This YouTube video was pointed out to me a couple of days ago. Russian, Aleksandr Smolyaninov has taken images of my artwork from this blog (I presume) and blended them together to the sounds of a bouncy polka played by Larry Cheskey and his Orchestra. This explains why my blog and Facebook stats have been showing a lot of visitors from Russia and other countries from the former Soviet Union. I think Aleksandr has done a good job, although the video’s bursting title letters aren’t to my taste. Rollicking music and moving photos make it active and enjoyable to watch. Should I be concerned that a video was made without my permission? I don’t think so — it’s a good way for lots of people to see my artwork. Anyways, I have sent a message that I would like him to ask permission to use my images.
SALLEY MAVOR
WEE FOLK STUDIO
SALLEY MAVOR 
Salley, this makes me happy, the more people who see your amazing creativity the better, each time I look at your work (I have all your books) I see something new, you are awesome.
Very effective Video. But I think I would probably remind her that she needs permission from you its a curtesy to ask you as it is your work and not for her to do as she pleases without your permission. But I’m sure it will bring lots of new clients. But if one does it who know how many others will do the same thing. All in all its a neat video well done.
It’s a delightful video, isn’t it? It reminds me of riding through “It’s A Small World” at Disney World in Orlando. He did a good job, and I think you have a very healthy attitude about it.
Your artwork is always delightful, and the music adds a pleasant backdrop. Still, I find the fact that this person made the video without your permission disturbing. The double-edged sword we grapple with in the age of the internets is that it is an excellent method of self-promotion for artists, and the reality of complete loss of control of one’s intellectual property and creative product once it hits the web. I doubt that the concept of intellectual property is valued much in Soviet states, and it would be very difficult for you to have recourse, if you chose to go that path. I’ve read far too many horror stories of stolen digital property. Alas, it often means that watermarks are added to photos, which makes them less enjoyable.
I’m wondering what the purpose of her videos are; there seem to be a bunch of them. I doubt she offered compensation to any of the visual or musical artists for their talents. It could be entirely a bit of whimsy, but it seems like a good bit of work for mere amusement. I find myself worrying about what trojans or viruses might be attached. Anyway, I look forward to more of your own videos. Anyway, you might consider adding the physical equivalent of a watermark (the electronic version of which can be removed easily) to your photos, that is, a little sign with your name and copyright mark on it.
I think about these things, too and have started adding watermarks to my images. But, there are so many of my images out there on the internet already. I’d rather put my energy and time into making artwork, so I try to reach a balance between freedom and protectionism. Someone from Moscow wrote on my Facebook page that sadly, the filmmaker and his wife died a few years ago, so this video must have been done a while ago. That could be, because the images he used have been on my blog for a couple of years.
You have a wonderful attitude abou this, Salley!
*about*
I looked for his name on the internet and apparently this is his vision: “We live in the world of colours and sounds,
and it is up to us, which colour we use to decorate our lives with, and which melody will fill them.” A.Smolyaninov.
Soooo neat! How can WE see it?? Love, Maria
Sent from my iPad
Hi Maria, you must be looking at the e-mail subscription post. Just go on my blog and click the arrow on the screen.
Your works fascinate me always, you are so creative. I loved to see them all in this video. Thank you, Blessing and Happiness, love, nia
I think you’ve made a reasonable decision about permissions. The main reason I object to people re-posting my images is that, apart from the clear fact that I have asserted copyright on my blog, it’s just plain breaking the law. There is a lovely aspect to people wanting to share my work (except for the time someone cabbaged my whole blog, but that’s a totally different matter), but the services they re-post the images to state in their user agreements – the ones that next to no-one reads but that everyone is still bound to – that you can only use your own material or that you have copyright owner permission to do so. I dare say I’d be a great deal less bothered by people lifting my stuff to create pictorial links if it weren’t for this. Yes, asking permission first is by far the best way to go.=)
Hope to follow in your footsteps in Antarctica one day….
Sally you are very charitable with your work given this situation. I viewed the video and it brought tears to my eyes. I thought it well done and a delight to watch as I’m sure many new fans will too. The detailing of each piece was great to review! You deserve all the credit you can get. Your work brings joy to all who behold it. Thanks for sharing with so many! I’m going to let my granddaughters view it and tell them of your generosity. Great example!
Delightful!
The video was a delight to watch, I enjoyed seeing your work along with the music. The permissions thing, is a tough call here…..they did give you credit for your work both at the beginning and end of the video….but I am certain it was a bit of a shock the first time you viewed it. The video seems to have been made in the spirit of giving you a compliment and honoring your work.
Deb
That’s a nice way of putting it!
I have her book (purchased many, many years ago) in which she shows how she makes her dolls (“Felt Wee Folk”). I’m thinking of purchasing her nursery rymes book(s), just to have her wonderful illustrations using her dolls. She is my favorite needle worker/doll maker. Such talent–a gift!
Ros
On Wed, Feb 13, 2013 at 11:10 AM, SALLEY MAVOR
Hi Salley, How lovely this is . . . It was obviously created to complement. It fully shows that he loved your work and wanted to share that love with the world. How sad that he and his wife passed.
I understand the permissions thing (this has been going on since before the internet) . . . over time I have come to realize that just the act of putting our artwork “out there” or on the internet means that somehow, somewhere someone will “scarf” it. Most will share it out of love and all is well. I too have started adding watermarks, just ’cause . . . but those too can be gotten around. It’s ok . . . I can’t have bad feelings in my heart, or it affects my creativity. I just do my best, share what I love and move along. 🙂 I smile when I see a piece of mine popup on pinterest, for example . . . (especially if it tracks back to my blog!) The only ones that “get me” are the ones who file the pics under the “I can make this” or “do this” boards 🙂 But that is rare also.
I so enjoyed the video, and only you can do what you do the way you do it! . . . . it is all good!
Peace,
Lori Ann
So nice to come by!My sister from Brazil found you somehow and sent me this link!Wool and embroidery are my favorite work…and yours..there’s no way to describe!Just fabulous!
Você consegue encantar as pessoas com sua sensibilidade. Parabéns!!!