Creator Spotlight with Artist Stephen Hogarth
This week, we are pleased to introduce Indigenous Australian artist Stephen Hogarth. Stephen creates authentic Aboriginal art for governments, sporting clubs, schools, murals, and souvenirs through his business Hogarth Arts. After reading his spotlight, check out his Facebook page.
What was the inspiration behind becoming a creator? What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
My creative process varies depending on what I am working on that day. It always starts with a concept or idea, and I build from there. As for time, how long is a piece of string? It can be anywhere from a few hours to several days, again depending on the work. Not everything I produce makes money. I think that is the same for most artists, we all have those concept pieces, or works we set aside because something just does not feel right. That is part of the creative process.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about your line of work?
Like it is for a lot of artists, I think the biggest misconception is around time. People do not realise how long it actually takes to create work. There is also this idea that all artists are rolling in money, which is far from the truth! And that we are constantly brimming with ideas and creativity. With my artwork, it is all about stories and storytelling. Sometimes I do not have a story, and sometimes the artwork just comes to me and I paint it.
When did you first become aware of copyright, and why?
I have always had an awareness of copyright, but I really had to get serious about it when my artwork started being stolen and used all over the internet and by other people.
Have you experienced copyright infringement and, if so, how has it affected you personally and financially?
Where do I start… and how long do you have? Yes, absolutely, 1000%. It never stops. It hurts financially, and it affects you mentally. When it just keeps happening over and over, it becomes exhausting. Arts Law has done case studies on my stolen artwork. It is not just businesses and corporate organisations either, even Aboriginal people steal my work, as well as sporting teams. The list goes on. The worst part is that no one really wants to help. Taking someone to court over copyright is a drama, but when does it stop? I could talk about this all day.
What do you do when you encounter someone stealing something you have invested your intellect, time, and money into?
A takedown notice is about as much as I can do. After that, you are largely on your own. I have had ongoing battles with eBay because their VERO team simply does not understand copyright. Amazon was terrible to deal with as well. There are so many stories.
What is the best piece of advice you would give other creators in your field about copyright and how to protect themselves?
Run! do not do it! Ha. But in all seriousness, let us be honest: If someone wants to steal your work, they will. Sadly, that is the reality. My artwork is copyright protected in Australia, and I have also had most of it registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, but even that does not stop it happening. However, by copyright protecting your work, you have recourse when it is stolen.
What is your biggest copyright-related challenge?
Getting stolen items removed from websites. And then dealing with the people who stole your work in the first place, who often turn around and abuse you for calling them out. There are so many issues.
How has AI technology impacted your works and career?
It has not negatively impacted my actual artwork, but it has helped my career in different ways. I use it to bounce ideas around, help with paperwork, or work through something I want to do but do not know where to start, whether that is figuring out if something is even possible or what the costs might look like. Sometimes my brain just is not braining, and if I cannot reach someone in the relevant field, AI fills that gap.
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