Yesterday I spent a few hours researching galleries in Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. I came across an artist, an oil painter, whose work caught my attention. I read his bio. It said his work had been a powerful influence on many other artists.
I had a revelation.
What a nice way of saying, "His work was really good and a lot of people tried to paint like him."
It gave me a new context for the people who try to copy my artwork. At least, I feel a little better.
I do notice a difference in the world of 2-D art and fine craft. Painters tend to brag that they work in someone else's style. In fact, on their resumes, they'll make a point of saying they've studied with a well-known artist, or that they work in the style of so-and-so. I don't see that so much with fine craft. I could be wrong. So far, none of the people who are using my work as inspiration are giving me any credit.
But at least "influenced by" sounds better than "copied"....
And I hope I can get my name out there as the original before people forget.
And the only way to do that is to get back to work today.
