I had the shock of the month yesterday morning. I was browsing in a store in downtown Keene today, one that features New Hampshire made products and crafts. There in a case was an entire display of jewelry that looked suspiciously like...MINE!!
The copycat had struck again.
I couldn't believe it, but there it was. About fifty assorted necklaces, most of them copying one of my most popular lines, the Sea Stone and Pearl jewelry. You can see samples of my work at the bottom of this page: http://www.luannudell.com/jewelry.html
The woman had copied every inch of my designs from this line, from the size and shape of the faux stones, the colors, the accents, the findings, even the stringing material. It was poorly done, but the intent was obviousl From there, she'd gone on to "reinterpret" my work in additional pieces (with abysmal results, if I do say so myself.)
She'd even copied part of the line's name: Pebbles & Pearls. (Mine is Sea Stones and Pearls.)
I became aware this person was copying my work earlier this year. I had no idea she was marketing it to a store that would sell it less than half a mile from my studio.
This was not something I needed on my plate so close to my upcoming show, but it needs to be addressed.
The emotional impact was as physical as being kicked in the stomach. I thought my heart had stopped for a moment.
Now I'm just angry. And frustrated. And a feeling that baffles me—I feel invaded. As if someone had trespassed into very personal territory.
I'm astonished by the intensity of my feelings.
