"Hibernation"--Please Give Credit Where Credit is Due

11/17/2020

As many of you know, a poem, "And the People Stayed Home" by Kitty O'Meara, has been going viral again for the second time this year. The original post included my "Bedtime Stories" image without credit. It has been shared hundreds of thousands of times without my name on it. This is not the only time it has happened, and each time, it is a bit heart-wrenching. That viral post generated a book deal for the author from a prominent house. Many people found me looking for a "hibernation" image.

This is a plea to be aware of the artists behind the pictures in posts. Artworks come from our heart, they have deep personal meaning, they are made after years of practice, and they should, at the very least, be credited. It only takes a simple reverse-image search to find the artist of any artwork you want to post. Adding the artist's name and website is a simple thing to do--and it's the right thing to do.

I'm deeply honored that many of you have been touched by this image. It came from a place of deep longing that clearly has spoken to you, as well.
Please, stay safe and well as we move into the colder season, and let's get through this together. Wishing you every health and comfort.

Jessica Boehman
"Bedtime Stories" 2013, colored pencil and pencil.
www.jessicaboehman.com

6 Comments

Bridget Martin

11/17/2020 05:22:35 pm

The first time I saw this piece was over a year ago in a Facebook book club. It did not have the poem.
It's so well done I had to know the artist's name.
A quick Google image search led me to your page.
The admin added your name to the post when I asked.

Deborah Honeycutt

11/17/2020 05:24:39 pm

Mea culpa...I have corrected my post for credit well earned.

Elizabeth

12/5/2020 08:04:48 am

Like Bridget, I saw your artwork, uncredited, in. FB post and found you by doing a reverse image search. So glad I did! I bought artwork for myself and as gifts. I will always ask folks to credit you when I see the image used. Thank you for your beautiful work.

Maryann

12/21/2020 09:39:26 pm

Well said! A much needed reminder for all of us.
Your work came to my attention the way you described. A friend posted a poem and credited you when she used this piece.
Lovely work!
Maryann

Diane

12/29/2020 10:23:05 am

I also saw your work on another FB page and posted it. I finally found out that you did this wonderful piece!! And I also credited you as well. Love your work!

Judith Layne

9/8/2021 08:53:00 pm

After shopping at a little arts and crafts gift shop in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia last weekend, I noticed a 5x7 piece of paper in my little bag of purchases. It had this image "Bedtime Stories" and some prose by Author Kitty O'Meara. You must have seen it. My husband and I were both touched by your sketch and the writing. The shop owner properly gave both of you credit for your work.

I hope it is ok if I just pass it along to my family and friends. I would not be doing this for publication.

YHou ae extremely talented.

Thank yoy. Judy Layne

"Hibernation"--Please Give Credit Where Credit is Due

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