Posted by skt217 on Jan 9, 2010 11:18:22 PM

It is hard to believe in coincidences when something like this strikes so closely (from the wire on out) to something made by another artist (and published, distributed, etc before yours). How are we to know that the rest of your pieces aren't knock-offs of other artists work? This is really disheartening

Posted by skt217 on Jan 9, 2010 11:17:37 PM

It is hard to believe in coincidences when something like this strikes so closely (from the wire on out) to something made by another artist (and published, distributed, etc before yours). The How are we to know that the rest of your pieces aren't knock-offs of other artists work? This is really disheartening.

Posted by vintagecashmere on Jan 8, 2010 3:51:46 PM

Some of Alyssa's stores, including places you also sell to, had pictures of her prototypes for a year before she "publically" launched them. According to the twitter tweet you posted here, you called yours "jars", not lanterns. You never mentioned hanging lamps. Even if your version of the story is true, once you saw her work you should have done what the rest of us indie artists do, think as you did, "great minds", and then NOT MAKE THEM.

Posted by pigeontoe on Jan 1, 2010 4:48:03 PM

There's a chance for anything to occur, including coincidences. Sorry to disappoint but there's nothing to sensationalize here. I made my molds in April (http://twitter.com/pigeon_toe/status/1556065514), and first saw her piece in Design Sponge in June. End of story. I've got better things to do than poach ideas from other artists. Of course you're entitled to believe whatever you want, and as a friend of Alyssa's it's pretty obvious what that will be. But when the legal dust settles on this unfortunate occurrence I will be vindicated. It's not like this is fun for me, but out of principle for what I know is the truth I cannot be a shrinking violet.

Posted by Nomad17 on Dec 27, 2009 12:08:36 AM

I am a former intern of Alyssa's. I have been working with her on and off since Jan 2007. I know for a fact that the design and original molds were made in early 2008,at least a year before she launched them. The pictures of the lanterns were out there and they were sent to friends, press people, ect. There was a chance for you to inadvertently see the design. She also launched the lanterns in the summer when it wouldn't take weeks for a mold to dry.

Posted by pigeontoe on Dec 24, 2009 4:34:10 PM

Ok everyone, here's the deal. I developed the cast of the mason jar for my wedding, and released it within 2 weeks of Alyssa producing hers. It's a matter of sheer coincidence. Molds take a few weeks to dry out once they've been created, so there's no way I would have been able to see her idea, then copy and make my own in that short amount of time. Imagine my surprise when I saw hers....I like to think great minds think alike. So please don't attack me for ripping anyone off. A cast is a reproduction only, not an original creation. I happen to design and create by hand on the wheel many, many other items besides this item, and it's unfortunate that my moment in the sun has been soured by this debate. I had no control over what image DC chose to represent my company. I've referred many people to Alyssa's item who are looking for a larger version on the one I make, and I find it insulting that I somehow don't appreciate or understand what it's like for small independent artists. We need to support, not attack each other. I hope this settles this debate once and for all.

Posted by labcreativePDX on Dec 24, 2009 3:53:26 PM

http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/2009/06/porcelain-mason-jar-lanterns.html

Posted by labcreativePDX on Dec 24, 2009 3:52:42 PM

let the readers judge... http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/mouthing-off/2009/6/12/Best-New-Porcelain-Lanterns

Posted by mzphoto on Dec 24, 2009 12:56:17 PM

uuummmmmm, i believe credit (and royalties) should be given to the actual creator of these ceramic votive lanterns... the artist Alyssa Ettinger (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36948929). Daily Candy you have not done your research. It was Alyssa (who, yes, you even featured this past summer http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/article/71619/Alyssa-Ettingers-Ceramic-School) who originated, created and has been manufacturing these lanterns for years. Please give credit and attention where credit and attention is due. Artists depend on it.

Posted by labcreativePDX on Dec 24, 2009 1:17:58 AM

The question is not the jar, but the product, a cast of the jar, originally designed by Brooklyn Artist Alyssa Ettinger (from concept to implementation, hanging technique, photography, etc.). I am a Portland Photographer who photographed for Alyssa Ettinger's Glow Series, and I know the trials she has gone through to protect her intellectual property. Portland is known for it's original ideas and creative leadership, I am proud to be a Portland Artist; this is a disappointing turn. Perhaps if Lisa Jones understood what it is like to fight for an original idea she would be more considerate of other artists.

Posted by oodler on Dec 24, 2009 1:09:33 AM

I think the "original" artist would be the designer of the glass jar.

Posted by LisaMM on Dec 23, 2009 11:08:16 PM

Didn't Daily Candy run an article abouty the original Brooklyn based artist this summer?

Posted by TheCraftaholic on Dec 23, 2009 10:39:33 PM

hhhmm, that looks a lot like some other company I know. This is the original: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37227640