We all need a Guardian from time to time

This is an e-mail I received from a customer that made my day. I'm sharing it with their permission...

“Dear Ms Shake,

I just bought one of your pieces at the Sevigny Gallery and I wanted to tell you that it has great meaning to me. It's a piece featuring the Raven, it's surrounded by metalwork twigs...I'm a lawyer who has just moved to Alaska and I can only keep the really great job I got by passing the Alaska Bar exam which is a month from now. (I am already a lawyer but the last Bar exam I took was a very long time ago.)

I am very nervous about it and I don't know if you know it, but the Bar examiners are so tricky. They try to trap you into going with a wrong answer choice. So I knew I needed help, and that's when I saw your piece in the gallery as I walked home from work, and I thought, "This Raven will help me, because he can see through any tricks!"

I actually haven't even put my Raven up on the wall, instead he is on the table with all the materials as I study and I visualize him literally selecting the correct multiple choice bubbles on the sheet with his beak! After I do pass the Bar, Corvus will have a place of honor in my office.

I originally went into the Sevigny Gallery because we bought a house and I am looking for sculpture for the yard, and after I pass the Bar, I am looking forward to that -- I've noted where you sell your pieces.

But I did want to pass on my appreciation for making a really engaging piece that just makes me feel like I have a Guardian!”

Looks Like a Raven, Acts Like a Raven –A Raven By Any Other Name?

Hers are above and mine are below.

Is copying really the best form of flattery? Or do “great minds” really think alike? I’ve known many artists over the years whose work has been copied, replicated, altered, duplicated, inspired, and flat out ripped off. I’ve had an experience in every one of those categories with my art making being on the receiving end. Sometimes copyright infringement is hard to prove but I know it when I feel it. When I see visual art that’s similar to something I’ve already created my stomach tightens and my heart rate quickens. For me it is an emotional experience. When I first saw another company’s Ravens silk screened onto squares of batik fabric I thought they looked very similar to the Raven Quilt Panels and Raven Garden Flags that Jana and I have been producing for over a year. After researching copyright definitions, consulting with other artists and legal professionals I wanted to have a better understanding of what really was considered copyright infringement. Whitney Smith’s Sprout Vase was clearly ripped-off by a major retailer though most of her copyright issues have stemmed from her work “inspiring” other ETSY artists! This is what the United States Copyright Office says:

What is copyright infringement?
As a general matter, copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner. http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-definitions.html

After making a couple of calls and speaking directly to the company owner who is distributing the Raven Panels and who I’ve known for years, I learned that more than likely this is a situation of the similar Raven Quilt Panels being a case of a creative process that ended up with a VERY similar product but without malice or intentional copyright infringement. That’s what I’m hoping. Nevertheless, I did follow up with an e-mail to the proprietor of the company to make her aware of the similarity by attaching copies of our packaging covers showing our copyright mark. Here is what my first e-mail said in part:

“Thanks for taking my call this morning. As promised I'm sending you images of the batik Raven panels Jana and I already sell. I was surprised to see how similar your Ravens silk screened onto the various batik fabrics are to our designs we created, produced and started selling last year. I was the designer and the original idea of Raven Garden Flags was also mine. Jana's idea was to sell the silk screened panels in the Quilted Raven for quilts, flags or other projects. I'm hoping that you reconsider selling such a similar product.”

Her reply explained how her company came to produce such a similar product and claimed she had not seen Jana and my Raven panels before. She also claimed it should be OK to sell her product because at the moment Jana was only selling her Raven Quilt panels at one of her stores The Quilted Raven. However, my two final points in response were that our distribution is not her concern and ultimately “while I appreciate the process that led you to create a similar product, after seeing such a similar idea I felt it was my responsibility to make you aware of our pre-existing product design so we may protect our copyright.”

Caught in the Eye of Fear Tonight

I had just set the water sprinklers on the front and back lawns. We sat down to eat our grilled pork chops, fresh asparagus, steamed rice with a lovely salad using all fresh greens from the Market. Daddy-O and I were eating on TV trays after a busy, busy work day, enjoying the company of one another and watching the nothingness of NBC re-runs when an Emergency Broadcast blared that ugly panic sound and messages rolled and flashed across the screen… TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED FOR DUTCH HARBOR FOLLOWING A 7.3 PRELIMINARY MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE THAT STRUCK 20 MILES SOUTHEAST OF AMUTKA PASS… that is exactly where Kristen is, in Dutch Harbor getting ready to board the US Coast Guard Cutter Healy for another scientific research trip. I immediately was able to reach her via our cell phones. She was napping thankfully on board the ship which was still in the harbor. I had reached her before she had heard what was happening and as we were talking all hell broke loose as the emergency warning system went into effect for all of Dutch Harbor and on board the ship. The worst part was I could hear the emergency sirens blaring in the background while Kristen was running to find her lab mate so they could await further safety instructions. She could see the “coasties” running to board the boat who hd been on shore leave, residents of Dutch Harbor fleeing for higher ground all while the horrible sound of the sirens were wailing. She could see little kids in pajamas running to higher ground, cars going 80 mph trying to reach the highest parts of the island, everybody exiting the town any way they could. The entire fleet of fishing trawlers and boats were trying to leave the harbor desperate to reach deeper water. Kristen had to hang up and called seconds later to report that the Tusanami was due to hit in 26 minutes! She had to go again and would call me back as soon as she could. I felt like I was going to throw up. I surfed all the available web sites for information and 15 minutes into the dreaded 26 minutes the Tsunami warning was cancelled. I still feel like I’m going to throw up my pork chop and my cocktail(s) are sitting at the top of my throat. Tears spilled from my eyes and Derek hugged me. All I could visualize is the Japanese man who rode out the horrific Tsunami in Japan aboard his large fishing boat. Kristen called me back and said the worst part was watching the exodus from aboard their huge vessel feeling helpless. As we hung up, I said “I love you -be safe” having a bit more meaning tonight.

