Well, i know that you are allowed to "copy" other works, but I do see where lama is coming from, I mean, I can see how it is ok to "copy" or manipulate work from well known artists, but from someone off the internet, or a site such as deviantart who never thought they would be copied or whatever, i do think they would either be really flattered or really pissed.
I have an account on there, and if i knew that someone copied or manipulated my work for the HSc, i think i would be quite upset as it would seem that i did most of the conceptual work and they just...changed it to their liking.
Though, yeh, i do see how copying or whatever known artists works can be considered good for artexpress, i mean, some people make a living out of it.
but, the blue poles thing, it sort of feels that they wouldnt of really worked on a concept or anything, they just copied a well known work. Im not sure how i really feel about that. Its a bit of a touchy subject i think.
I do understand where you are coming from Nwatts, but you have to understand that lama feels very strongly about her view possibly because she may have expereinced ripping.