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Update: This page is no longer being updated. It is archived here for informational purposes. Update: It has come to our attention that Mijn might have copied from Audrey Kawasaki as well. Decide for yourself.Example 1, 2, 3.Update: Mijn Schatje (Marie Blanco Hendrickx) has used Kallisti (Becky Head)'s photos as the base of numerous pieces of her art without Kallisti's knowledge. This art has been used commercially by Sony Playstation, Fornarina Clothing, books, calendars, etc with Mijn recieving all the profit. Although she has promised to pull down all the art based on Kallisti's photos there has been no mention made of compensating Kallisti for the uncredited use of her photos in these ventures. (Kallisti's Story) |
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Mijn Schatje, real name Marie Blanco Hendrickx, is a successful artist who makes a living based off the images she creates. Prints of her work retail for over a thousand dollars, she's made deals with Sony Playstation and Fornarina Clothing, and large-scale statues have been created based on her pictures. Unfortunately, she is not as original as she claims. The faces of Mijn Schatje's works, as well as other components, are taken directly from photographs made by other artists without credit and, in many cases, without any form of permission. This site chronicles her primary source: photos of asian ball-jointed dolls, commonly known as BJDs. Schatje has taken images from both owners and companies alike and used them as the basis for her artwork, which is sold in galleries and as iPod skins. This is unfair to the creators of the dolls, for one. These people are responsible for the sculpting, delicate painting, and painstaking photography of these labor-intensive creations. Unlike characters such as Barbie, these dolls are usually made by small teams of artists who work long hours to ensure they make a living. By taking advantage of their photography without permission or credit, Schatje profits from the artwork of others without offering anything in return. Owner photographs are also significant. These dolls are expensive and designed to be customized; owners can (and do) spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on one doll, not to mention countless hours to alter and eventually photograph these moveable resin sculptures. Mijn Schatje has taken these photos largely without communication to the photographers. When she has done so, she has often asked to "draw" the dolls in question--not incorporate the photos themselves, as the comparison shots indicate. Different exchanges tell different stories; please read the specific examples. It is important to differentiate "reference" images and "stolen" images. The overlays show that Mijn did not create images based on specific photos (which in and of itself might be problematic), but actually used these photos directly in her work. Under the vector-based overpainting of her finished pieces, there is someone else's property. This owner--with few exceptions--remains unnamed, and certainly unpaid. Several doll companies have already revealed their dismay that their works are being treated in such a manner, as well as private purchasers of these items. This website is intended to inform the public and present evidence so they can draw their own conclusions. We in no way encourage or support harassing emails to be sent to any of the parties involved. |
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Other Sources of 'Inspiration' Audrey Kawasaki Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Totoro - Studio Ghibli
Various Photographs
Breaking Down Mijn's Art |
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E-mails Sent to Owners & Creators of Original Works Doll In Mind Leekeworld Luts Narindoll Pipos Volks Private Owner A Responses Received Thus Far From E-mailed Companies & Private Owners Doll In Mind Leekeworld Pipos Volks Private Owner A Luts Kallisti's Official Response Tanya's response (permission granted)* Schatje's Response to Accusation Denying what has been made obvious. When accusations first surfaced Mijn claimed to have never seen photos that were based on her work. This is a lie, as she later voluntarily sent in photos she had used to correct a few overlays we had previously shown. (Admits to using photographs in this email). (Site where comments were made has since deleted the relevant post to avoid the scandal.)
Admitting to using BJD for 'reference'
Supposedly text of an interview where she mentions she uses dolls
Interview in Pulse Arts
Claiming doll companies/owners appreciate her homage
Claims she didn't trace the photos we've compiled, she traced other ones!
Mijn shows no remorse
Continues to overpaint?
Lies About Having Permission * - Claims to have permission from these owners. No mention of having permission from the original companies though.
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Already contacted: The people listed below have already been informed so please do not send them anymore emails.
Doll Companies
Galleries
Companies
Individuals
Magazines |
