It has taken Calgary artist Tresa Gibson decades to build a successful career as an artist.
Her oil paintings are now sought after by collectors and clients from across Canada.
So, much to her surprise, she was shocked earlier this month when she found what she claims was a strikingly similar replica of a recent work of hers for sale online.
“I am a business woman. And I worked hard to create this business,” said Gibson. “It’s important to me that this is my product — this is the thing in the world that I can do that no one else can do.”
Gibson said she tried to contact the seller, who she claims is a former student of hers, now living in Fredericton, N.B.
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She said the woman apologized — explaining that she found the art on Pinterest and tried to add her own twist, and would be more careful in the future.
But Gibson said the woman has now blocked her from communicating further.
While Gibson doesn’t want to name the woman, Global News tried to contact her, but has not yet received a response.
Under Canadian law, reproduction of an original work without permission constitutes copyright infringement.
However, many artists are unable or unwilling to pursue legal action.
Gibson is now planning a future art show with other artists who share similar stories — hoping to turn the negative experience into a celebration of truly original work.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky, but I also know I have worked incredibly hard to create what has happened here,” said Gibson. “It is not acceptable to me that people choose to plagiarize my work.”
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