Are you ready to get “Ripped Off”?
This annual collaborative art event, now in its 15th year, is like no other at EBSQ
Image above: 2014 Ripped Off winner Fractured Fractal Caladium by EBSQ Artist Elizabeth Fiedel
A bit of history:
Ripped Off was started back in 2001 as a direct response to a slew of copiests ripping off EBSQ member art on selling it on eBay, the same venue where they discovered it. We decided to create an event where permission was given to riff on another member’s art to create something new that still related strongly to the original inspiration. We’re hoping this annual event has brought some awareness to how critical PERMISSION is, and a reminder that it’s not cool to simply “borrow” another artist’s vision and repackage it as your own for profit.
How Ripped Off works:
It’s actually pretty simple. EBSQ Artists are encouraged to look for one (or multiple) partners, and gain permission to create something based on a previously existing work done by their partner. The new piece should not be an exact copy, but rather an expansion of the original. In addition to generating new work, we’re hoping new friendships are formed as well.
What happens to the new work?
It’s up to the partners. Some people swap originals or provide a reproduction for their partner. Some people sell their new pieces. It’s completely between the two of you.
How do I find a partner?
You can either contact an EBSQ artist you already know, or put out a call for partners either on the EBSQ in-house forums or in our Facebook group.*
What do I need to include with my show entry?
In your accompanying artist statement, make sure you cite the name of the artist whose work you’ve ripped, the title that served as your inspiration, a write a bit about why you were attracted to the inspiration piece. Optionally, you may include a jpg of the original source work as one of your detail images to give others context for experiencing your work.
What about awards?
It pays to get involved! The Member’s Choice winner receives $100 cash and the artist whose work was ripped off receives $50 cash, simply for serving as inspiration!
What’s my deadline?
All Ripped Off entries must be in by 11:59 EDT on 31 July 2015. Voting starts the next day. Winners will be announced on 8 August 2015.
Speaking of exhibits–entries are still being accepted for Portrait of the Artist through 11:59 PM EDT on 30 June 2015. We’re looking for portraits of artists in the following genres: visual, literary, and musical. I personally know at least a dozen of you have perfect pieces just sitting in your portfolios–go on and enter! It doesn’t have to be brand spanking new to be eligible,simply never used in a previous exhibit.
With gratitude,
-Amie on behalf of Team EBSQ
http://www.ebsqart.com
Supporting living artists since 2000
* Not yet a member of our private EBSQ Facebook group? It’s already proving to be the easiest way to connect with your fellow artists and EBSQ staff. Simply apply through the page itself or reply to this message, indicating your interest in the FB group if you’re a paid member, and we’ll make sure you get an invite!