Something Sublime

What Not To Do

Well, here I am, writing about something I've never written about before and told myself I wouldn't write about.  So much has been said about copyright and every time it pops up on a blog it causes quite a kerfluffle.  That's not my intention here (although, I do like that word a lot...kerfluffle, kerfluffle) but I felt it was time to weigh in.  Actually, I had read an Editor's letter by Hazel Wheaton, Editor of Art Jewelry Magazine, back in August and wanted to re-print it here (with permission, of course!)  I hope you find it as helpful as I did.

Art Jewelry Newsletter

August 24, 2010

From the Editor
	One of the most common questions I receive from readers is about copyrights - specifically, whether or not readers can reproduce the projects that appear in Art Jewelry magazine. Obviously, we wouldn't print step-by-step instructions if we didn't hope that our readers would make the pieces, but how far are readers allowed to go? Can they sell the pieces they make? Once they've learned the technique, can they teach a class in that technique? The shortest (and safest) answer is no. The long answer is: It depends on whether it's a technique or a design. Copyright is a magical thing. It comes into being, fully formed, as soon as an artist has created a piece; the artist doesn't have to file official paperwork or attach a © to his or her piece. An idea or a concept cannot be copyrighted, but as soon as that idea has culminated in a concrete piece of artwork, the design of that artwork belongs to the artist. So, by all means, make that lovely necklace you've made from instructions you found in Art Jewelry. And wear it proudly, or give it as a gift. But don't offer it on your etsy.com store, or teach a class on how to make it. Instead, take a technique you've learned from that project -- that cool way of making cold connection, for example -- and use it in a design of your own. If you want to teach the necklace in a class, contact the magazine and the artist/designer of the piece, and ask permission. How much do you need to alter a design in order to make it your own? There's a common truism that if you alter 10% of a design, it's sufficiently different to sell as your own. I've heard this as 20% and 30% as well. As with many truisms, however, it's not exactly true. You'd be safer to estimate if only 10% of your design is the same as the original, then you can call the new design your own. There are many techniques that we teach in our pages that aren't copyrightable. Many forms of chain mail, for example, are now beyond copyright, because they've been a staple technique for so long. Any artist who tried to claim copyright on a Byzantine chain, for example, would fare poorly in court. And as far as copying pages out of Art Jewelry and passing them around or posting them online? That's off limits without our permission. A very quick rule of thumb: The designer owns the design of the piece of jewelry, and can sell it and teach it and profit from it. We, the magazine, own the printed version of the project -- that's the "piece" that we've created -- and it's subject to our copyright. If you want to read a bit more about copyright, here are a couple of sources: First of all, our sister publication, Bead&Button, produced a single-page article that covers the basics. And there's a good "Copyright for Artists FAQ" located here. It was written for painters, but the standards hold true for jewelry makers as well. Hazel Wheaton Editor, Art Jewelry

My personal take on the issue is basically the same, although, I'm not one who hold things so tightly it hurts...nor am I one to give away the farm.  I'm somewhere in between.  I love to be generous with what I know...I love to teach.  I love my students.  I teach my classes, knowing full well that my students will want to repeat what they learn.  And, I'm ok with that.  I'm even ok with my students selling those things but, having said that, I would much rather see them take what they learn from me and make it their own.  I believe that artists do themselves a disservice by not expressing their own talents, in their own voices. 

Class concepts and unique designs are a different animal.  Good teachers inspire students to greater heights.  They pour their hearts and souls into furthering their art by sharing.  Developing fresh classes and material is hard work...blood, sweat and tears!  Most instructors, me included, hold our teaching concepts near and dear to our hearts.  For me, sending my ideas or designs out into the world is like sending my children out...I hope people will love and respect them.  What I'm getting at is this:  class concepts and material are the artistic property of the instructor.  It's not ok to teach another instructor's material.  Unique and original designs and class concepts are protected by copyright, some common techniques are not.  Let me show you what I mean.  In the jewelry making world, jump ring making is a very common technique, as Hazel said in her letter, not really subject to copyright:

However, a unique design like the following, is certainly subject to copyright and off limits:

Of Towers and Turrets class samples

I rarely watch television, but one of my favorite shows is "What Not To Wear."  It may seem frivolous at first...clothes, make-up, fashion...but in reality, it's all about realizing one's full potential...expressing the inner soul, the inner "you."  It's a make-over show and the transformations achieved are truly amazing.  So, what does "What Not To Wear" have to do with copyright?  Turns out, quite a bit.  As artists, here is...

