Friday, February 13, 2015

Latest updated copyright/fair use code of practices/new work

In the quilting world, as much as any world full of artists, there is a constant discussion about what is or isn't copyrightable, and/or copyrighted. Equally intense is the discussion of 'fair use vs originality'. The above link gets you to the cutting edge code of fair use practices. The link above is the entire pdf. Below is the part that will give artists the most interest:

CODE OF BEST PRACTICES When displayed, images should be accompanied by attribution of the original work as is customary in the field, to the extent possible. Images and other items in a reference collection should be augmented with appropriate and reasonably available metadata. Access to an institutional reference collection should be limited to persons affiliated with the institution and its partner institutions, such as students, faculty, and authorized researchers, subject to a requirement that items in the collection should be used only for legitimate purposes.

THREE: MAKING ART DESCRIPTION For centuries, artists have incorporated the work of others as part of their creative practice. Today, many artists occasionally or routinely reference and incorporate artworks and other cultural productions in their own creations. Such quotation is part of the construction of new culture, which necessarily builds on existing culture. It often provides a new interpretation of existing works, and may (or may not) be deliberately confrontational. Increasingly, artists employ digital tools to incorporate existing (including digital) works into their own, making uses that range from pastiche and collage (remix), to the creation of new soundscapes and lightscapes. Sometimes this copying is of a kind that might infringe copyright, and sometimes not. But whatever the technique, and whatever may be used (from motifs or themes to specific images, text, or sounds), new art can be generated

 PRINCIPLE Artists may invoke fair use to incorporate copyrighted material into new artworks in any medium, subject to certain limitations: Limitations Artists should avoid uses of existing copyrighted material that do not generate new artistic meaning, being aware that a change of medium, without more, may not meet this standard. The use of a preexisting work, whether in part or in whole, should be justified by the artistic objective, and artists who deliberately repurpose copyrighted works should be prepared to explain their rationales both for doing so and for the extent of their uses. Artists should avoid suggesting that incorporated elements are original to them, unless that suggestion is integral to the meaning of the new work. When copying another’s work, an artist should cite the source, whether in the new work or elsewhere (by means such as labeling or embedding), unless there is an articulable aesthetic basis for not doing so. "

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Here is a 16 X 16" art quilt piece poised on the edge of quilting:


It's called 'Ladybug Invasion'

Here's another, taking longer to get there:





It's not right yet so I have more sky blue fabric ready to introduce to it.  I may add some broiderie perse applique of the blue birds on it...haha another good idea. I find the objectivity of viewing my works in progress to be of supreme help in decision making. I wish I had as easy a time with quilting decisions.

And last but not least, a lap quilt inspired by British Strippy quilts:


Underneath is a bed quilt from 2000. The strippy is not sewn together yet. But soon, very soon. I have a deadline, after which I will breathe easier! And, there's the added bonus of knowing that I will use Welsh quilting designs so I know it will get done. Maybe a Christmas gift.

 I will be hooking up to Nina Marie's Off The Wall Friday--thanks Nina Marie, its a place I haunt every weekend, whether I post or not. 

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

Sue