♦~♦Lets talk with John Moulton about Sara Moon♦~♦

by **Sweetheart1** on Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:16 pm

Welcome John :) Thankyou for joining us here to discuss the art of Sara Moon.

As you all know John is the man who owns the Sara Moon website...He has given up many years looking and finally finding the artist we know as Sara Moon.Johns story can be read at the website

http://www.sara-moon.com/

I invited John here to get all your questions cleared up...mainly the question about his legal right to grant non commercial use of the SM images.John is here as our guest and i expect you treat him as such....No rudeness will be tolerated.I will use the warning system in this discussion so if i find your question or comment to be rude towards john or any other member in this discussion i will not hesitate to use it ok.

Please make sure you read Johns story before asking any questions..the story is very well written and easy to understand and very interesting.

John is an artist in his own right so feel free to ask him about his art too ok :)

http://www.johndmoulton.com

This is something John sent me to help get the discussion started... :P

Given that a great many of the questions are likely to be things such as “Who are you”” - “Who is Sara Moon?” - “What right do you have?” “What are the rules of use?” etc, I think it would be a good idea for me to ‘kick things off’ with an initial brief about my connection with the artist and my authority to act as a copyright authority? How about something like this:

Hello all,

SARA MOON COPYRIGHT

My name is John D Moulton, I live in England and work with the artist Bijan Djamalzadeh known for his art works signed as “Sara Moon”. You will find the whole story of how Bijan came to paint as Sara Moon and what he is doing these days at “Who and Where is Sara” and “A Meeting with Sara Moon” at my Official Sara Moon Web Site – link at the foot of this page.

You will also learn at the Web Site how my years of searching for Sara Moon led to my eventually meeting him at his home and studio in Germany, how I became his friend and eventually how I became honoured to represent him world-wide. The ‘position’ may sound grander than it actually is, because Bijan is now in his 80’s and he retired from commercial life many years ago, to paint and teach simply for his love of it.

So why do I merit this function at all? Well, for the most part my roll is one of Watchdog, Advisor, ‘Go-Between’ and yes, Promoter. Bijan has no direct internet access, and doesn’t want it. In fact, until he eventually heard of my search for him, he had no idea that anyone was still at all interested in his art. Now he accepts both that there are a great many people in the world who would love to have some kind of connection with him and his art and that unfortunately, there are a great many others who would seek to take advantage of his quiet seclusion too, like the guy in LA-USA, one of several who were regularly earning good money selling illegal copies of Sara Moon artworks world-wide on eBay and others selling everything from “Signed Prints” to Sara Moon Mouse Mats.

And so to copyright. At this time, Bijan has no publishing contract and doesn’t want one. However he does want his work to live on and his art to be protected from piracy etc. The protection process began with him entrusting me to act on his behalf on all matters of copyright. My first job being to wade through the lengthy process of gaining a world-wide eBay VeRO account. This involves PROVING to eBay’s Legal Department that I have written authority from the legal ‘rights’ owner to act on his behalf. Having been most carefully vetted I was then allotted a non-trading eBay VeRO account. VeRO means “Verified Rights Owner” and allows me authority within eBay globally. EBay then alerts me to every item listed on eBay anywhere in the world that contains the words Sara Moon and gives me the authority to stop a listing instantly, even if there are bids on it, if I believe a listing to be an illegal copy or if it offends Bijan’s Intellectual Property Rights – copyright etc. Including simply using terms like - “Similar to Sara Moon” or “Sara Moon Era” as this offends Bijan ownership of the words “Sara Moon” as a Trade Mark. For more information about this facility go to the Help Pages of any eBay site and search ‘VeRO’. You will find my VeRO account at eBay ID: vero4sara-moon – see the link below.

And so what of use by PSP users etc? I believe that, provided the written guidelines are honoured, (info link below) Sara Moon tags and stationery created for non-commercial, personal use only, that carry reference to the artist’s copyright as Sara Moon, actually help promote the art of Sara Moon and as such help us fulfil a desire to ‘keep the art alive’. Hence my sanction and Bijan’s blessing to allow the use of these works for this purpose.

As for other promotional activity? I am about to offer a very limited number of prints held in Bijan’s archive store for over 20 years and still in remarkable condition. These will be signed by Bijan and available very soon. I am also working toward the sale of many of his original pieces and working toward getting a book of his works published. Beyond this I also manage the Sara Moon Yahoo Group, (link below) which now has around 800 members world-wide.

I hope the above information clarifies my authority to offer, and the extent of your own right to use, the artwork of Sara Moon for non-commercial Tags and Stationery. If you have any questions, I will be delighted to answer.