What Not To Do:

• Don't sell yourself short...By relying on someone else's designs.  Whether it's in art-making or designing a class to teach, use your own talents, designs and ideas.  Honor yourself and your talent by being original.  Realize your full potential by offering your customers and students...you.
• Risk your artistic reputation...The art community can be very tight-knit.  Other artists, including students and customers, will notice if your work is not your own.
• Stifle your creative voice...As an artist, you have something to say!  Say it in loudly and clearly in your own voice.  Express the inner "you."  When you put your soul and voice into your work, it shows.
• Limit yourself...Allow yourself to practice and express your own, original ideas.  Simply mimicking the work of others limits you and your skills.  Use tried and true techniques in new ways.  Be inventive!
• Allow others to mistake your work for someone else's...The last thing any artist wants is for someone to mistake their work for that of another artist.  Show everyone who you are by letting your unique style shine.
• Forget the golden rule...Think about how you would feel if the tables were turned.  If you wouldn't like it done to you, don't do it!

Do:  Allow that transformation to take place and release the original artistic voice within...you won't regret it!

Jewelry Works-Online Jewelry Making Workshops

I've been a very busy girl lately, burning the midnight oil...editing...tweaking...driving myself crazy with details.  It's all been very exhausting...exciting...and fulfilling.  And so...without further commotion, I finally get to unveil what I've been working on.  I'm elated to introduce you to my brand new jewelry making site, Jewelry Works!

I've done a lot of traveling to teach, which I love, but have come to realize there are a lot of you out there who aren't able to make it to classes in person.  Online workshops are the perfect alternative.  Besides, they're really fun for me to offer!  My Jewelry Works site will include all the info you need on my current classes including class descriptions, samples and registration.  And, one more thing....in addition to my brand new site, I'm introducing my brand new e-course:

The Build Zone:

Solid Foundations in Mixed Media Jewelry

Here's a little video glimpse:

 

I just couldn't be happier to be offering this workshop.  There will be tons of information included in video form and I'll be available to help you along for the duration of the class which runs from Feb. 14 to April 16...that's two full months!  Pop over to my Jewelry Works site by clicking here (or click on the icon in the sidebar) for the full class description and to register.

Registration is now open!

Landscape Of My Obsession

Need I say more?

In The Works

SO excited!  I've been working on it, practically non-stop...all week (in addition to the many hours previously spent on it.)  I'm in up to my eyebrows.  I can't wait to show you. Soon...very, very soon!

In The Meantime

Two exciting new books will be released soon to help you with your resin jewelry creations.  This one is by Susan Lenart Kazmer design team member, Jen Cushman.  And this one...

...by another SLK design team member, Kristen Robinson.  I'm not sure of the exact release date on these but it will be soon.  Look for a bit of my work in Jen's book:

In the meantime, an update on my new e-course offering:  I've got 10 videos done and more on the way!  It's a long process and a lot of work but I'm really excited about the results so far.  A little hint on the content...it's all about solid foundations.  I'm hoping to start registration for it at the end of the month so please, check back.  

In Color

A while back, I posted these hobnail bezels on the O&E blog.  They're a great size for creating original collage and pouring with Ice Resin and the double loop gives the option of using the piece as a focal or a link.  I've been working on a whole new batch of bezels for this year's CHA show. You'll be able to see them at Susan's booth where she'll be showing them.  I've done some fresh things with them and I'm SO excited to post them here but will have to wait a bit longer.  For now...

I ran across this nifty color palette generator that's a great aid for jewelry design.  It's especially helpful when I'm using my own images in a piece and am looking to bring out the colors.

For instance, I can see this bezel paired with amethyst, rose quartz, smokey quartz and maybe even a bit of tanzanite or apatite with silver or copper metals.  Or, how about this one...

...again blues, mixed with a touch of green (turquoise), sorrel brown (jasper) and rust (carnelian.)  I even see a touch of lavender.

I find fashion industry color predictions fascinating.  Pantone is a great resource if your interested in color trends.  For spring 2011, colorways are soft, flowery, and well...springy.  These colors bring to mind the tropics, for me.

Pantone's color of the year...honeysuckle.  The great thing about this color?  Everyone looks good in pink!

Encausticamp 2011

My friend, Patricia Seggebruch, is hosting a brand new art retreat this year in my home state of Oregon.  You might know her from her excellent encaustics book, Encaustic Workshop...or maybe you've taken a class with her.  Trish teaches all over the country.  Her new retreat is called Encausticamp and there's nothing like it...an "indulgence in everything beeswax."

artwork by Trish Seggebruch

What makes it different?  For one thing, it's all about encaustics.  Trish has gathered together six of the most talented encaustics instructors (including herself) to teach the workshops:

Crystal Neubauer

Bridgette Guerzon Mills

Jan Harris

Michelle Belto

Judy Wise

Encausticamp is to be held July 13-17, 2011, at the campus of the Western Mennonite School, in the gorgeous Willamette Valley, near Salem Oregon.  I'm originally from that part of the world and let me tell you, if you've never been, this would be a terrific time.  The Valley is a beautiful place and summer is an especially nice time to be there.  The wooded scenery is gorgeous and the incredible Oregon Coast is not far.

artwork by Crystal Neubauer

Right about now, you might be wondering why I'm so excited about this retreat.  Well...I'm thrilled that Trish has asked me to be a teaching assistant.  I'll have the opportunity to meet a whole group of students who are involved in a completely different medium than what I usually work in.  I've been fascinated by encaustics for a long time now but haven't had the time to focus on it, at all.  Being involved in this retreat will jump start that interest for me, once again.  Take a look at the amazing class offerings here.

