On Tuesday the 21st of April my family and I were asked to come to an Image Awards ceremony at the Emory University Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). They were honoring student leaders with awards. Great group of people indeed. At the end of the ceremony they unveiled my poster of Bridging These Truths. The my client and visionary Brenda Stanley and I donated a 30" x 18" canvas gallery wrap of the poster to the NAACP chapter. It will be displayed in the TV lounge of the Dobbs University Center in a week with a plaque of recognition. Here is the article about it in the Emory Wheel.
The poster also posted on a very popular blog www.yourobamaupdate.com with a link to my prints for sale web page. You might have to scroll waaaay down to see the post but it's there!
It has been talked about at length on the radio, speeches, presentations and the Georgia School Board is very interested in displaying it in a large amount of their schools.
It's getting LOTS of other publicity, sales and traction even 100 days into Obama being in the White House.
It's also not to far fetched that the poster will be seen and given to Michele Obama. Because it's not what you know it's who you know and Brenda knows!
Recently there has been much discussion with my peers regarding copyright infringement, when is it OK to "reference" another artist work. Where do you draw the line on copying reference too closely? Should you get permission? Should you give credits? Once the work is created (copied) can you sell it, sell reproduction rights to anyone, can you even register the copyright of a slightly changed image? Well that's a lot to discuss and I currently don't have the time to go into detail with all of it but I wanted to make some points and share some links about it here.
I can't say that everything that Fairey has done has been fair use. But I believe most of the political stuff is perfectly legit.
From the words of Julie Mueller Brown: "He "appropriates" work from older styles and changes it to fit his agenda, he is anti-capitalistic and makes reference to early socialism posters. Its perfectly legit!
Mike Lowery says "I say he's legit. The whole point is that he work references old propaganda in a way that strips it of its message and content. It's the same as Liechtenstein's comic paintings or Warhol's diagram paintings, no?"
Rick Lovell sees this as a great opportunity to learn about what right and wrong. I whole heartily agree! "There is clearly a great deal of debate among artists, art historians and attorneys about appropriation and it's implications. This entry on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appropriation_(art) (not the most scholarly source) is the tip of the iceberg, but it shines a light on an age-old dilemma about what art is, and what is art."
Over the last 2 months or so I have been involved in a large project creating a poster about change and hope in America. Brenda Stanley of The ABC's of ICU came to me with her creative vision and very rough sketches. From talking with her we had an immediate connection to the subject matter and drive to complete this highly detailed and symbolic poster. It was originally intended to be part of a presentation at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Downtown Atlanta (Dr. King's Church). Through the creation of the photo illustration all the other people who were able to see it saw a much bigger purpose for it. This poster had to go public and be made available to all. There are a lot of Obama and MLK Jr. posters, paintings and novelties out there. But we have not seen anything close to the detail and idea of the Statue of Liberty, King and Obama with all the civil rights moments throughout US history that has lead to this point in history of our 44th president, Barack Obama. So go to this brand new page to see in much more detail and read more about it. Show your support and recognition to this historical event in American history by purchasing a print for you and gifts to others. Print sizes from 20"x 12" to 60" x 36". Comments welcome.
This is a fact filled insightful blog post by a fellow illustrator friend of mine Micheal Gibbs originally posted on his blog Perceptiion (An Illustrator Looks at the World with Two Eyes) I whole heartedly agree with Micheal on this and have checked his references. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During a campaign season, I'm always looking for some sign of how a candidate might impact me directly as a freelance illustrator.
This year's sign came when Republican nominee John McCain displayed complete contempt for copyright law — at a time when copyright is very much in the forefront of illustrators' and other creatives' minds because of orphan works legislation pending before Congress.
McCain, apparently thinking that intellectual property is his for the taking, used Jackson Browne's "Running on Empty" in a campaign ad mocking Democratic nominee Barack Obama. Browne, a musician well known for his progressive views, has sued for copyright infringement.
While the ad is believed to have run on television in Ohio and Pennsylvania, it also appeared on the internet until it was removed as a result of a cease-and-desist order.
But few, if any illustrators have the resources to fight copyright infringement in the way that Jackson Browne has. (And the orphan works legislation, as it's currently written, provides less incentive and makes it more difficult for artists to pursue infringement claims, while making it easier for infringers to infringe.)
