In article dz1Vd.23440$TB.20815@edtnps84,
"Darrell Feltmate" wrote:

Just because one person carves feathers on a piece
does not mean that no one else is allowed to do so for the rest of this
world's existence. However, signing Jaques Vessery to it by anyone other
than Jacques Vessery is a definite no-no. Give credit where credit is due
but do not hesitate to turn or decorate a form just because someone else has
done so.

I read the article and have paused several times since to consider the
matter. Do you think Jaques Vessery would be able to copyright his
feathered vessel design? Not the shape but the surface treatment itself?
Similarly would Lyle Jamieson's torso figures be copyrightable? How
about Art Liestman's puzzle motif? They certainly appear unique and
easily attributable to their respective creators.

I think there is much more to be considered when emulating another's
work beyond condemning an attempt to sign their name and pass it off as
original. Creators like Vessery, Jamieson, Liestman, Burchard, Pho, etc.
have distinct styles of either shape, color, carving or some
combination. To mimic their work in any way other than as a learning
exercise for one's own development and limited display should, in my
view, be discouraged and may be unethical.

Consider also the scenerio in which the originator of a style is bested
by his apprentice. Rude Olsonik came up with the candlestick design that
is instantly recognizeable by many familiar with wood turning. (Refer to
the pic on p.57, Am WT, Spring '05, but pretend the Olsonik is on the
left and the copy is on the right.) If he had been mediocre at best in
his tool technique or sense of proportion though a student picked up the
design and then went on to perfect it, should the plagarist get the
deserved recognition of fine craftsmanship/artisanship or should it
remain with the creator of the basic design?

Think back to the work of folks like Vessery or Jamieson. To arrive at a
largely unique design or treatment takes a lot of creative thought and
effort. I'm sure they have both spent much time mulling possibilities
after the initial inspiration as well as developing methods and
techniques to execute their ideas. There are likely quite a few reject
pieces of work that weren't up to representing the idea as successfully
as the artist would have liked. That takes time and materials. They have
dreamed an idea and gone through many steps to bring it to reality. The
person who then takes that work and copies the design and technique
without having to work through the process is not only short changing
his own development but has the potential to harm the artist's creative
outlook.

Should a creative spark occur when viewing a Vessery feathered vessel,
then by all means accept and be appreciative of the inspiration Vessery
provided to you. Then go on to produce work that attempts to bring your
inspired idea to light. On the other hand, producing feathered vessels
because Jaques Vessery showed you his idea and how he creates them
hinders your potential.

--
"Sure we'll have fascism in America, but it'll come disguised
as 100% Americanism." -- Huey P. Long