Thursday 5 February 2009

Art Heist















You know how we all have disclaimers. Like ‘what a cow, I can’t believe she just did that (don’t get me wrong, I love her to pieces.)’

Many of you tell me how much you like the art on my blog and some of you even question me as to whether I did it or if not, do I know the artist’s name.

Here is the story of the great art heist, the disclaimer so to speak.

My sister Camille came to spend a week with me during the time I was having chemo. I felt like a complete bag of shit and so Camille brought a bag of computer tricks to get my mind off of myself. She downloaded games, downloaded art she had saved (she loves child-angels), and showed me how I could download the art that I would like.

So after two years of chemo I would sit on the computer and download. I have hundreds of pictures now and I don’t know where I got them from or who the artist is that did them. I just wanted eye candy and to make my brain feel happy.

So, there you have it, almost all of the pictures in my blog are stolen. At one point I wouldn’t have given two shits and now I barely give one.

But, getting to know so many wonderful artists and seeing how hard they work I now try to ask them if I can use their art. If I have the artist name I place it at the bottom of the post in italics because I still haven’t figured out that link thing.

The writing is all mine but the art is not.

Actually now that I am coming clean I should also state that having asked many artists if I can use their work in my blog, I have forgotten who has said yes. I am going to use the defense of chemo-brain at my hearing.

*Art by Brian Romero

35 comments:

~M. said...

I too love the art.
You choose beautiful works to complement your poignant and powerful writing.
My favorite college professor once said to our class, while describing our assignment: "Remember, good artists 'borrow'. . .great artists STEAL."

pRiyA said...

:-D well, we're enjoying the art with you, and you do have a knack for picking up some really delicious stuff, so what the heck...

Dave King said...

I am absolutely certain that is a defnse tenable in law. And even if it's not it will succeed. There are good thieves and bad. You are definitely one of the goodies. More power to your thieving.

Tessa said...

You link up your art finds and posts most beautifully, Renee. Keep heisting, girl!!

Unknown said...

yes, i do the same re art- all the writing is mine, bu there the talent runs out xx

Rosaria Williams said...

Fair enough, I guess. Most artists don't mind, might be flattered that you use their images for writing ideas. I am not sure about writers, though. Words are easier to lift, and transport and manipulate.

Would Shakespeare mind how often he is quoted?

Anyway, we love both the pictures and the writing.

Anonymous said...

How adorable are you? Art thief extraordinaire! It is said "A picture paints a thousand words" but when you put your words to the pictures in your blog you are painting "a thousand more words" – wonderful words, stories and quotes – words that open our minds and our hearts.
xoxo
p.s. is that the only thing you have ever stolen? lol

Renee said...

Shelly: beautiful.

You are treading on thin ice. har har. Now everyone will be suspicious of me. xoxo

Love Renee

Sarah Sullivan said...

I guess - as an artist - it would matter to me why it was snagged - for your puposes Renee - more power to ya!! I have had my art pop up in odd places- lol. What would really bother me would be if someone else was using my art in something THEY were selling - that would make me bent. I think most artists would love to know that their art had touched and helped someone!!! Getting credit for the work is always nice though!! I adore the art you show!!! How sweet of your sis!!!

GlorV1 said...

Well Renee, as long as you came clean, I will remove the handcuffs. hardyharhar.lol. Oh well, I guess probably it would be better to post under your "heisted" art that it is not your art, but it was so beautiful you couldn't resist it. I love your blog. You have a little bit of everything. Have a great day.

Linda Sue said...

chemo-brain - work it girl!
I am very blond...I AM the joke! I work it, you bet I do...I can get away with anything!
I have lifted a couple of "art" things as well and never give credit because I dunno- maybe god did it and it's for everyone...so, we go to cyber jail and get a cyber slap...fug it! You are Robin Hood and this poor lass thanks you!

studio lolo said...

The art you use isn't "stolen" for personal gain. Steal away my dear!! You have a knack for choosing the perfect images to go with your words. I think you only enhance the art ;)
xo

Anonymous said...

The art you choose always compliments your amazing writings. They should be honored that you chose it.Does that make any sense?
Barb

~M. said...

Renee,
I have awarded you a weird yet kind cool blog award. Stop by and check it out!

Sarah Sullivan said...

Thanks hon - I'm kinda addicted to the playlist thing!!! I wonder what you heard? It's a pretty eclectic collection of music!!! How are ya feeling?

Every Photo Tells A Story said...

Well, aren't I going to look like the "mean" follower. But, I have to disagree with everyone who has commented.