And the fact that the ad made it to the internet underlines one of the realities that illustrators, musicians and other artists face in the internet age: the ongoing abuse of intellectual property, particularly on the internet, where people seem to assume they can grab an image or a song and use it for their own purposes, without permission and without compensation. A presidential candidate should understand that intellectual property is just that — the artist's property — and that artists make a living by selling rights to use that property. The orphan works legislation, which does have some merit, weakens artist's legitimate rights as it is now written. I prefer a candidate who understands intellectual property, not one who steals it.
As Browne's attorney Lawrence Iser says of McCain's use of music without permission, "it's ridiculous and it's setting a terrible example." [1]
This is not the first time the McCain campaign has done this. In fact, it's almost a habit. McCain's been sued by Abba (for using "Take a Chance on Me")[2], Frankie Valli ("Can't Take My Eyes Off of You")[3], John Mellencamp ("Pink Houses" and "My Country")[4], John Hall ("Still the One")[5] and most recently, Mike Myers of Wayne's World (a "We're Not Worthy" sketch used in a YouTube ad)[6].
While both candidates have issued position papers that uphold copyright law and acknowledge the need to deal with new copyright issues in the digital age, McCain's repeated contempt for copyright and lack of respect for copyright holders suggests he has no understanding or appreciation of the issue. Barack Obama, a generation younger and considerably more computer-savvy, notes that "intellectual property is to the digital age what physical goods were to the industrial age"[7] demonstrates the understanding that McCain either doesn't have, or does have but chooses to ignore.
And further, Obama actually addresses other issues of importance to artists, such as supporting increased funding for the NEA, providing affordable health care to artists, and supporting the Artist-Museum Partnership Act which would allow artists to deduct the fair market value of their work, rather than just the costs of the materials, when they make charitable contributions.
It's tough to make a living as an illustrator. But I chose to be — in the words of Jackson Browne — a happy idiot and struggle for the legal tender. I believe Barack Obama will make that struggle just a little easier.
If you have not made up your mind about the election, maybe these facts, links and photos will help. From Washington Post article you see that 60% of the population get a bigger tax cut with Obama. Calculate your Obama tax cut here.
Isn't it interesting how Sarah Palin votes Pro Life and she let her 17 year old pregnant daughter make the "decision" of what to do with her baby. Sounds like "pro choice" to me! Vote one way but when it comes to your own personal life do another. Hmmm.
The Orphan Works Bill is NOT dead for the 2008 committee!
Two new versions of the bill was introduced to Congress the week of April 25th. New to both bills is the requirement that the U.S. Copyright Office to create and undertake a certification process for the establishment of searchable electronic databases of visual works, so that the public can view orphaned works.
From what I understand the better of the two bill is the Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of 2008. Due to the fact that the act would enable users to exhibit orphan works to the public, the sponsors say, if the copyright owners are unable to be located after a "thorough, documented search." The legislation spells out the requirements that would be necessary to meet the standards of a search, and how a court can review the search to decide if it was adequate and done in good faith, If no copyright owner is found and the material is used and then later the copyright owner comes forward, the bill requires that the user must pay the owner "reasonable compensation."
On this site are provided sample letters from individuals representing different sectors of the visual arts. Illustrators, photographers, fine artists, reps, licensing firms, and designers: If you are opposed to the Orphan Works act, this site is yours to use. For international artists and our colleagues overseas, we’ve provided a special link, with a sample letter and instructions as to whom to write. Two minutes is all it takes to write Congress and fight for your copyrights.
Pick a sample letter or write your own. Type in your zip code. Your letter will be automatically addressed to your congressman and senators. Click and send.
The Orphan Works bills recently re-introduced in the House and Senate could have a profound effect on every illustrator and the protection of our copyrights.
ICON urges you to inform yourself on this important issue. Several organizations are following this closely, and the following links will provide further information. Please check them regularly for updates and advice on actions you can take.
I recently had the pleasure to work with Tony Hendra, the former big time editor of National Lampoon and Spy Magazine. I did an illustration for one of their mock ads for this satire publication called My Wall Street Journal. They just released it to slap Rupert Murdock in the face for buying the Wall Street Journal. It's 25 pages is filled with hilarious articles and mock ads.
I had the challenge of creating a Shroud of Ronald Reagan. You know, like the Shroud of Turin, except this a is replica of a face-peel left on a towel. The holy image of Ron was left on the towel in all his holiness glory.
