Post #395551 by Paipo on Mon, Jul 21, 2008 2:20 PM

I better chime in here...

1st thing - I don't think there is any doubt whatsoever who was selling those knockoffs. At least 3 different people from TC PMed me to say it was City Buddha's table in the photos Ben posted, including Ben, who also bought a bone carving from the guy. I wouldn't have posted or emailed the guy without confirmation from multiple sources. Larry Collins/City Buddha did respond to my emails, and did not deny selling the carvings in question, but passed all blame for producing them onto the carver. He was pretty unhelpful in terms ceasing sales of them, and certainly not apologetic in any way. What people told me he said to them about the work he was selling and how it is sourced, on top of the fact he contacted me almost 2 years ago asking to use my work but wasn't prepared to pay for my designs, (including the niku which he subsequently sold copies of) leads me to personally believe he is far from innocent in this. Others can draw what conclusions they may - but it is an undisputed fact he was selling a table full of ripped-off designs from NZ carvers (5 in total - so far). Chances are he still has plenty left to sell, and that there are likely many more copied designs yet to be identified.
The fact is people who sell imported carvings have a responsibility to ensure they are not infringing, something guys like Larry and Eyeball Kicks in Wellington seem to think isn't important. The fact both these guys were well familiar with my work before selling copies of it makes the whole "blame the carver" line pretty hard to swallow....

2nd thing - I really don't want anyone to put themselves out over this, either financially or by creating any legal trouble for Otto. He has been great to deal with, is obviously taking this very seriously and as far as I know is legally contracted to supply this guy with a vending table at Oasis. Likewise the organisers at HRHH and Hukilau are also aware of what is going on now.
Mooney, I am very appreciative of you taking a stand on this and the artists (actually, everyone on TC) have really banded together over this. All I want is awareness of what is going on, so people can make an informed purchasing decision at the events. It basically comes down to buying work from artist-vendors and not importers using 3rd world artists and knockoffs to leech off the scene ( I don't have a problem with imported carvings if they are licensed or sourced correctly - Smokin Tikis and C'Al do this I think). If no-one buys this junk they won't vend anymore - simple!