Ōmokoroa Artists take the copy out of copyright

At the last meeting of the Ōmokoroa Artists group Murray Clode, from Macandmor Gallery in Goddards Centre, gave a very informative talk about copyright, a subject he is familiar with as an artist and gallery owner. Murray has used the image of the NZ buzzy bee toy, albeit with some changes, in his work.

Firstly making changes to an image does not alter the copyright law. Murray sought permission from the copyright owner and pays a small percentage of the proceeds of the sales of his work. In New Zealand, copyright of an image lasts for 50 years after the death of its creator. In the UK and US, it is 70 years. Photographs in books, magazines, newspapers and images of work on the internet are also protected by copyright. The purpose of copyright law is to protect the creator and their sole right to make, reproduce or distribute their own work. So how is this relevant to the work of Ōmokoroa Artists members who frequently diligently copy images from reproductions and photographs.

Actually copying another artist’s work is a very valid way to study and learn techniques, use of colour, composition etc. If you have visited galleries here and overseas you will have seen students with easels set up in front of a painting which they are copying. This knowledge can then be used in their own original work.

If you copy work from photographs you have taken then you are not in breach of copyright and usually you will have made changes for expressive and compositional reasons. Its a good idea to keep evidence of your creative process should you ever be accused of copying another person’s work. If you do copy another person’s image, do not exhibit it!

Is there a difference between copying and appropriation of an image? My definition of appropriation is sourcing information which can then be used to express your own ideas. There are images which you will never be able to see first hand. Photographs can be a valuable reference but by their nature lack some information. Nothing beats life drawing if you need to understand the structure of the human body for instance.

The internet is an endless source of images. Some are subject to copyright and some can be used free of charge. In the current environment of restricted movement and interaction, artwork can be a very rewarding activity and there will be increased use of virtual exhibitions and online sales. Knowing about copyright is very useful at this time of increased reliance on the internet.