Check out the print ad shown in My Wall Street Journal.
from the SCADATLILLU blog Our beloved representatives in Washington have in front of them a rancid piece of legislation that could shake the Creative world to the core. All us who create images must educate ourselves to the law as it pertains to our business and our livelihood. Brad Holland and the Illustrators Partnership have struggled mightily over the last few years to safeguard our creative work, but Congress is about to yank the rug out from under us all unless we quickly come together and demand our rights as the rightful owners of our own creations. This article sums up what's going on, as well as this radio interview with Brad Holland so please take the time to read it and call or write your congressional representatives and let them know how bad this legislation is.
Go here to download sample letters to congress, bullet point letters, and a list of lawmakers to e-mail them to. The more proactive we all are in this, the more likely we are to be heard. Our futures as artists and illustrators depends on it.
If you are a resident of GA here are direct links to the email web forms for Senators: Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson
If you are a resident of another state find your senators contact page here.
Use the sample letters linked from this post to the IPA, add to them to them or write your own. Do it now while you are here. It will only take 5 min.
I got this email today I thought I would share it. It's exactly how I feel and act.
Mary Lightfine, international ER nurse and a "Friend of The Catman Project," is featured in the new edition of NeuFutur Magazine. Her passionate and incisive comments concerning Nursing are a "must-read" for those who care about what is really transpiring within one of the most important professions in the world.
In keeping with his stated social/artistic mission, mysterious Catman Cohen turned down yet another interview request, instead passing the baton to Mary Lightfine, In doing so, Catman Cohen stated that the national media is drowning in Cult of Celebrity mind junk, that places excessive importance upon entertainment figures as opposed to the relatively anonymous and essential occupations now in dire deficit.
Catman Cohen recently went on record to issue the following statement:
"Just how low has America sunk such that, during a week commemorating 9/11, the most important tragedy to befall the nation, the Media is consumed with airhead nonsense concerning a dance performance by Britney Spears. Is it any wonder why our children are so lost and why their priorities are so shallow? Blame the Media, blame the advertising industry, blame the political puppets posing as leaders, and blame yourself if you choose passive acceptance of this dismal status quo...but do NOT blame Britney Spears for merely being a pawn in this entire insane game."
"In a society that faces all variety of impending infrastructural crises, we have an Establishment dedicated to narcotizing the nation with a mind-numbing drug called the Hollywood Cult of Celebrity. Strangely enough, while society maintains restrictions upon the distribution of narcotics, somehow the Cult of Celebrity drug is disseminated widely and immoderately, despite its obvious negative side effects. If we must have idols, then we need to find new more substantive examples quickly, the kind who will inspire our youth to pursue goals that transcend a walk down the red carpet."
"We don't need more glitzy Hollywood award events, we need more sewage treatment plants."
"We don't need more gargantuan shopping malls, we need more water pumping facilities."
"We don't need more super-dome sports stadiums, we need more hospitals."
"We don't need more mean-spirited celebrity gossip-mongers, we need more humane rescue workers, environmentalists, and human rights activists."
"We live in hedonistic, materialistic, and decadent times where this particular perspective upsets and offends those who profit from the current cultural swamp. However, despite those who choose to ignore, silence, or ridicule "music with a message," I will continue to use my art as a vehicle for sounding the alarm in a society that has been drugged into a mindless stupor.....and the most important message I wish to convey now is this..."
"READ THE MARY LIGHTFINE INTERVIEW!!!"
NeuFutur Magazine agreed to interview Mary Lightfine in place of Catman Cohen and you can read the inspiring interview at the following link: http://neufutur.com/?p=682#more-682 (Vicky Asher Entertainment) --------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information concerning international nurse Mary Lightfine, please go to: http://www.MaryLightfine.com (for lecture information)
http://www.VolunteersWithoutBoundaries.com (for more volunteer information...and we can really use a one dollar donation from everyone to get our safe birth program off the ground in Uganda).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catman Cohen's Controversial New Music Video, PRAYER FOR AMERICA
The Nursing Shortage.....and Catman Cohen (by Mary Ruff-King)
Mary Ruff-King, an author who has worked in the medical field for many years, is keeping Americans informed about the nursing shortage crisis and the challenges that may befall our health care system if these issues are not addressed in the immediate future.
This pretty much sums it up what I've been saying ever since 9/11. Might not be safe for all hears, but the truth hurts sometimes.
One of my goals on my dream board is to be less anti-Bush and more pro to what I believe in, trying to keep it positive, but this had to be shown. I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more!
