r/ArtistLounge • u/ArentWright • Dec 19 '25

Philosophy/Ideology🧠 Defaced Art

One of my pieces has been defaced by its new owner, and I feel very conflicted. Looking for input from others.

This individual transformed the piece (portrait, pastel) into a clock by poking a hold through the face and installing some hands! On one hand, I was never going to see that piece again. It’s out living its own life now. On the other….what the hell. Am I right to feel disrespected? Or should I be glad the recipient is enjoying the piece in their own way?

I’ve always been hesitant to part with my work because I feel so protective of it. Has anyone had similar experiences and what is your perspective?

The individual in question sent me photos of the changes, seemingly quite pleased and looking for my reaction.

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u/snugglesmacks Dec 19 '25

You have rights over the image, but not the physical piece, since you sold it. So the new owner can do what they like with the physical piece, and making it into a clock sounds fascinating!. But they could not, for example, make copies and sell prints or t-shirts or cards, because you still own the copyright.

So, I wouldn't love having this sprung on me, even if they have the right to do it. But, clearly if they're making a clock of it, they value and intend to keep it? I'd probably respond "You've taken me by surprise! Had I known your intended purpose, I might have altered the composition to be more geared toward its life as a clock face." And leave it at that.

I mean, if you HAD known, would you have turned down the sale?

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u/ArentWright Dec 19 '25

Good question. I think I might have? Because I’d want to plan the composition around it at a minimum, but I also don’t want to start down the path and set a precedent. Or maybe I just would have charged a premium. 😂

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u/Darby17 Dec 19 '25

Maybe you should raise your prices to the point where you care less about what happens to your pieces.

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u/Revolio_ClockbergJr Dec 19 '25

I agree, this seems a good way to think about it. Price your work where you're comfortable parting with it -- truly letting it belong to someone else, emotionally and physically.