December 31, 2021

Happy New Year!

 

It may not seem like a lot, but I usually don't have this many horses/projects completed in a given year. Working from home has allowed me more time to create, which was a welcome silver lining. I also switched jobs this past summer, leaving behind a very time-intensive job in Big 4 Accounting.

I completed my NaMoPaiMo project, as well as entries for the Breyerfest Best Customs Finishwork and Diorama Contests. Hosting and judging Why the Chicken Crossed the Road Photo Show was a fun diversion but was definitely a labor of love. I entered several fun photo shows and attended virtual Breyerfest. I managed a few sales pieces, and have more in progress for the coming year. I took a couple classes from Heather Bullach on painting in oils, but both those pieces are still in progress. As with every year, I have big plans and lots of projects in mind. Maybe 2022 will be the year I finish Panache?

Here's to a healthy and happy New Year!

December 24, 2021

Merry Christmas

 



Wishing you and yours love, health, and happiness this Christmas season. 


This is my all-time favorite nativity story. Have tissues ready!

December 20, 2021

Yale Center for British Art



Date night with the hubby took us to the Yale Center for British Art. Being a new employee of Yale, and an art lover, it was high time we made the (socially distanced and well masked) visit earlier this year. As a family, we've been to the Yale University Art Gallery a handful of times, but I can't believe I have lived in CT for 10 years and hadn't visited YCBA yet. What treasures were in store! 







I suppose it is no surprise, since the British love their horses!




The collection of George Stubbs' work was particularly impressive. It's no surprise my 2021 Breyerfest diorama entry was based on his famous work, Horse Affrighted at a Lion. 

Wall of Stubbs
(those paintings are HUGE)













Even more amazing equines (and dogs) from a variety of Brish artists!














If you are ever in New Haven, be sure to check out both museums. They are conveniently located across the street from each other. You will not be disappointed. 

December 17, 2021

Plagiarism or inspiration?

 


Many people have posted their feelings, thoughts, and advice on the recent Takeshi incident. I'm not looking to rehash all the details or create drama. Many others have shared very thoughtful posts. I can only share from my own experience.

I wouldn't say that I have created any iconic pieces in the hobby, but I did have a piece that I believe was blatantly copied. In my case, an individual reached out to inquire about buying my little Cheveyo resin custom and I declined. He's a personal piece that I adore. I customized him to standing with a braided mane, moved and braided his tail, and painted him bay with no markings. I later saw this same individual listing for sale a bay Cheveyo with the front leg lowered, braided mane, and a braided swishy tail. My best guess is she had a piece commissioned similar to my custom resin when she couldn't purchase mine. I doubt the artist that recreated this piece had any idea that my piece even existed, so I am not trying to place blame on the artist. I was shocked the first time I saw the duplicate. I felt emotions I'm not even sure how to describe. I have a little solace in the fact that I still like mine so much better. Still, it didn't (and still doesn't) feel nice. I feel like my creativity was violated, which is very personal.

Excessively Diverted
(his name is a nod to Jane Austen's writing)
customized Sarah Rose Cheveyo resin


There is also the issue of artists using other art pieces as inspiration, which is the case with Takeshi. More than a decade ago, I recreated several Hamilton paintings and another painting into models. At the time, I thought that the age of the paintings made it reasonable for me to go ahead and recreate a 3-dimensional version of those paintings. I now know better and would only venture to create something based off of another artist's work if it is in the public domain. 




Last year's Breyerfest Diorama Contest used this concept of using public domain art to inspire artists and the results were amazing, as Jennifer Buxton shared on her blog. I took the opportunity to recreate Stubb's Affrighted at a Lion. 

BreyerFest Diorama Entry 2021


There is another element where artistic integrity is in jeopardy, when a piece is altered without the original artist's permission. It is disheartening when I hear others, often but not always non-artists, say that once they have purchased a piece it is theirs to do with as they want. This is not okay. Sarah Minkiewicz did a fabulous episode on the Mares in Black podcast explaining why it is not okay, so I encourage you to go give it a listen

I think education is how we as a hobby move forward. Let's keep the conversation going. We can do better, we need to do better. Because when you know better, you do better.