Copy or original - why it makes a difference

A WhatsApp message pops up on my phone.

“Andrea, a friend of mine would like to surprise his wife and asked if I know an artist who could recreate the following picture. I thought I’d ask you.”(It’s not the first request like this I’ve received.)

The picture shows: a green cow.

I actually have to read that twice. And yes… my pulse rises a little - I admit it.

On the one hand, I think it’s incredibly sweet that she thought of me.

On the other hand, everything in me resists.

“NO!” is what I’d most like to reply immediately.

No copying. Please don’t.

To me, a copy is always a pale imitation.

It’s not individual.

It doesn’t tell its own story.

And it will always remain second fiddle - no matter how well it’s done.

And honestly? I find it even worse when people simply recreate an existing original.

I’m really radical about this.And no - I don’t want to negotiate or discuss it.

Maybe you’re thinking now: “Oh Andrea, don’t be so strict. If they like it…” Or:“Isn’t it actually a compliment to the artist?”

No. Not for me.

I see it more as a lack of appreciation for the original idea, the emotion, and the work that goes into a piece - everything an artist has poured into it.

If you really want to surprise your wife,then give her something of her own.

Something created just for her.

Or let her experience painting herself - gift her a workshop.

Or - if it has to be exactly that piece - then please, choose the original.

Everything else somehow remains… a substitute.

An “almost.”

A “not quite.”

Or you might end up like me.

And now I’ll share a little personal story that actually happened.

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THE SCARF

“Honey, look…”

We’re in the city. I’m holding a scarf in my hands.

My eyes light up.

The color - exactly my style.

I let it glide through my fingers.

So soft. So pleasant. So cozy.

Of course - cashmere.

Then I see the price.

Oops.

Robert looks at it and simply says, “Nope.”

I laugh.

“Oh come on, I’ll take it…”

A little back and forth. And in the end?

It stays in the store.

With a heavy heart.

“Easter is just around the corner…” I think to myself.

Easter Sunday

After breakfast, Robert says with a big grin:

“You can go look for your Easter basket now.”

I’m excited. Really.

From room to room.“Warm… cold… warmer…”

And then I’m holding it.

A small package.

I open it full of anticipation.

A scarf.

My eyes begin to shine…but then I pause.

The color… similar.But not the same.

The feel…not nearly as soft.

“This isn’t cashmere, is it?” I ask carefully.

“Yes,” he says.

I smile.

But I can feel it: it’s not the same.

There are differences. Big differences.

In the end, I thanked him for the sweet idea.

But the scarf was returned. Sorry, honey.

The moral of the story?

There is no substitute for an original.

Not with a copy.

Not with something “similar.”

And certainly not with something “almost identical.”

And the same applies to art.

When something truly touches you, there’s a reason for it.

And that reason cannot be copied.

Or how do you see it?

Feel free to write to me and until then, let’s be originals :-)

Andrea Hibler

UNIQUE ART for you – unique as you