorgeous images have been featured in such noted publications as Advanced Photoshop...
I can only dream of her talents and aspire to create with her imaginary greatness...
New Moon Rises by Kingabrit
And so I wound up contacting Kinga. To my delight she was gracious and kind and allowed me to keep the image in my original post, with proper credit and links now in place. I think this important to share because too many times it's easy to get our feathers ruffled and can so easily miss little treasures. From my perspective it's an absolute privilege to be able to share such beautiful imagery with you and an honor to converse with such a talented individual. Beyond this I've had the opportunity to add one more artist to my own "Inspiration" section and found an opportunity to share her with all of you. It's wonderful to find the flip side to difficult situations and I do believe these opportunities are out there if we're only willing to look for them.
Here is a direct link to Kinga's deviantArt page if you wish to find out more about her artwork or follow her yourself: http://kingabrit.deviantart.com/
Best~
Yes, I recently got my knickers in a twist when I felt another blogger was "copying" my blog posts even though she wasn't copying them word for word. I asked another blogger who is older than me who's opinion I respect a lot. She encouraged me to let it go, and realize that what I had shared was meant to inspire other knowledge. I realized I had been having a bad week and that had influenced the fact that I felt threatened. I wish I truly feel as generous as my older blogger friend, who I consider I mentor, but I'm getting there.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Ruth
With so many pics flying around, it's sometimes very hard to find the artist's details and this has happened to me too. I corrected the details and the artist was more than happy for my post to remain. We can only do our upmost to put the right credits.
ReplyDeleteHer work is amazing, indeed. I'm glad you guys came to an understanding ;-)
ReplyDeleteWell done Sharon! You've shared an important message here. Most of us do our best to credit what isn't ours and to explain where we found something if we can't. That Kinga contacted you, was gracious when you contacted her and it has worked out deserves kudos. As you said, it's easy for our feathers to be ruffled. Kinga could have been aggressive with you but wasn't. You could have tucked your tail between your legs and run off humiliated and embarrassed. Instead, the two of you dealt with this like adults, you discovered someone's depth of artistic talent and you've brought a great message home to all of us. xo
ReplyDeleteYou are right her work is astonishing.
ReplyDeleteI've been lucky enough to not have anyone upset with me using their images. Like you I make every effort to give proper credit. Linking and even e-mailing when I can. I'm glad that you had a good experience and glad that you got to sharee her art with us.
I love your creations, they inspire me and I am constantly trying to learn new Photo shop techniques so that one day I will be as good as you.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend
Hugs
Caroline
A wonderful outcome to a delicate situation....and gorgeous imagery to boot :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this story and her amazing art!
Sharon, thanks a LOT for this wonderful feature - it is highly appreciated as well as your understanding and contacting me. I wish everyone had the same approach to these kinds of things as you have.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned in a message to you I don't have ANY problems with using my images with proper credits.
Unfortunately there are tons of people who think differently from you; they think the Internet is there for 'free grab' and it makes me pretty discouraged. We just had a big round with FB and MySpace to convince them to take off some images that were 'borrowed' from our DA sites without any permissions or at least credits. FB acted very fast, the images are off but MySpace does not seem to be bothered. DA (Deviantart) members (the artists) are pretty protective of each other but of course it is far not enough.
Thanks a lot again.
Cheers,
Kinga
...also:
ReplyDeletehttp://kingabrit.deviantart.com/journal/All-s-Well-That-Ends-Well-almost-348095674
Sharon, you are such a gracious and beautiful person. This is not only an honorable post, but one with a great lesson. Way to "woman up" sweetie. Hugs to you always. Mina
ReplyDelete