On a less dramatic note, here is a sculpture I made this week after being inspired by one of my Hosta's finally coming up. I was supposed to be knee deep in production work but just had to make something inspired from Nature. Interesting that is was something from the ground and not the sea...

Family Affair

"Three Dudes Selling Fresh Stuff From the Sea!"

L to R, Mike Nakada of Northern Lights Oyster Co., Derek and Gordon Scott of the FV/ Early Times with Alaska Spot Shrimp enjoying a day at the Market.

The Spenard Farmer’s Market is a real family affair this summer. As the Market’s volunteer Vendor Coordinator I usually hear the vendor news and issues first hand. And so it was when Mike Nakada the owner of the Northern Lights Oyster Company found himself without anyone to sell his Oysters after an employee unexpectedly quit on him just as the Market season was starting. The Northern Lights Oyster Company, a certified shellfish aquaculture farm, features FRESH Kachemak Bay Oysters and is one of our most popular booths at the Market, usually selling out by noon each Saturday. Since Mike is busy tending the Oyster Farm in K-Bay near Homer, Alaska (a mere 6 hour drive away from Anchorage) it was nearly impossible for him to find another Market seller on such short notice and I just couldn’t let the Market be without Oysters! What is a good Vendor Coordinator to do but volunteer Daddy-O for the task!

Derek is regularly at the Market with me each Saturday helping Willie to set up and take down my Garden Art booth and visit with friends. With Willie helping run my booth while I tend to my Market duties, Derek now helps Mike by running the Kachemak Bay Oyster booth! The Oysters are shipped freshly harvested from the cool waters and quick-shipped right to us for the Market opening. Derek pops the back open on our truck and has a day of happy customers and visiting with our long-time friend Gordon Scott who sells Prince William Sound Alaska Spot Shrimp right next to him. After we are all set up, you can see Gus running back and forth under the guise of offering to help but it’s usually to see who will buy him a hot dog or a Hawaiian shave ice…

Bad Dogs, Roosters and the Garden

Busy, busy week! I had such a good time making a pack of "Bad Dogs" for the Spenard Farmer's Market on Saturday that I was laughing as I was welding their psycho eyes on their frenzied faces! But the best part was the reaction from the employees at the hardware store when I bought 4 lengths of heavy duty chain. They wondered what exactly I was chaining up and I said just a pack of wild dogs... I also made a couple of Roosters that sold quickly Saturday. One went happily home with my sweet friend and potter Kris Bliss. Kris' work can be found at galleries across the state. The welder gets plugged in first thing Monday morning and on the production list are a couple of baby "Steel Wool" sheep, another Rooster and a fun piece I've been wanting to make for a few weeks now...

The Alaska Botanical Garden Outdoor Art Show and 14th Annual Garden Fair was this weekend. After six years as the volunteer Outdoor Art Show coordinator, I passed my magic garden wand to fellow metal artist, Marieke Heatwole this year! One of my favorite events and absolutely the BEST venue to highlight outdoor sculpture. A favorite submission this year was a pair of Tori Gates hand crafted in wood by artisan Paul Button. The Gala and Show was even more fun by being able to assist rather than completely coordinate this year, freeing me up to socialize and enjoy the beautiful food and Moose's Tooth IPA on tap. The Show kicked off with the sold-out Thursday night Gala. There was abundant food, music, BEVERAGES and ART all under sunny skies. There were a record number of works with many selling the night of the Gala -all to support the beautiful Alaska Botanical Garden.

Derek and Gus helped with the Outdoor Art Show set-up

Ryan Morman's large steel and concrete sculpture gets unloaded -which was voted "People's Choice" for 2011. Congratulations Ryan!

Marieke Heatwole's found object and welded steel sculpture "Vinca."

Isolde Gibson'e hand formed clay sculptures "Raven Buddies" sold quickly! They were cleverly mounted on black PVC.

Steel and fused glass birdbath collaborative piece “Vampyroteuthis Infernalis Bird Sanctuary” by Thaddeus De Bois and Laura Mendola

Fans are Friends Too!

