Copyright for Artists... Right or Wrong?

I really would like your input on this issue. Do you think that artwork, once it has been released to the public, should be under copyright law? Or, do you think that the work now belongs in the public domain for anyone to do with it what they want?

I feel torn on this subject. On the one hand, as an artist that coaxes the muse to come out and play, and then works to execute its vision as best I can, I think, sure, we should have such a law. The artist seems exploited enough without having someone else possibly benefit from their passion and sweat.

Then again, I merely tune into inspiration and create a visual material representation of it. Everyone has the ability to "download" the same inspiration. Just because I caught this particular idea, is it really mine to own? There is plenty more inspiration where that came from. Perhaps the material representation then becomes someone else's inspiration for creating something new from it. Why should I place a barrier to their joy of creating their version from my version?

What are your thoughts on this? Please leave a comment below with your opinion, thoughts, ideas.

Until next week, consider taking one or more of these actions: buy art, appreciate art, make art.

The image above is a digital image I created from a phone app.

Mary Rush Gravelle is an artist and writer who lives and creates in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved furry friend, Sir Kitty.