Is it ok to imitate? Imitation and it's Role in Art!

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This is a self portrait I did recently from a selfie-photo!
My self-portrait. I think I've been too flattering with this portrait. 
Here is a facinating Ted Talk by one of my favorite comtemporary artists-French American Portrait Artist Gwen Seemel. She's talking about how imitation is good and even essential for everyone, and why she doesn't copywrite her images. And she has a lot to say about Portraiture! Please take a look and tell me what you think about this. So interesting!
www.gwenseemel.com 

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