Dear brother,
My artisitc abilities lay dormant for years; yet I was spurred into action some years back by the letter of Pope John Paul 2nd to artists, exorting them to use their gifts. (Now Pope Benedict the 16th has done the same!)

I have used my artistic abilities in my parish for a number of years, from producing illustrations for children's groups to statue repairs, and even making a lightweight statue which my sister goes from school to school with to teach children the rosary.
Recently I produced some replicas (my interpretation) of the pilgrim statue for a local shrine. This was at the shrine director's request because the big companies were not interested in supplying just a few at a time.

(It's not regular turnover, they don't know if they will sell 20 or even 10 statues in a whole year!)

I have found that I have a gift for modelling statues; and want to develop my skills. I would like to be able to produce some to sell, because I have three children under 11 and need to stay at home for them.

My question is;- am I able to produce statues of of Mary, Jesus and the saints if they are my own interpretaion on a theme, and not exact copies of another artist?(Which I wouldn't want to do anyway)

Subjects such as Our Lady of Grace, or Our Lady of Perpetual Succour for example ) - or would that infringe a copyright?

I'm quite stuck as to how to move forward with the words of John Paul 2nd ringing inmy ears and no - one who seems able to advise...I hope it was o.k. to ask - I didn't know who else I could approach.

This may not seem like a faith and spirituality question- but I pray just as icon writers do before and when I am working, so it is very much part of my personal spirituality.
Sorry it is so long - and thankyou.