[Woodcarver] copy rights question

[Linehan718 at aol.com]

I would think that the copyright period on Michelangelo's work has long since 
passed.  I don't even think that in his day, there was copyrighting but if it 
was created in modern times, it would most likely fall into the catagory of 
an 'implied copyright', such as anything that is originated by an artist is 
owned by that artist, but can be copied freely by another but not sold for 
profit, nor given away in lieu of profit or displayed publically.  I believe under 
the law, Michelangelo's work is now in the area of public domain and can be 
copied  freely by anyone who wishes to.  You cannot copyright an idea or an 
interpretation of an image.  The copyright only gives the owner rights to profit 
and public use.  However if someone has recently gotten a new copyright on any 
of his work, that would be a whole different ballgame.  
 As an artist, I can paint, draw, carve or sculpt anything I want even if it 
is copyrighted.  I can't make money in any way from it, can't display it and 
can't attribute it as something that I thought up.  but under the first 
amendment, my freedom of speech rights(which extends to artistic expression)  allows 
me to copy it and hang it in my bedroom.  lord knows, no one would ever see it 
there. LOL

Maura carvin' in nyc
http://www.picturetrail.com/whiteknight718
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