feb - copying other carvings

[feb]

I know that this may sound silly,but being a new carver I nave to ask. When is a carving yours? Ilook in CHIP CHATS, and see five or six copies of Lora Irish step by step with no mention of her name. I Look at books by Jeff Phares,John Burke, or LaMontagne's Native Portraits, An indians is an indian etc. If I carving an indian am I infringing on their copywrite laws. How close can a copy be. This message board is a fine thing, if I could type and spell. Ill be waiting for comments. feb.

[Mitchell]

feb,

Look at the attached link to find previous discussions on copyrights and copying others carvings.

http://woodcarvingillustrated.com/fo...ight=copyright

Also, if you want to check for previous topics, use the "Search" function on the top bar of this page.

Lastly, I changed the topic of the tread to assist others when they look at threads....try to be more descriptive so that others will know what a thread is about.

Thanks.

[mdallensr]

Feb, in the carving world, you're going to find several answers to your question. One scenario is serious carving competitions, which have well defined criteria for original carvings. The other end of the spectrum is what pleases you as a carver. Most of us agree we should give credit to the source of designs, such as Susan Irish, when we display our carvings in a show, even if it isn't a competition. Ditto rough-outs. You're right though; you can go to most shows and see multiple carvings with no credit for the original design. Nearly every show has at least one carver displaying Adler's spoons, and I've yet to see anyone give her credit for the design. It is the case that Susan Irish and Shirley Adler sell their designs and expect carvers to use them. I've yet to hear them complain they aren't getting the credit they deserve(they're much too nice to complain anyway), but by not giving them credit for the original design, carvers are implying the piece is original. We could (and have) argue this point endlessly, but it would be a good idea as a new carver to set a trend of giving credit when it is due, and claiming credit for truly original work when you've created it.

[Irish]

Hi Feb, Hey Mitchell, Hey Mdallensr ... Can I join in this discussion?

I get an absolute thrill out of going through the Chip Chats magazine and seeing the carvings done with me designs. When Chip Chats hits the mail box Mike and I go out, sit on the front porch ... that's where we take our coffee breaks and hold Major business meetings ... I sit on the bottom step with Mike on a step above me and we go through the pages one at a time.

The carvings are great, we love seeing all the different ideas but both of us will stop, point and say "AH! That's one of ours!"

Patterns are meant to be used and carving patterns are meant to be carved by the hobbiest. That we get the chance through the magazines and shows to see what you have created with our line art is just delightful.

And that this month's edition has such a wonderful, kind note by the Sapersteins really blew us both away ... but in truth, seeing the carvings and seeing that other carvers get joy out of what we can share with the wood carving community often is the nicest kind of recognition.

Just my thoughts ... (Super Size that Smile.)

Susan

[mdallensr]

I told you Susan was too nice to complain. To know that she takes joy in seeing her creative efforts turned into carvings is icing on the cake. Most carvers know an Irish design when they see it; ditto Adler spoon (Susan has some good spoon patterns too). I'm carving Susan's memorial wreath now, knowing I'll never be artistic enough to create that design. But if it turns out to be a good wood carving, I'll be satisfied with my effort and grateful for the creative contribution by Susan. Mike

[Mottles]

Welcome feb, A little comment to add to the discussion--Thumbs Up Susan (Irish) is one of the most generous persons I know and one of the best artists/carver I know. I have used her patterns in my own carvings relief mostly. I sincerely think that if you use another persons pattern it is only correct to give them credit as the pattern creator.
Carving by (your name)
Pattern by (pattern creator's name)
I would think the same would hold true if it were a carving. I guess the whole thing is to give credit to the person who orignially created the work. Just my opinion
Kathy

[whitecree]

Yup, give credit to the origniator of the pattern. About the only time you don't have to do this is if you've taken the original pattern, and modified it so heavily it is no longer recognizable as the original.

We all build on one another's works. So if you see something that really grabs your imagination, go ahead and try it for yourself.

[fishcarver]

Hello to all, i have a small comment on this subject. Most of us at least, when we first start carving will agree, one of the toughest part of any carving is coming up wiht the ideal. I'm not in favor of copying other ideals and patterns and displaying them as our own however if it is something that will get you back to carving and increase your experience than go for it but please think to mention the original designer, most of them want little more than a pat on the back for a good design. I find joy when one of my pieces is copied, take it as a compliment so in my case please feel free to use any ideal that i have come up with, i do fish and they are pretty original anyway not many ideals that others won't come up with sooner or later anyway. And if you really want to learn as you carve don't copy it jsut use it as inspiration for an original of your own, thanks for reading