Is it OK to copy pysanka designs from other people?

Answer 1

It depends.

There are three types of pysanka designs: traditional, diasporan and art eggs.

TRADITIONAL pysanka designs have been around for centuries, and are in the public domain. Anyone can copy them.

DIASPORAN (or quasi-traditional) designs use traditional motifs, but have been created in recent years. They can be original designs, or variations on traditional designs. These designs may or may not be in the public domain, depending on how long ago the design was created.

ART eggs are modern designs using pysanka techniques. These are usually not in the public domain unless they are very old.

If the design is found in a book, unless otherwise specified, one would assume that the designs are there to be shared and copied.

If it is an egg you've seen, it is best to ask. Most (but not all) pysanka artists are complimented if you ask to be allowed to copy one of their original designs. If the artist is a professional, and sells pysanky, he or she may not want original designs to be copied. ALWAYS ASK.

If you see it on the web, you could ask the web site owner (if there is a link for contacts). If it is a hobby site, it's not usually a problem. If it is a commercial site, they may not want people copying, and will usually state so on the site.

Most people don't mind copies being made unless the design is an original work of art and they are a professional artist. As long as you DON'T claim the design as your own, and you don't market your work to the same audience, most are happy to share.