If one look at this incident at a more filosofical level, one must think about how one should be able to claim his or her rights in this digital world. How can you say that it´s actually your artwork, when someone else is claiming the same thing and you have the exact same material as proof? Should gallerys and forums like this have a policy to demand source files before you will be granted to uplaod your images? Aren´t we then just one step from a policestate? ( or mistrust state…)
But on the other hand, piracy with software is very common but in that case it´s “only” hurting companys “who can afford it” (mark my irony!!!). I have never heard about a forum that is litterly boiling with rage because someone have found out that there is a guy or gal who is using cracked software. So where does morality begins, and where does it ends.
If someone makes a picture in a stolen software, and then someone steals that picture, who is the thief? Both? none? The first? the second? I think that this incident will repeat over and over. The “instant life´s” constant hunt for instant gratification by others, will of course generate all kinds of copyright violations for pepole who doesnt´have the means or talent to create or produce their own content. It´s quite interesting that all commercials says " You must look like me, be like me", just that message alone have created an armada of copycats who have based thier whole existence on copying others or looking like others. So the step to “copy” someone else pictures on the net, shouldn´t be such a giant leap for a whole generation that has been drilled in the art of copy and paste!
Just some thoughts…
PS I am in no way accusing anyone here for anything, I am just thinking out loud.
PS 2 Isn´t actually the highest form of admiration for your work, that someone has copied it and now claims it´s his or hers. That person just want to be like you, the superstar artist…