Cheers for now,

John.

http://www.sara-moon.com
http://www.sara-moon.com/sm-other/sm-other-html/copyright.htm#psp
http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/vero4sara-moon/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sara-moon/
http://www.johndmoulton.com

by Faith on Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:52 pm

I would just like to say a BIG Thank you to both of you for the use of this fantastic artwork. And also so for taking the time to talk to us.
Faith

by Guest on Sat Apr 25, 2009 1:04 pm

A very warm welcome, John, and we are all so happy that you could join us. Bijan, (please forgive the use of his first name, no disrespect intended, his last name is too difficult to remember, lol) and his work dropped out of sight for such a long time, and there was so much speculation, that he's become almost an icon in the art world.

I recall that he was very modest about the receiving all of the attention when you met with him, but you indicate that he's now accepted it. Can you please tell me why he was so ... humble, I guess, when getting this news? Was it because he hadn't envisioned the attention his work attracted, and the accolades, or simply because he wasn't aware of it, or both?

It's so gratifying to hear that he and his wife have no interest in disturbing their peaceful existence with the internet. By all appearances they have been particularly unaffected by a lot of modern technology, at least in that sense. They seem to lead quite an idyllic life.

I think that much of his work is hauntingly beautiful, so much so that it's difficult for me to work with as a tagger. I feel that his paintings should be left untouched, just as they were when he painted them. By me, anyway! There are some taggers that can do a terrific job of using it within the parameters of this hobby though.

Well, that's my greeting, question and comments all wrapped up. Again, it's wonderful that you have so graciously agreed to come to Copyright Corner and engage in discussion with us. Thank you.

Pauline :)

by Guest on Sat Apr 25, 2009 1:24 pm

Hello John! I am sure you don't recall my very eager request to you to use Bijan's work and my very very excited response when you granted such permission. I have been such a fan of Bijan's work ever since I saw the first piece. I think your story is wonderful and amazing. Your dedication to his work is amazing and I for one, appreciate you so very much! I'm very thankful you've made it possible for us to use his work in the hobby we love the most. To have artwork of that quality be made available and free to use... well thank you again! I'm one happy fan!

Be well and I'm so glad you're here to help clear things up. I gave up a long time ago trying to explain how and why you get to "say so" hehehe even though I've directed many a person to your site. It comes down to trust and belief I think. I always chose to take you at your word, there were just too many facts for things "not" to be true. So thank you for being here, perhaps now "Sara Moon" can reach even more folks and this wonderful art can become even more popular.

Thank you Raqual for all your hard work making this possible for all the members of Copright Corner. I know all of the staff, including myself, have been very excited for you to arrive!

Peace and blessings be!
HUGS
Sassy

by niteowldi on Sat Apr 25, 2009 1:46 pm

Thank you so much John, for helping us to understand some of the mystery that is Sara Moon..
As a fan of Sara Moon art, I am thrilled the question, "Is it okay to use?" is being answered..

I always check here at Copyright Corner for the scoop on what art is safe.. Though do not post much, I am actively here lurking about the permissions list..
You all are doing a fabulous job here at Copyright Corner..

Thank you all for your dedication to artists protection.. Your diligence is deeply appreciated..

Sincerely,
Dianne/niteowldi

by Mimi on Sat Apr 25, 2009 2:19 pm

I fell in love with the art and the story a few years ago.

Your pencil work makes me see a kinship with the Sara Moon art. I especially like those.

I hope you feel a warm welcome here.

by Ausfire on Sat Apr 25, 2009 4:01 pm

Hi John

What a wonderful friend you have made. Persistance pays off, trying to seek out the
myserious Sara Moon!!!
What an honour and a privlege you have had to meet with 'Sara Moon'.

Sara Moon, was one of the first atists I fell in love with when I began my
artistic journeys 'on the net'.
So then like millions of others the thirst to learn more about this wonderul artist.
Love or hate the work, (and thats an ongoing debate by people), the artist is so extremely blessed with his talent.

Its a shame that Bijan has chosen to stay away from the computers in a way.
Does he truly know just how much his work is loved? I guess through you he
has gained some knowledge of how he's an 'icon' in the art world and that of especially people who do this 'tagging' thing in PSP!! lol

And Thank you for helping clear up the mystery surrounding 'Sara Moon'.
I do love the artwork, and only ever use it 'as is'. I don't think anyone can successfully 'tube' it without losing some of the impact of each image.

Thank You for taking the time to talk with us, and thank you Raq for making it happen.

Please pass on to Bijan, my admiration of a truly wonderful artist.

I have one question, he was heavily influanced by Bridget Bardot, was there any other women who inspired any of his artworks?

