Protect Your Artwork

What a complex subject to discuss! I know I promised to write about this but after a long deliberation I decided to only briefly summarise the few most common questions and for the more comprehensive explanations I suggest you go here. The information on their site is easy to understand and well worth reading. After all I am only an artist, not a lawyer. 

Below is my personal understanding of these most common issues in protection of intellectual property – COPYRIGHT.

WHAT IS COPYRIGHT? 

Copyright is your legal right to decide how you would like other people to use your original artwork. 

DO I NEED IT? 

Your artwork is copyrighted automatically in Australia. However, this is not the same in every country. 

WHAT KIND OF ARTISTIC WORKS ARE COVERED BY COPYRIGHT? 

Paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and all sort of craft recorded in material form. 

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY WORK ON THE INTERNET? 

The only secure way is not to put it on the Internet. You can also put the copyright symbol and your name next to it, to let others know that you are serious. Example: © Jana Vodesil-Baruffi 2019  

ARE THE IDEAS, STYLE AND TECHNIQUE ALSO COPYRIGHTED? 

No 

WHO OWNS THE COPYRIGHT IF I SELL MY WORK? 

This is complex and the best is to have the terms of copyright agreed in writing. 

WHEN DOES THE COPYRIGHT EXPIRE? 

It usually expires 70 years after the death of the creator. 

WHAT CAN I DO IF SOMEONE COPIES MY WORK? 

You will need to get advice from a lawyer. 

Now on a brighter note, what arty things are happening in Perth? Do we have any WA artists exhibiting right now? 

Gomboc Gallery is the largest privately owned Art Gallery in Western Australia. Situated just thirty minutes from the heart of Perth, in the wine growing district of the Swan Valley. The Gallery was established in 1982 on 4.5 hectares, which is at present being developed into a  Sculpture Park. You can always find works of established and emerging West Australian artists of all disciplines in this amazing gallery. 

Linton and Kay Mandoon Estate Gallery is exhibiting beautiful landscapes of Alan Muller till 26th May. Tides: Paintings and Drawings of Derbarl Yerrigan Swan River.

Mirage Gallery located at 88 Hay Street, Subiaco is displaying works of Australian landscape artists including some of my Kimberley work;

River Crossing (Barnett River, Kimberley), Oil on Linen Canvas, $4,800 

Natures Gallery, Oil on Linen Canvas, $4,800

For those who like to watch art on the big screen here is something you may like to see;

An exotic journey from Tahiti to the Marquesas Island on the trail of a story that has become legendary. Screening Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May at 1pm plus Tuesday 21st May at 11am at Luna Leederville and Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May at 1pm at Luna on SX.