Big trouble in little Taiwan....

Im almost 40, the time for games and run arounds are coming to an end.

I enjoy being in my garden early in the morning over 'late nights at the club. I prefer a good book and a hot cuppa over a gathering at a brewery, restaurant or even a vacation ( I vacation through books... If ya know, ya know).

If im honest a lot of people in my life have left me feeling more alone than ever, even in moments when I'm with them and for me that's just an indicator that my peace is worth more than their company. Although that might seem rude to others I'd like to point out that when I'm alone the conversation is always in my favor, I never have to worry about offending myself and myself doesn't care if I'm in a pissy mood and have no make up on.

The last few months have been spent honing my art skills which requires a lot of alone time, fortunately for me, I only ever find peace alone......its something I actually quite enjoy. Being alone with myself has never been the problem, but being alone with what others have said and done to me is a whole other ball of wax.

This morning I stumbled out of bed at around 6 am. I lumber myself into the bathroom in an attempt to wake up. I know its a bad habit but I always check my facebook and etsy in the morning to see if any of my works have sold. I open my phone to see comments on my facebook, one of which was inquiring about buying art. This same individual had requested to privately buy art once before to which I requested he purchase off my reputable sales sites. He never did. I respond to the man leaving my site options in the comments and a little voice said "Check his profile."

I click on sirs profile and the first image to appear was my "Watership Down" commission. All the shots I took of it.... you could see my living room wall, and the shelf my husband built me to hold my paint, along with a photo of my most recent Alice in wonderland painting. My stomach hit my butt and I wanted to puke. I thought 'maybe hes just sharing my art and didnt tag me'... until I open the 20 comments under the painting....

All of them were commenting on how beautiful the art was and each time sir said "Thank you" at one point even saying "Thank you , art is my passion."

Not only was he not crediting me (the artist) but he also was not denying that he painted it, leaving everyone to the assumption that he did in fact paint them.

I decided to give him a chance to correct the error and I commented on the post myself "This is my art. You need to credit the real artist" Within seconds my comment was removed and I was blocked from his page. I knew it was malicious immediately.....

I was tired but not tired enough to ignore the blatant thievery I had just witnessed. The little girl in me was hurt and just wanted to go pout in the corner or maybe write it off as an accident or cultural differences in respect for art.... The 40 year old me... was pissed....

So I enlisted some help of some fiery people. People that I know stand for purity in the work of others and I explained the situation and asked for reinforcements. Ask and ye shall receive.... not only did an entire army come to my aid on that post and let him know that they all knew he stole that art but I also made new friends out of it. People who had previously never visited my page, were now doing so to show support for my stolen art.

As I sit now the post rests at over 35 comments .... a huge portion of those being people who follow my art page and were compelled to comment after his name was circulated. I doubt anything will come of it and he will likely get to keep my photos on his page as it was my own fault for not watermarking them. But trust that I have learned from this and will no longer be posting anything without a hidden or obvious watermark involved.

I also learned to let go and trust what will be. At this point the whole situation is out of my hands and my normally overly controlling self has no choice but to sit back and let it work itself out.... but that doesnt mean I cant giggle and smile with joy as the angry mob that has my back reminds sir, you should always credit the REAL artist ;)

My love to you all

CR