Rip Off Artists?

My editor, Cate Sevilla, over at BitchBuzz has a bone to pick with so-called artists filling up places like Etsy now. One of my favorite quotes from her:

Obviously, artists and designers have been “borrowing” inspiration from each other for centuries, but I find it hilarious that everyone gets very angry when people like Paperchase rip off independent artists’ work and make a giant profit from it, and yet, artist and crafters on Etsy do this all of the time... Sure, artists can always claim they’ve “never seen” the bigger artist’s work before -  but how many lazer cut acrylic moustaches does this world really need?!

Read the whole article: http://home.bitchbuzz.com/the-problem-with-etsy-and-craft-fairs.html#ixzz16DTFfXY0

Here at WLoAD we believe in unique, personal visions. They won't all appeal to everyone, but each comes from an individual's imagination and represents a spark of true imagination. So when you're thinking about gifts in this holiday season, consider supporting the artists of this blog and other artists you know who won't settle for copying someone else's tired idea.

FUNK SOUL TIKI by the fabulous S. L. Johnson (of course!)

TenQ: Victoria Squid

1. What name(s) do you go by?

Victoria, Vicky, Ms. Squid.

2. Where can we find your fabulous work (both online and IRL)?

In the pages of the Journal of the Women's League of Ale Drinkers, available for just 99¢!

3. What piece would you want to use for a "first impression"?

I mostly do performance pieces that are gone once they're over, so there's little tangible to show. I suppose there's always this.

4. How did you learn your skill/craft/discipline?

By slow degrees and via many mistakes and wrong turns...

5. Who/what inspires you?

Artists who refuse to fit a label or a pigeon-hole; people who refuse to live in accordance with consumer society, who make their own art, play their own songs, write their own stories and never worry if anyone else is going to give them permission to do so.

6. How do you cope with the inevitable discouraging days?

Martinis, martinis, martinis.

7. What are your goals for your work?

To be brilliant, to rule the world (not necessarily in that order).

8. What wisdom from your own experience would you pass on to other WLoAD members?

Dare much, follow no one, trust your instincts.

9. If you received a million dollar grant, how would you make use of it?

By traveling the world.

10. WLoADed stars need not actually drink ale: what's your fave bevvie?

A very dry martini -- think Sahara, Mojave -- olives on the side. Nice view of the Thames. Or a glass of Zubrowka, seemingly the official drink of the League (oh irony).

Ten Q: S. L. Johnson

TEN Q FOR JOINING THE LEAGUE! (or in this case, FOUNDING it!)

1. What name(s) do you go by?
 Stephanie, S.L. Johnson and, of course, Queen of Everything.

2. Where can we find your fabulous work (both online and IRL)?
http://ravenseyrie.wordpress.com/
http://www.zazzle.com/Raven_wombat
http://www.smokingantrecords.com/
http://wloaded.blogspot.com/

3. What piece would you want to use for a "first impression"?
The WLoADed logo or ‘Deadly Dirigibles’

4. How did you learn your skill/craft/discipline?
School and self-taught

5. Who/what inspires you?
Other creative people, nature, music.

6. How do you cope with the inevitable discouraging days?
It varies- speaking to friends, switching projects, sometimes just doing nothing.

7. What are your goals for your work?
That my work is enjoyed by others. It’s also nice to sell a piece here and there, too.

8. What wisdom from your own experience would you pass on to other WLoAD members?
Have creative friends that are not in the same discipline. Take chances and put yourself out there even if it kills you!

9. If you received a million dollar grant, how would you make use of it?
Open up a center for the arts. Or create a venue to encourage all artists to participate and be shown.

10. WLoADed stars need not actually drink ale: what's your fave bevvie?
Bisongrass vodka. 

Thanks, Stephanie! We'll be profiling other contributors throughout the month. Stop back and enjoy and of course don't forget to pick up your copy of the Journal of the Women's League of Ale Drinkers! A bargain at only 99¢ and chock full of fun. Click the link to your left.

Inspiration: Ulla Suokko

I want to celebrate my friend Ulla Suokko: she's a wonderful musician, but that's only the beginning of her many skills: musician, teacher, healer. I first saw her at the original Mythic Journeys conference. I had never seen a bass flute before and was fascinated by the sensuous curve of the instrument and the amazing way Ulla played it creating all kinds of unexpected sounds. Ulla demonstrated so many of her talents throughout the conference and we became fast friends. I find her music, storytelling and wisdom endlessly absorbing. Here are some examples of her work, though there are several other videos on her website. At Mythic Journeys:








With our friend Gerry Henkel at FinnFling:






I was lucky enough to be allowed to use some of her music from Bridge of Light on my latest book trailer: I think it fits perfectly -- of course!

Inspiration: Stephanie Johnson

Hello, darlings! Vicky Squid here. I get to kick off this month's celebration of women we find inspiring. You're all invited to join in -- just send an email to any of the team. In this traditionally hot and humid month (in the northern hemisphere anyway), when so many people take their holidays and few people feel all that energetic, we thought a brief tour of the women who delight our minds and replenish our inspiration would be a fantastic way to idle through the month.



I chose co-founder Stephanie Johnson as our first shining example, because she has exquisite taste -- of course -- but also because a whole slew of her art is newly available online. You can always visit her Repository of Visuals, but do yourself a favour and drop by Smoking Ant Records to see an orgy of delights that show just how varied her style can be. That nimbleness of mind proves to be a rare quality, but one SLJ has in abundance. You can see how each page suits the character of the band whether old school or new world jazz spunk or off-kilter power pop. Johnson's art has cheeky good humour and inventive dazzle. Every design makes you grin with pleasure.

And guess what? The music is terrific, too. Win-win! No surprise, I suppose -- why not surround yourself with the very finest people? Works for me.

More on the journal tomorrow, my dears. Must dash now.