There is a big discussion on FB about some sculptors using sculpts from other people and modifying the features and creating their own sculpt with it then claiming its their own work and having kits made from it.
So many people on there commented that these people are well known and have been getting away with it for years. But nobody says the name?!. The entire group is “in the know” and condemns it being done and is calling them out but it doesn’t say who?
If they all know who these people are who are doing this but not giving them a chance to defend themselves it feels like passive aggressive bullying
Why is the doll world so impossible right now?
Dealers belittling other dealers, sculptors hating other sculptors. It feels like some elusive club that you have to be in with the right people a lot of times.
I think its horrible to use another persons work and claim it as all your own and would like to not support them but is this all just some more dolly drama?
I am out of the loop about this, if it’s recent.
I do remember a while back that a company in Spain (Babyclon?) that made a beautiful Avatar (one of the first) was called out for Frankenstein-ing work from other sculpts (that were not theirs) and creating this silicone baby. I remember going to their website and noticing a video they had that in the background that they were using a program that takes a 3D scanned image and allows you to skin it (not sure if that is the correct term). They have since removed the clip.
It did make me wonder, also this particular avatar was the only baby on their website that was top notch anatomically beautiful, the rest did not come close. Last I heard they were using animatronics and claiming they were the official company providing the Avatar 2 baby not sure if it ever happened.
Not sure if they ever admitted to borrowing intellectual property and tried to make peace?
The other drama that I remember was (and I may have this wrong) an artist who was sculpting, ran into a time crunch and copied hands from another baby without permission. I am not sure how that all ended or if it was worked out between the artists.
I think when and if this happens it should be something the artists work out between themselves. I am not sure how it benefits anyone else to be involved in that. Making it a big deal, making videos, fighting in public, what gets solved? Not saying how much of that happened between the artists but I know it did surrounding them.
Dolly drama has always been around, people love it, I am not immune to getting sucked in and wanting all the tea myself.
I know some people can be amazing doll artists, nice people but make mistakes. I know some people get a tiny bit of recognition and it goes to their head and being a big fish in a small pond feels all kinds of Cinderella and they use that in not so kind ways. There are also some amazing artists in this community that have all kinds of clout and skills and they stay humble, out of the light, never really knowing how well loved they are.
I think it is up to all of us to take care of each other, be kind, be patient, understanding, and when someone makes a mistake give them time, space, and a chance to make it right. If they can’t or won’t then they only hurt themselves. A little integrity goes a long way.
We are mostly women in this community and for most of us its our nature to be a little… well catty, territorial, competitive, create little groups (I get all those feels too). We just need to check ourselves once in a while, know when it’s just a bad day, unresolved stuff that needs air-clearing, or just we are just being mean and miserable.
Didn’t mean to hi-jack your post, just rambling.
Yes, I saw that post on Facebook too. Then later today I saw this new sculpt coming up in passing and was like boy this looks a lot like the Primerose limbs that just came out! Seems a lot of people are doing the same styles now too.
Gina, that was Naomi Johnson who used Bonnie Brown’s Grayson hands on her Ezra sculpt.
I think the reason it is not kept quiet is because the person who was stolen from wants to be sure people do not to support the work of the one who copied it. I can understand being furious about that happening. It is sad how rapidly our industry is starting to crack apart.
Excellent mantra to use in times of mistakes, and or any strife amongst artists and sculptors…. I love every supportive and kind word you said Gabriel. Stripped down, it’s what we used to read in Golden Books… absolutely beautifully stated and what we all should remember “do unto others” Thanks so much for this…. Not that I have any strife with other artists because I’m just a beginner! lol!
Best rambling ever!
I do agree. Gina brings some lovely thoughts to the front that are a good focus for us all.
I just wish it could get worked out privately, maybe agree to share profits, give credit, what ever feels good for both of them. I remember there were apologies and regret if I remember correctly.