Cheers

by Wildthing on Sat Apr 25, 2009 4:24 pm

Wow!! John, a very huge Welcome to Copyright Corner from a very excited lady..lol.. Thank you so much for coming in to clear up any misconceptions regarding the artwork and it's use.. Please thank the man we all know as Sara Moon for sharing his wonderful artwork with the world. I fell in love with the Sara Moon images when I very first started out in psp about 5 years ago. It was a short time before I became aware of copyright issues and I have to say I was very sad that I was unable to use his art in my tagmaking as there was so much confusion over the use of his images. I am so glad that we are privaliged to have the opportunity to have you here and to have everything explained to us all.. Thank you so very much for being here and doing this for us, it would be so wonderful if we were able to make our creations & use the images with the correct copyright added knowing it was with the permission of the artist himself.. No questions from me as I think you explained everything so clearly on the website.. Thank you once again and thank you to the very tallented artist 'Sara Moon'..
And of course a huge Thank You to Raq for arranging this whole discussion..
Luv Wildxx wub

by huronna on Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:24 pm

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit with us and to retell your amazing story. I probably read it back in 2006 when I first started using the "Sara Moon" images. I definitely have my favorites that I have used multiple times. It's great to meet you and to learn a bit more about the artist Bijan Djamalzadeh

by Jude on Sat Apr 25, 2009 6:39 pm

Thank you Raq for organising this discussion. I just love Sara Moon images and have done since I first found them when I was exploring PSP. They are to me, just beautiful and haunting. Old fashioned but still so gorgeous. I have read Johns story and understand his desire to find the great artist who painted them. It seems to me that Bijan was disallusioned and maybe had been used by his employers at the time and chose to just give it all away. John,I for for one would like to say thank you for joining us here. Hugs Jude hugs

by janetb4oz on Sat Apr 25, 2009 8:15 pm

Thank you very much John for being here and for clarifying the situation. It is much appreciated.

Thank you also Raq for organising this for us.

Hugs,
Janet
Sydney, Australia

by Tilly on Sat Apr 25, 2009 10:29 pm

Welcome to our little home from home John ,I agree with everything that has been said above so I won't repeat it but would like to add my thanks for you taking the time to visit us.
No questions at the moment but I am sure I will think of something ...you have already answered most questions on the website. :)

by Buddy on Sat Apr 25, 2009 11:18 pm

Thank you John for taking time out to be here it is much appreciated, and also clarifying many questions. When I first saw Bijan Djamalzadeh's work I loved it and I still do to this day.
Thank you raq for making this happen :)

Buddy

by MaryC on Sun Apr 26, 2009 11:49 am

Huge thanks to Raq for arranging this and to John for clarifying our use of Bijan's work which I have loved since first sight!
MaryC UK

by **Sweetheart1** on Sun Apr 26, 2009 12:33 pm

Thankyou everyone♥

Good morning John♥

by jdm4saramoon on Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:19 am

Hello all,

This is my first log-in since this discussion got underway and I want to say thank you for all your thoughts and good wishes so far. Believe me, it makes it all worthwhile!

Just a few questions to answer so far then (forgive me if I've missed something, please come back to me with it if I have.)

WHY IS BIJAN SO HUMBLE ABOUT HIS ART? (sexyVamp)
Bijan is such a wonderfully gentle and unassuming person. He is also full of life and loves nothing more (beyond his art) than to cook a good meal and down it with a bottle of half-decent wine! As far as his art goes, he was definitely of the opinion that his work was very much 'of the moment' back in the 70's and 80's. It was commissioned to compete with the late Christine Rosamond and his work was sold mainly as posters by Red Baron and Verkerke. I guess he never really thought of it as 'fine art' and just didn't expect it to survive and (though delighted) still really doesn't. He left commercial life more than a little disappointed by the treatment he received at the hands of his 'employers' and now he paints (often in a very different style) for his own sake and for the sake of the pupils that he still teaches in his home studio - Oh how I wish I were one!!

THE BRIDGET BARDOT INFLUENCE - AND OTHERS?? (Ausfire)
Mmm!! Bridget was surely his own personal 'eye-candy' those years ago. I have seen no other paintings of other celebrities that I can recall. I can remember smiling when first I saw those Bridget paintings so proudly displayed above his fireplace. They reminded me yet again of just how much we two have in common as my favourite model is Laetitia Casta, who just happens to be Bridget's niece!

DOES BIJAN KNOW HOW MUCH HIS ART IS LOVED? (Ausfire)
He does now! With around 800 members in the Sara Moon Yahoo Group and at least as many again that have come and gone. With the donations for flowers he received following his recent heart attack and the on-going messages he receives through the group and now through his new MySpace page too ( http://www.myspace.com/saramoonart ). It is SUCH a pleasure to be bringing him so much closer to his fans! Oh and by the way, I have just learned he is making regular trips to a friends house to check out the website etc., so he now SEE's the love too! It's great!!