However, first I want to say that it is admirable that you've come clean.

I am not an artist, but I agree with what you wrote about artists who work so hard for their craft. I believe in asking first, and always will. I'm not writing this to make you feel bad (and you wrote that you only give one shit, anyway)

So there you go, and you don't have to post this. And, I still think you have a lovely blog:)

Sarah Sullivan said...

Don't think it's mean - I would be quite bent if I found someone "Selling" my work. Lawsuit bent - but... that said - as an artist you take a chance when you place your work on line - without a watermark or protection - that it will be snagged. It is nice to be asked and then given a plug - that builds my business!!
Renee - I adore Celtic music!! Lucky you to be Scottish!!! I do wicked Scottish accent - lol. Hugs, Sarah

Sarah Sullivan said...

Hey hon, pop by my blog - I left you an award - You can continue it if you like!! Hugs, Sarah

Anonymous said...

I think we are all addicted to art here, in creating and collecting. I plea this lady, not guilty!

Anonymous said...

LOL... Well, in all honesty, the first time I saw your blog- I called my husband over to show him your artwork. "Isn't she great? She's so talented!" LOL... Really! But you are definitely not alone in your thievery of art- and there is obviously no malicious intent in your thievery, nor monetary gain. I would (if I could paint or draw) be honored to have my work stolen and bestowed upon your blog!

Every Photo Tells A Story said...

We're going to make Renee work for this one (approving comments, that is)

1. Thank you for posting my comment, Renee, it says a alot!!

2. Thank you, Sarah, for saying I wasn't being mean. But, I also feel the need to add this because I'm in a devil's advocate kind of mood:

I agree that artists take the chance by posting their work via the internet. However, many craftspeople, merchandisers, etc. also take chances by displaying their wares in stores and sidewalks, etc. But, does that mean it's okay for someone to "borrow" without asking? I'm just commenting on what is right and what is wrong. **This is not directed towards you, Renee:)

Emerald Arts said...

“Good artists borrow, great
artists steal”

Picasso

;)

Great-Granny Grandma said...

You are too funny. :-) This post gave me quite a chuckle.

Jamie Lott said...

I will gladly be your character witness ;)

Cheryl Cato said...

The work you choose to show is apropos to the story line. Which comes first the chicken or the egg? Does the art influence your writing or do you search for the right piece to go with your words? Whichever way it works our beautifully, seamlessly.
I think chemo-brain will be a good defense.
xxoo Cheryl

Cheryl Cato said...

I had a feeling it was words first. I look forward to reading your lovely words. Thanks for answering. Funny we're both working at the same time. I'm looking for some images for a piece I'm thinking of writing. Fun, isn't it!
Cheryl

Every Photo Tells A Story said...

Ok, all you "pro-stealers." I'll pop over tomorrow and start taking from your blogs:)(lol)

Goodnight, Renee.

A Palmer said...

Boy, Renee. I would be honored to have my art selected for your site - and someday, when I do get some art up somewhere online for perusal, I'll keep an eye on your site to see if it appears. My sister, Sarah is egging me on to do that. But sadly, I can only do twelve things at once. Take care and keep up the good humour!

Bella Sinclair said...

Hehehehe, it's nice to come clean. Your words add so much to the art, though, so I would have to agree with all your other supporters. If it makes you feel any better, you could always say, "artist unknown" on the ones whose names you've forgotten.

angelique said...

I think that it will be nice to know the names of the artists for all the new pictures you add to your collection, for their sake and ours.

Anonymous said...

dear clepto, i mean renee

i am sure the artists are thrilled to have their art matched with such profound literature in your blog. it is also a way of promoting their work.

together strong
clepto, i mean
jacquie

SweetAnnee said...

You know what.. you go girl
I ask too..
and with chemo ..we do get fuzzy..
hugs, Deena

Flora said...

"So, there you have it, almost all of the pictures in my blog are stolen. At one point I wouldn’t have given two shits and now I barely give one."
LMDAO AHAHAHA!!!!
Thanks for the belly laugh!!!
Blessings,Flora

Great-Granny Grandma said...

Okay, so I've been back to this post several times now, and still don't see any particular link. So I'm guessing your sister introduced you to some artists whose work you liked, and so you go directly to their web sites when looking for something in particular?
Sorry to be so slow. I guess my great-granny brain is no longer grasping things as quickly as it once did. :-(

soulbrush said...

ha ha what an eggsellent post renee....i look at others stuff but try to make mine different...you are so funny...love it...ha ha...ha ha...