Fair(ey) Use?

As soon as I opened the link of the New York Times article, Artist Sues The A.P. Over Obama Image, I quickly sided with the artist. As a painter myself, I have often used photographs to help me create a piece. I, however, do not believe I am violating copyright rules because the image I create is usually so vastly different than the original image. 

Mr. Fairey's lawyer, Anthony T. Falzone, believes that his client only "used the photograph as a reference and transformed the image into a 'stunning, abstracted, and idealized visual image that created powerful new meaning and coveys a radically different message from that of the shot Mr. Garcia took." I agree with this statement. Looking at the photograph and then looking at the painting, I feel two different emotions are being conveyed. In the photograph, it looks like President Obama is looking at someone outside of the image. In the painting, it appears that Obama looks hopeful and ready to tackle on any problem or issue. I also do not believe the artist thought his image would become so popular and stir up so much controversy. Although Mr. Fairey's work was not a technical use of the Fair Use policies, I feel that he did not violate any copyright laws. He merely looked at an image of Obama to help him create his abstract work. 

CLT- Center for Learning and Technology

I have visited the A T & T Center for Learning and Technology several times this past school year. I come to CLT because I have a difficult time using Adobe Photoshop and needed to use the program to make flyers for Amnesty International (a club I participate in on campus.) Taking a tour of the facility with my Computer class was an eye-opening experience. 

The Center for Learning and Technology is located on the first floor of Coates Library. When you first walk into CLT you see large Mac monitors and Windows monitors. This main area is referred to as the Studios at CLT. This is the area I have always worked in because the computers have audio/video editing stations, web/graphic design stations, and more. 

Next, we were shown the Media Presentation Lab. This room has a large monitor, a Smart Board system, surround sound, and more. The lab is mostly used for video conferences, movie showings, and class presentations. I have watched the Motorcycle Diaries in the Media Presentation Lab for my Political Science classroom. Here is a picture of my friend, Bets, in the Media Presentation Lab: 

Next, we were shown the Innovation Studio which has a large Smart Board and a projector.

 This room is most often used for training but students are always allowed to work in the room when it is not in use. In this picture, we see a student working on homework in the Innovation Studio: 

Attached to the Innovation Studio is the Digital Sound Lab, which is equipped with incredibly cool sound equipment. Any student can go into the lab and record any type of audio. In this picture, I am testing the equipment:

Any student can rent equipment from CLT: from digital cameras to video cameras to projectors! This was very helpful information because I need a video camera for my Sociology class project. I was so glad that our computer class took a tour of the CLT facilities. Here is a picture of me and our tour guide, Greg: