Theft Of Art at DeviantArt

How can you tell which art is stolen?

I totally agree, I left that site years ago because of stuff like this and I will never go back. I also hate their site functionality, it's horrible. Some of the artwork they allow too is immoral to me.

I rarely go to DA anymore. It's a shit show.  

Feel free to point out stolen work here and you'll have my attention.

Yes, but I'm wondering if there's a way check when you don't have previous knowledge?

Dunno about that one.  That's why they don't do anything about it unless the original artist complains. I think there's a form has to be turned in.

DMCA or the like.

No, but it can almost feel like it....takes a while for action...;)

The only way to successfully chase such issues is with a DMCA notice..from the person whose work it is that is 'stolen'.  Anything less just adds to the sense of 'run-around' or 'brick wall' ....and that goes for any and all sites where stuff is found to be misappropriated ....;)

I think it has to do with the status of the work is it free to share or a purchased work.  If someone is listing their work as free to download and use then I don't see it as theft.  If it is a Master work  listed for sale on a site and is posted for free sharing it is theft.  Free resources are available everywhere and can be used to create individual works of art.  Look at it this way a musician can use certain rifts of a song but not so much that it is the original song. Collage is a example of multiple works combined to create new works.  Only way to protect your work is copyright but as with other art mediums you threaten your fan base if you prohibit sharing say for instance movies, comics, and games.  By utilizing fan based created works it promotes the original and is free advertisement for the original works.

That's the point. "Use" has more than one meaning and needs to be defined.

Free to download and use PERSONALLY does not necessarily also include....re-distribute to others, ie. by rehosting or reuploading elsewhere.  Doing so then prevents the author from controlling its distribution and thus is typically a breach of copyright.

Simple example of how it 'can' go wrong...

Devout Christian uploads 'something' for 'personal use'....and that user then re-uploads it to a porn site [or worse].

How does the innocent owner then counter his humiliation and reputation being associated/destroyed by the actions of a third party?

Property Rights are there for a very good reason...;)

It depends on what creative commons license is used by the original creator which determines if it can be altered added to or redistributed. I agree with you in your example which is why one must be careful what you want to openly share as compared to selling and what creative license you use.