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June 25, 2008
Wyland's Whale of a Tale: Pull the Plates, Please!
For 14 years California drivers have been able to select a whale-themed license plate designed by Laguna Beach artist Wyland which is offered by the DMV in partnership with the state Coastal Commission.
Wyland, however, has now pulled his authorization on the use of the design, calling the Coast Commission "bullies" for denying his request that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the plates go to his own foundation. Apparently, for the full 14 years the plates have been circulating the Coastal Commission has not given Wyland nor the Wyland Foundation any royalties for the image, under the parameters of what is being called an "informal agreement." The plate has generated approximately $40 million in revenue thus far.
Wyland, his attorney by his side, said Wednesday that he has given the commission a 30-day notice to stop using his design. If the commission continues using it after the notice period expires, Wyland said, they will be in violation of copyright laws.In response, the Coastal Commission said they would continue to use the plates until they find another design to replace Wyland's. If he has too, the marine-life artist doesn't mind getting tough; if his requests go unheeded he knows what he'd like to see happen, according to the OC Register: "What I want is a forensic audit of every penny of that $40 million," Wyland said.
Photo of a Wyland whale mural by ewen and donabel via Flickr
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In an earlier story he said, "They're saying 'We can get anyone to paint a Picasso.' Well you could, but it wouldn't be a Picasso." That's a really great comparison to make with a license plate.
Wyland is an ass. He's like the Thomas Kinkade of the sea. Good riddance.
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I'm all about the Arts License plates, love the cause, love the simple California coast art.
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pull the plates before the state has to pay this azz a lot of money in an out of court settlement. it is appalling that any agency was allowed to use someone's design without a firm contract. someone should spank peter douglas' tush for this one. if a staff member had done this, boy would there be trouble.
unfortunately, the time it will take to replace the design because of the process that should be followed will mean no more whale tales for a while. better to do it right this time.