well, artists are trained to recreate art by others, not to profit from it, but to understand what went into creating it. You learn to walk in their shoes as it were. At some point, you develop your own style inspired by well everything in your life including the art by others.
I myself have duplicated many images by Ansel Adams. Why, well for one Ansel told me to when I met him hiking in Yosemite with my father. I was 9 years old and it was the summer of 66. I'll never forget it. Why, because how my father reacted, Ansel was his hero and my dad was/is mine. Ansel stated in plain words, duplicate and appreciate what others before you have done. That is your education. Then develop your own style. If people like it you will be successful, but if they don't stay your course and true to your style. Success is not art.
I took Ansel's words to heart and still do because he is completely right. I myself have learned so much by duplicating images of others before me especially Ansel. For me my photography was always and still is a serious hobby, not the way I make a living. I'm lucky that way. However, I believe there are many artists trying to make a living while they are still in their "education" stage and have not completely developed their own style. Some sell they efforts on the open market.
Guess the question is should they sell anything they make while in that stage and should we "judge" them if they do. I have chosen not to. I wish to support artists who are up and coming more than any other, especially over the ones that are so successful they worry about others copying it (aka they have something to lose and are overly worried about it). The successful artists don't need my help, the new kids on the block do. The ones that have made it and have something to lose demand a premium and that means they do not need "help"
Besides imitation is the most sincere form of flattery...
However, I also respect everyone's right to decide for themselves.
BTW, Dan Shelton is a personal friend. His fab eggs I prefer over the MS version. One I watched it get made. He makes them just for fun and not his bread and butter. All his water pieces are just for fun, his living comes from other work. Two, they are completely hand made and blown, no lathe or computerized tool, just a torch and a block of graphite. I prefer it because he made it himself and its a product of his blood, sweat and tears. That means more to me over anything else even if it was inspired by them. I even suggested something and he changed it per my suggestion. That made me feel warm
at yet another glassblower content to eat off of Mothership's plate.
