'This is literally me': Artist defends bluejay painting from social media callout

Author image for Remy Millisky
Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Feb 7, 2025 11:00 AM EST

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… or so they say. The person who said that (Oscar Wilde) was actually saying that people who imitate others' artwork are mediocre, and that their work is paying homage to the actual greats. He's saying if anyone imitates your work, they're just a fan. 

Copying other people's work is unavoidable as you grow and learn in any field. You might learn to write by scribbling out spec scripts of your favorite TV characters, or maybe you got a lot better at painting by emulating the works of your favorite painter. Over time, you improve at your craft. You start to notice little details and you'll soon find your own style. Then, you can come into your own standing as an artist without ever calling someone else's work your own. 

The line between inspiration and plagiarism can be difficult to parse, and that's especially true on the internet, where people oftentimes go uncredited for their work. In an effort to correct the record, sometimes commenters will tag an artist if they see their work going viral without credit, or if they notice someone else claiming the piece as their own. in this case, it's caused a lot confusion, and it's all thanks to a painting of a bird. 

Next, read about the 35-year-old who was renovating her MIL's house until the MIL suddenly insisted she pay off the house in full: 'I do not want to give her any money until we have that paperwork.'

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  • 01
    COLD NSOR WTON & 20
    via Zhang Xinxin on Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 02
    Woman on Facebook accused me of plagiarizing my own art
    via u/stasiabo
  • 03

    The drama starts here, in the "Blue Jay Lovers" Facebook group

    12:43 اس 45 Blue Jay Lovers. Join Anastasia Bodagovskaya 34m · > First time pummummy unu paymy alloTILIONI LO JUUII detailed beauty of this bird. What do you think? :) FB and IG: Stasia Bo Like Q Comment Send Share
    via u/stasiabo
  • 04
    b2 Top comments Suzan Br The real artist is Teresa Wing. You are a fraud. I looked up the picture. Scammer, liar, thief 20m Like Reply
    via u/stasiabo
  • 05
    Anastasia Bodagovskaya 2 Author Suzan Br painting what?? This is my 4w Like Reply Anastasia Bodagovskaya Author Suzan Bi
    via u/stasiabo
  • 06
    Anastasia Bodagovskaya 2 Author Suzan Br Teresa Wings painting of a blue jay is similar but I did not steal anything. It's incredibly disheartening to be called a liar, thief and scammer when I'm simply sharing my artwork with a group I thought would appreciate it. 4w Like Reply
    via u/stasiabo
  • 07
    Suzan Br Anastasia Bodagovskaya the bird is identical to the ones in her paintings. Looking close at your picture, the bird doesn't fit. I'm a retired art teacher, I know a phony 4w Like Reply
    via u/stasiabo
  • 08
    Anastasia Bodagovskaya Suzan Br Author what do you mean the bird doesn't fit?? I was using a reference image of an actual blue jay - not her paintings. It's not like she invented this shape and pattern of the blue jay 4w Like Reply
    via u/stasiabo
  • 09
    Anastasia Bodagovskaya Author Suzan Br 4w Like Reply Anastasia Bodagovskaya Author What's phony? This painting was made by MY hand. There is no need to criticize and hate for no reason. I showed myself holding the canvas what more proof do you need? Very strange behavior from a former art teacher. 4w Like Reply
    via u/stasiabo
  • 10
    Suzan B Anastasia Bodagovskaya that's because plagiarism is illegal in every category 3w Like Reply
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  • 11
    Anastasia Bodagovskaya Author Suzan Br I nothing has been plagiarized confused... you're just
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    Mason Blaq Si Suzan Br claiming someone is a fraud and a thief without any real proof or evidence outside of "because I said so" might classify as defamation and slander which is also illegal. Idk why you felt it necessary to lash out so rudely against this artist or why you feel so strongly about this post but just keep in mind that what you say and how you interact with people reflects on your character. You wouldn't want that kind of treatment if you were to share your original art, so how ab
    via u/stasiabo
  • 13
    Suzan Br Here is Teresa Wing holding her painting Stasia Bo Visit > Images may be subject to copyright. Learn More <Share Save 4w Like Reply Anastasia Bodagovskaya Author this is litteraly me
    via u/stasiabo
  • 14
    Lazy_Osprey Wow! So not only did you steal Teresa Wing's art, you also stole her exact appearance. That's really messed up OP, seek help.
    via u/stasiabo
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    Serious-Fondant... That last part, that is literally you☺☺☺. I'm sorry for that human.
    via u/stasiabo
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    Cheezburger Image 10464480512
    via Andrew Maristch III on Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 17
    ToneBone_ I looked up the chick she's talking about and I can see how she got confused. However, she still has completely wrong information. Nice work!
    via u/stasiabo
  • 18
    MistbornInterro... What a weird hill to di on. I mean, if you had obviously edited photos of your head on this other artist's body or something...you know, something that would actually SUGGEST you weren't the original artist, okay. But you're literally holding your own painting.
    via u/stasiabo
  • 19
    Her, "I'm a retired art teacher, so that clearly makes me an expert in forged art" bit really made me cackle. I have nothing but love for art teachers. I'm in touch on FB regularly with my middle school art teacher from when I was in Germany in the 90s. (American schools for military brats). I love that woman to pieces. She is so kind and encouraging and a
    via u/stasiabo
  • 20
    sassy little old lady now. But she would also never suggest that her degree & years of teaching art to kids make her an expert in art forgery. No expert appraiser or art forgery detective (which I just learned is a
    via u/stasiabo
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    thing) would ever point to photos on social media and claim forgery on something they had never seen in person, of YOUR works OR Wing's.. This woman is just straight up trippin' and looking to argue
    via u/stasiabo
  • 22

    Commenters thought the whole thing was a bit much, including how much doubling-down took place

    HoneyBrown That last pic made me want to throw my phone. The embarrassment was too much.
    via u/stasiabo
  • 23
    dahliaukifune Art historian here. Your style is quite different from Teresa Wing, or at least from what I've seen online. I hope this validates you a bit.
    via u/stasiabo
  • 24
    MyAccountWasB... Getting confused at first would be one thing. But digging in her heels and doubling down instead of just admitting she made a mistake makes her look so stupid! Also, you did a great job with that painting!
    via u/stasiabo
  • 25
    tinyfryingpan Don't argue just block
    via u/stasiabo

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