Downtown Anchorage was hopping yesterday! The sunshine had the visitors from near and far happily shopping, eating and sightseeing. The new Batik fabric I designed for Jana’s Quilted Raven store arrived in time for the summer season and has enjoyed positive sales and comments. I wanted to get a peek at the new bolts and color ways of the finished product and decided to pop into the store yesterday. When I walked in several shoppers were happily picking out fabric gifts for quilting friends at home and for their personal stashes. Tracy M. from Louisville, Kentucky was impressed with the selection and even more happy to meet “the designer” of some of the art quilt patterns

and the Raven fabric. I was greeted with hugs and photo opportunities! What a boost for any artist’s ego! Tracy’s husband Nat was the ultimate gentleman and a very PATIENT shopping partner while all of us laughed, shared stories, iPhone photos, perused and talked all things fabric and quilting! You’ve got a keeper Tracy! As we said in the shop yesterday “we HEART Kentucky!” The success of the fabric is due to the colors Jana selected just as much as the design. The “Ravens on Branches” has been selling as fat quarters as well as by the entire bolt! The design process was a bit longer than I’m used to as we waited months for the first strike offs to arrive then another few months for the actual fabric to arrive in the store. With the success of this design, Jana and I have several

others in the works. Jana has one of the nicest collections of quality batik fabric found anywhere and this was echoed by the customers yesterday!

Visitors to the Quilted Raven, Nat and Tracy M. from Louisville, Kentucky

First Friday and History Fish

Last week I had a chance to finish a set of "History Fish" for the Show at Katie's. I enjoy making these fish because it gives me a chance to upcycle some of my scrap steel. After I draw and cut a large base fish design I try and plasma cut interesting pieces of the steel left over from a large 4' x 8' sheet and keep them in my "cool scrap bin."

Though sometimes the "cool scrap bin" becomes the "crap scrap bin" if it starts to overflow, collect shop dust and starts to look like work if I want to use it -making me not want dig. If I maintain the pile I tend to want to use the scraps on a regular basis otherwise it's off to Alaska Metal Recyclers with a TRUCK LOAD of good scrap. These fish are about 24" wide with an enamel fini

sh. After I weld the fish together I give them a clear coat enamel finish which provides a smooth tooth for the brushed on enamel paint. For the enamel color I use One Shot Sign Painter's Enamel. It's hand brush applied full strength with the desired color blends then hand rubbed off using industrial strength rags. I usually go over the finished piece with with highlights of orange or other contrasting colors for highlights with a very dry brush.

First Friday at Katie's Gallery was packed. She knows how to throw a pARTy! I wish Katie was able to enjoy the evening more -she works her tail off! She was behind the register the entire time -which is good for the Gallery and all of the artists she has in her place but tough to soak up all the good vibes, art, music and food. I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all Katie and Barb did Friday night to ensure it was a packed house all night long. THANKS LADIES! That is a picture of Katie working the register, Barb is packaging up some art AND working the beverage counter. Daddy-O had a chance to visit with other teachers on summer hiatus and Gus stepped in to help pour fresh ice tea for customers and had fun as well as the junior barkeep. The flowers were sent to the Gallery from my parents. xox The other photo is of talented artists, Duke Russell and Lance Lekander pictured with me. I was happy to see them as there were several great shows downtown Friday night and everyone was trying to make the rounds. Anchorage has one of the BEST artist communities that is LOADED with talented people. Thank goodness we have First Fridays otherwise some of us artists don't get out of the studio nearly enough.

Just Gelling

My poor finger tips are rubbed completely raw and I probably don’t have any finger prints left! The Gel Medium Transfer worked fine on the steel after a couple of test prints but the

rubbing became a bit tedious. I tried to use some overhead transparency film onto the Gel Medium as in the video but the image didn’t transfer at all. Maybe my film was old? It even rinsed clean! I did like the effect of one of my powerline images on the film though…that can be another project in the near future. There are several methods you can use in transferring images. For the Gel Medium Transfer process I did, I painted a thick coat of Golden’s Gel Medium onto the steel and placed a fresh, full color laser print image down

onto the gel. the images I used were both digital images I have taken myself of Ravens and Nature as well as a few Royalty-free images I have on CD's. I usually digitally enhance the images in Photoshop to bump up the saturation and sharpen the overall photo for better contrast. Next, I Burnished the paper smooth to remove any air bubbles, making sure that the laser image was in full contact with the gel and steel substraight. After about 2-3 hours of drying time, I moistened the paper and began to rub the paper off of the now “acrylic” image. I also needed to apply a clear coat of spray enamel to further enhance the images. To give the wall sculptures a more artful look, I hammered words onto pieces of copper and cold riveted the copper to the steel. I used a set of leather punch alphabet tools and my anvil to hammer the words. Overall I like the effect but want to experiment further with the idea of transferring a clearer, graphic image onto steel. And I have not given up on finding a straight

pass through ink jet printer. There were a couple of used units on Amazon but I’m leary of buying any used computer equipment let alone over the internet. We’ll see, I still have a whole roll of aluminum flashing just waiting for that art making project!