That's it for now, other an irresistible urge to share with you just how much this man has influenced and encouraged me in my own art over the years - even well before we ever met. I believe the nearest I have ever come the the style of 'Sara Moon' is the drawing I called 'Thoughtfulness' and will hopefully reproduce below through the html I am adding here. If not she is at:
http://www.johndmoulton.com/mywork/pencil/thoughtfulness.htm with most of the rest of my drawings.

Bijan loves this image and believes many more of my works show his influence too. (I think 'The Letter' is his favourite.) It all just brings us that much closer as artists and friends.

Thank you all again, I'm still around for comments and questions if anyone else cares to contribute.

Cheers for now,

John.

by **Sweetheart1** on Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:56 pm

Hi John,

Thankyou so much for your explanations so far...Bijan sounds like a man i'd really love to meet... :face: His art has touched so many...and to think he didn't even know is just fabulous.

Looking thru your own art i can certaintly see Bijans influence...and that young lady you posted certaintly shows it.

by LadyJo on Tue Apr 28, 2009 11:50 pm

[b]Hello John. I'm also one of those who has followed your story for many years. I fell in love with the haunting beauty of Sara Moon art and watched your site regularly to see if you'd found the artist yet. Way back then I spent alot of time telling people you didn't have the right to give permission because the actual artist couldn't be found to grant that permission. Yes, I was one of the "negative" ones. LOL I wanted to use them too but wouldn't and wouldn't allow my group members to use them either. Needless to say I was over the moon happy when you DID finally find the artist and told us all his story ! I'm also extremely happy to know that permission to use these wonderful images is indeed given now with the blessing of the artist. If I could afford it I would have several Sara Moon images hanging on my walls. And speaking of images... your "Thoughtfulness" is absolutely beautiful !!! Another image I would love to have on my wall !!! I have no questions for you because you have pretty much covered it all over the years. I just wanted to post a huge THANK YOU for all the years you've spent searching for this artist and bringing him and his story to life. And I also want to thank Bijan for sharing his talent with the rest of the world.

by babz on Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:03 am

i don't have any questions to speak of i have always loved SaraMoon art
and i always will .... I have been on top of the story line and waited for the
conclusion Bijan is an absolutely fantastic artist ♥

by **Sweetheart1** on Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:30 am

Good morning John♥

by Tilly on Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:37 pm

One query about the artwork by other artists under the Sara Moon logo, are they ok to use ? or should we avoid them..I am always confused by the fact that someone else can post work using the same name. dunno

by Janet on Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:00 am

Hello John
Thank you for being here and helping us.
I have always loved Sarah Moon Art.
I used it a lot, but was told not too, as no-one really knew whether it was allowed or not.
I am so over the Moon we are allowed to use it now
The images of his art are so haunting, so unbelievable that an artist can put the soul of a person into his images.
Thank You so much for being here
AND Thank You Raq for putting it all together for us

by **Sweetheart1** on Thu Apr 30, 2009 10:27 am

Good morning John :)

by jdm4saramoon on Thu Apr 30, 2009 11:46 pm

Hello again all,

COPYRIGHT OF NON-BIJAN "SARA MOON'S"
For clarification: Images signed "Sara Moon" which were NOT painted by Bijan can be found at:
http://www.sara-moon.com/sm-galleries/sm-gal-html/sm-gal-not-saras.htm

Neither Bijan or I can offer permission to use any of the images.

To explain: When Bijan stopped working with Red Baron Publishing to work with Verkerke, there was 'confusion' about who owned the 'brand' "Sara Moon". So, believing the company owned the name, Red Baron Publishing commissioned another artist (Christian) to paint as Sara Moon. Bijan won a court case to stop this because the art was his recognised as his work.

Neither Bijan or I have any contact with this artist known as Christian.

More of Christian's art as Christian can be seen at:
http://www.sara-moon.com/sm-other/sm-other-html/other-arts.htm
and more of this story can be found at:
http://www.sara-moon.com/sm-other/sm-other-html/who-where.htm

Any more questions - I'm still around.

Cheers for now,

John.

PS: MY OWN ART: I have had mailing from members asking if I would be happy for them to use MY art for PSP, Tubes etc. I am giving this serious thought and will be back to you on it soon. If you would like to use my art too, please let me know at: john@johndmoulton.com and I will advise you as soon as a decision is made. Thank you for the complements. J.

by Diamondbacks4ever on Fri May 01, 2009 2:36 am

Good day John, hope this is finding you healthy and happy!

I have read through all these posts and still have one question.

What legal authority do you have to give permission for his work? Do you have something in writing or a contact?

by **Sweetheart1** on Sat May 02, 2009 10:42 am

Good morning John♥

This discussion is about over...once John pops in to answer Rose's question..LOL....

Thankyou for spenbding this week with us John♥You are always welcome here at CC.

♦~♦Lets talk with John Moulton about Sara Moon♦~♦

♦~♦Lets talk with John Moulton about Sara Moon♦~♦

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