The atmosphere of this retreat will be unique.  I know many of the instructors and assistants and they're all such creative people...really nice people.  It will be food for the soul for anyone attending.  Come and get your fingers waxy...breath in the forest scented and beeswaxed air...soak in the creative vibe.  I can't wait!

The Creative Path Forward

I was visiting Rebecca Sower's blog this morning and love her idea of "a glance back" through your work to find your creative path forward.  She created a nifty mosaic of her recent work (you can make your own, here) and asked herself these questions:

Would I create this same piece again?

Would I buy this and display/use in my home? (my version: would I wear this?)

Is this something that really speaks of who I am artistically?

I would add these questions, as well...

Will I still love this a year from now?  Five years from now?

Does this piece give me that special "ahhhh!" (*love*) moment?

If your answers are "yes", then it's probably a course you should develop and pursue.  If "no", it may be something you've tired of, worked through or is just not fruitful for you.  Answering these questions should help you determine your path forward.  I think that last question is especially important for me.  Even though I make jewelry, I still occasionally buy pieces made by other artists.  The "ahhhh!" moment is the determining factor in my purchases.  I also feel it in my work, when things are clicking and I know it's right...everything else falls into place.  Without the "ahhhh!" I know I won't create that type of piece again, wear it or love it...and that it doesn't really represent me artistically.  I think it's important that we allow ourselves to turn away from a course that doesn't make our creative souls sing....concentrate on the things that are important and good in our work.  

As for myself, I can see that there are some paths in my mosaic that I won't pursue...and some in which I will be happy to invest a lot more time.  Leave me a link if you decide to make a mosaic.  I'd love to see your compilations and hear about your own personal creative paths!

The Year That Got Away

2010...where has it gone?!  Does it seem, to anyone else, that the last year has slipped by at an alarming speed?  2010...it was a fab year, a year that I'm very grateful for. Sure, there were some downs, but the highlights are ever so much nicer to dwell upon.  Looking back, the positive definitely outweighs the negative.  Do you mind if I share just a few of my better moments?

A spring anniversaryslashteaching trip to Vegas.  Who knew Vegas could be so much fun with  no loss of money, clothing or dignity?

A spring break trip to Mazatlan with family.  What a pleasure to meet up with my internet friend, Patty, and her husband Larry.  Patty and Larry graciously toured us about Mazatlan proper, as well as Stone Island.  Bueno!

Of Towers and Turrets...my very first online workshop.  Sharon and I were delighted and grateful for the response to our collaborative workshop effort.  You, our wonderful students, made it such fun!  I would definitely do it all over again...and we will,  sometime early this year.  Also, I'm working on a new online class that's pure jewelry making so I hope you'll join me in that.  Here's a little preview...

...but watch for it on my blog...soon.

Wild Wyoming.  The company we keep is important.  These guys don't talk back...they don't judge...and they don't care if I don't do my hair or put on makeup.

ArtBliss and Washington DC in September.  Wow, what a fun trip!  Artbliss was true to it's name...a blissful art event.  Also, I never thought I would make it to DC so this trip was really a dream come true.  I tried my best to wear out my feet in one day.

My mom came for a two week girls camp in October.  Round Top, clothes shopping, eating, talking...you know, girl stuff!

I thoroughly enjoyed topping off my year with a cyber open house.  I got to bake cookies, give away some fun stuff and have lots of visitors drop by my blog.  

To add to the wondrous Christmas frenzy, my family came to celebrate the season with us.  We broke out the pan-tookers and ate the roast beast. It was just a great holiday!  What better way to end the year?

Visitation

It is with great reluctance, every year, that I give it up...this season of joy and peace.  My freakish love of the Holiday keeps me grasping it tightly.  Why should it end?

I reach for it as long as I can.  Pretend that it's brilliance doesn't fade.  Try to bridge the gap between a magical instance and normal, ho-hum life.  I want to wrap a string tightly around my fingertip.  A reminder to live that Christmas life all year.

The glimmer, for me, is Epiphany.  His visitation.  His revelation.  

They saw the star...they came...they worshiped.  Then spread the good news.

I'll stretch it out a bit longer.  Then, celebrate the newness of the year. Epiphany...insight for things to come...opportunity to extend the good grace of Christmas.  Getting the string...