She's nothing but a Rich and Snotty Thief

ArtistRights said:

What is the name of your state? Alabama



I am a self employed artist. I have a question concerning my artwork.

A woman called a little over a year ago, and asked me if she could sell my art on commission. I met her several years back. She said she was "in charge this year of her childs private school Art Auction." (she is not with a gallery) She sold my art with out my permission. (five pieces) how much she sold them for, I do not know. We never discussed prices because they weren't meant to be sold. Plus I said I did not want to auction off my art - but I would do portraits.

There was no written contract, only verbal. The art was for showing only - for potential clients to see what I could do. I have witnesses to this. I was apprehensive about letting her take my art, because I didn't want anything to happen to these pieces. She said she had a lot of friends ready to spend money but they would like to see samples. She said she would take care of them.

I had tried to call her (say four or five times) to discuss getting back my art, she hung up the first couple of times - the last time (fall of '04) she cussed me out and said that the art was "probably" sold. She said, I didn't show up for one of our meetings (not true) and I was late to all of the rest. ( yes, I was late a couple of times, 15 mins. maybe?) she was going to tally up all the grief I've caused her and send me a bill. And now I owed her money for her trouble. If I didn't like it, I needed to hire an attorney.

She knows I can't afford an attorney. I'm single with a small child. The first time she called, I was trying to keep my house out of foreclosure. I've never even raised my voice to her. As a matter of fact, I could hardly speak because I was afraid she'd hear me crying. I never caused her trouble. Further, I did two commissioned pieces (paintings) for her. On one piece I was suppose to make a certain amount and the day she gave me the money for it, she said she had to sell it for less. SO if anything, I have only made her money on top of money.

I'm not good with confrontation to begin with and she has a certain way of making me look like I am in the wrong. I've heard that she talks ugly about me and tells people not to deal with me, even goes as far to say I am a horrible mother, which I don't understand why - she has never seen me with my child! a red herring I suppose.

btw, she is an attorney... she said she "knew the ins and outs of the law" and told me she "has friends in high places." Friends have advised me to report her for stealing property. Considering the way she has talked to me and the type of things she has said, I feel she is very vindictive and will go out of her way to get me back. I have no doubt she will sue me for malicious prosecution, or worse, if I contact the police. All I want is my art work back.

We are in the same state, different cities however, she is from the city I live in... I feel as though I can't win against her rich snotty attitude and her "friends and family in high places," I feel like my hands are tied. I don't know what to do... call the police? what are my rights?

ANY help is appreciated!

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seniorjudge said:

Simplify this convoluted tale.

Start off with how the bad attorney (but I repeat myself) got the pieces and what are you talking about?

Leave out the editorial details.

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ArtistRights said:

I apologize for the jumbled autobiography, I initially posted. Please notice, I have revised it. Hope it's easier to read. I appreciate your help.

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