Other's Art

If it feels wrong, don't do it.

Joe Burgess
jb-imagery.com

You cannot sell photographs of Mr. Chihuly's work. In fact, I believe Chihuly's reps put an article in some large newspaper stating just that. FAA did a sweep when I first became a member here and suddenly there were no more Chihulys in the Search. I'm sure people have posted snaps of his work on here since then, but no, that is copyright infringement.

I have been to two Chihuly exhibits. I remember I did not take photos because of what I read in the flyer they handed out. I cannot remember exactly what it said, but it was something like it was a violation of his copyright to photograph his artwork.

Thank you guys - I just re-read the pamphlet they gave us - it doesn't say anything. I asked about photography before we went in and they said - absolutely you can, there were many pro cameras in there - but of course - more iPhones:) So they had no problems with it. Mostly I did abstract and shadow photo - few that you can recognize - but I do agree that we probably should not be selling work like that here.

Actually it was very recent that a shot of Chihuly's work was sold here on FAA. It was not even a great shot. I found other artists making good comments and congratulating his sale. I understood that sculptures and installations such as this are not okay. I don't shoot them.
I shoot pics of displays/window displays as there is a whole group of us. I feel the displays are an art form but technically they are not recognized as such as a sculpture would be.

I think that type of info would be in copyright laws......an artist does not have to state it in any literature. Its still a law even if you don't print it in your brochures

I agree that it should be - completely:) His work is fantastic!! But then you get to issues with photos of sculptures, statues, etc etc. Where is the line?? Now I am not asking because I want to post Chihuly's work. I just were thrilled to see it:) But it is an issue to be clarified

Just did some searches on photographing Chihuly's work. There are MANY write-ups that that states that Chihuly strongly encourages photography of his art and sharing the photos as much as possible - even in museums that typically do not allow photography. Intersting:)

Yes but does that mean to sell and profit from them? I know a painter who also encourages this but asks that you credit it with her name. Though selling her work for profit is not ok with her.

No - it does NOT mean that you can sell it and profit for it - you can share it. I could not agree more. And I don't intend to:)

As far as photographing displays/window displays it is quite different from a sculpture and likely categorized as merchandising. It may say it somewhere in copyright laws clearly

Frankly , I would like to verify the newspaper article that says that photography is discouraged at that display of art. The art is on display and to show, I would think an artist would be thrilled to have their work photographed over and over and publicized as many places as possible. That is one of the things that makes their name a household world. You think that everyone in the world has been to his show or knows of him? Its is what feeds publicity . When I painted for the general pubic I was thrilled to see the cameras going off and also magazines carrying my work and other publications carrying my world. Its called free press and also free publicity.. its a great promoter.. the more your work is in the spotlight the more it is seen and the more people know you and your work is in demand. If they are banning the sell of photos of his work here at FAA.. then that is just plain wrong.. Look up the guy's last name.. Google should be sued and everyone on the images page.. there are thousands of photos there by individuals. I would think if Rembrandt ,Picasso ,Matisse, Michelangelo and so many others were alive they should be so lucky that everyone carries a camera and can post to the world in a matter of seconds and that also professionals make these artist more famous.. can you imagine? I on the other hand just ask about copyright infringement on old maps and patents here on FAA...and everyone clammed up and said that they were forbade to discuss legal theories here .. Im still laughing about that one.. it was just a question. geez.. what a crowd..

i think chihuly is suing people that sell his art. i took mine out as a precaution. i think it's covered as any other kind of art, that it's copyrighted like a statue.

---Mike Savad
MikeSavad.com

I would be totally Livid if someone photographed any of my art for sale without my express permission. If I pursue or put my image out there for any type of free publicity it is one thing, but I don't want anyone else giving it to me. That is why I will only publish online a limited number and style of my art pieces, only those pieces expressly done for prints. I do this because I know there are those out there who may abuse my work.

You can always call them and ask for a copy of the policy, unfortunately its not posted on the website. Most museums don't allow it or only allow it with written permission. I took many pictures at the Montana territorial prison checked their website and learned that I could not sell those photos. I have some posted as not for sale on FAA. I posted many photos that I had taken at Emeralds Downs Race track and was notified to take them down. I never thought to check on them.

Chihuly has his own store with prints of his drawings, books of his works (photos), and lots of other stuff with his designs.
http://www.chihulyworkshop.com/merchandise.html

Taking photos or using them editorialy is not the same as selling them. And yes, Mr. Chihuly is very litigious...and rightly so. Just google Chihuly and lawsuit.

I see people talking about legal theories here about copyright yet I still have no answer to my question about patents and maps because I was told FAA forbids discussion of such...hmmm

Chihully glass is the same thing as a sculpture......but merchandising displays are not sculpture and not representing an artist

There's questions of legality around copyright etc. But I would like to think that as artists we should first be guided by our morals and ethics. And photographing and selling images of someone else's art seems ethically wrong. Gotta have principles.

Joe is right. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Taking a photo of someone else's work and then selling it seems like you are presenting THEIR work as your own. In my opinion that even applies to graffiti art.