I enjoyed going to the Texas Metal Arts Festival in Gruene today. It’s a fairly small gathering of metal artists displaying both large and small pieces. For example, there were giant metal flowers that stood about 3 feet tall and tiny metal flower earrings made from aluminum cans. This particular artist group always has demonstrations going on and this year these included torch formed metal clay, fold forming and many other techniques. Unfortunately, I always find it way too hot to sit outside and watch these demos; but happily, there were plenty of hardy souls who appreciated this opportunity.

My husband has been kind enough to go with me to this festival the past couple of years. Today, he figured out that it’s really a reconnaissance mission where I compare my work and gather ideas. On the way home, he queried what I learned. This year was enlightening because I could see that my work appears to be getting closer to those of the artists I admire. While there is still much to learn, I was able to recognize techniques they used and think about the needed materials and tools.

It’s always interesting to see that some artists want to share how the work is done but shut down the conversation when they realize you are trying to learn rather than trying to buy. Others will tell you everything about a piece and are excited to share and encourage you. So at what point is it rude to ask about process? Since I meet monthly with a group of people who are willing to share everything about what they make, I may be a little too brazen with my questions. At least I didn’t take my camera today. . . I think that would have been over the top!

It appears to me that people who are both teachers and artists are quite willing to share and encourage others. For example, my friend at Magpie Gemstones always encourages me to copy her designs and is helpful regarding technique. So, when is copying a design the same as plagiarism in writing? I think it’s very difficult to tell when a design is your own as opposed to a version of something you’ve seen.

As an example, the necklace shown here was inspired by Sally, an artist at Sunroom Studios in Ellicott City, Md. (sunroomstudiosonline.com). I wrote to her about a necklace on the Sunroom Studios website and she was kind enough to answer my questions. While my necklace may resemble hers, it is also quite different. Should she sue me? Gee, I certainly hope not. I hope she will be flattered to learn that someone liked her piece well enough to make it the inspiration for another. But, where do we draw the line?

I don’t have the answer to that question. All that I know is that my conscience is my guide and I hope that someday, if someone wants to view my work as a starter for their own, I’ll be willing to share.