Alumna Spotlight: From Van Gogh to Copyright Law
Meet our alumna, Amanda Ruth, whose journey into copyright law was inspired by a profound connection to the arts and recently earned her Google’s Inclusive Copyright Thesis Award.
Amanda Ruth’s (Intellectual Property Law LLM, 2023) interest in copyright law was sparked by a unique source – a poignant quote from Vincent Van Gogh. In a letter to his brother Theo during one of the most challenging periods of his time, Van Gogh, said:
“What am I in the eyes of most people – a nonentity, an eccentric, or an unpleasant person – somebody who has no position in society and will never have; in short, the lowest of the low. All right, then – even if that were absolutely true, then I should one day like to show by my work what such an eccentric, such a nobody, has in his heart.”
Despite creating over 2,000 artworks, Van Gogh remained unrecognized and unappreciated in his lifetime. This realisation profoundly resonated with Amanda.
From inspiration to impact
The stark contrast between Van Gogh’s lack of recognition and the immense value of his work today moved Amanda during her undergraduate studies in law. It led her to an interest in intellectual property law, a field that protects the creative and innovative work of individuals, ensuring that their contributions are valued and recognised.
“As an art and literature enthusiast who grew up immersed in these areas, I immediately felt a strong connection to this field and knew that it was what I wanted to specialize in.”
Combining her passion for art and law, Amanda focused her dissertation on the niche field of illegal street art. Under the guidance of her supportive supervisor, Dr Cesar J Ramirez-Montes, she successfully navigated this unique topic, reflecting her dedication to both fields.
Recently, Amanda’s paper titled 'Illegal Street Art and Copyright in the UK: Navigating Copyright Protection and Safeguarding Artists from Exploitative Commercialization' which was part of her LLM coursework, earned her the Google’s Inclusive Copyright Thesis Award. This contest grants an award of USD 5000 to the best master thesis written in English in the field of Copyright Law.
Amanda’s work examined whether artists are entitled to copyright protection for street art created in violation of laws. She explored the justifications for this claim and assessed the extent to which artists can prevent unauthorized reproduction, removal, sale, or destruction of their works by third parties.
A transformative experience at Leeds
Studying at Leeds proved to be a transformative experience for Amanda. Before Leeds, Amanda admitted that she was content with achieving decent marks without pushing herself. However, the intellectually stimulating environment at Leeds changed her mindset. She found herself striving for excellence, determined to give her best in every aspect of her coursework.
One remarkable highlight of her time at Leeds was the exceptional service of the libraries at the University. When she needed books for her dissertation on street art, the library staff managed to procure them within just two days, despite the niche nature of the topic. This support significantly contributed to her academic success.
Additionally, her time at Leeds equipped her with invaluable skills and knowledge that have been crucial post-graduation. She says:
Apart from gaining a more international perspective, my studies equipped me with critical thinking skills. Before coming to Leeds, I had never written an academic essay in my life – it wasn't a requirement for my undergraduate studies. Learning how to research effectively and write well is a skill I developed from scratch, with incredible support from the University and its staff. These skills have proven invaluable in my professional career.
Amanda was also a recipient of the Liberty Scholarship, a competitive award that is given on the basis of academic performance and the strength of a supporting statement.
Navigating challenges and embracing growth
Reflecting on her journey, Amanda offers honest advice to new students:
"I am no one to give advice but if I, someone who was never the top student and had never stayed away from home for 25 years, could come to a whole different country and thrive at the School, you can too. It's natural to feel overwhelmed, especially for international students adjusting to a whole new system. Take it one step at a time, seek support from the university, your friends, and family when needed, and trust that you'll gradually figure things out. We are all capable of achieving more than we might think."
Amanda also emphasizes the importance of resilience and support, sharing a simple yet invaluable piece of advice from her supervisor, Dr Ramirez-Montes: "Remember to breathe!"
Equally important, she highlights a unique lesson from living in England, especially for international students: "Do not take the sunny days for granted—make sure to bask in them!"
Ready to start your journey with us? Learn more about our postgraduate courses here.
