Author Archives: lew

Reclaiming Your Craft

I lost a piece of me the day I quit art. All the colour in my life faded. Nothing felt beautiful. My daydreams turned into zoning out to avoid my anxious thoughts.

I used to cry every time I got deep into an art piece; that point where I catch a glimpse of the final product coming together. I would get this overwhelming feeling of pride and harmonious comfort. I felt so lucky to be skilled and passionate about something so beautiful. Something that could impact others. I never once cared about impressing others with my art, I just hoped my form of expression could bring a flicker to their creative lightbulb.

Those joyful tears that rushed down my face no longer exist. Well, they exist, but there is nothing joyous about them. I can’t draw without crying out of frustration. Out of  fear. The fear that I have lost my ability to create. Frustrated that I let go of this gift. Let go of myself.

Art was never my identity. People never saw me as an “art kid”.  

Essay

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Art

Artificial Intelligence has been impacting society, both positively and negatively, in more ways than we as people will ever understand. Some argue that AI undoubtedly has privacy violations, heavily contributes to the growth of unemployment, and has heightened racism through typecasting minorities. Others would argue that AI opens the door to an easier, more secure, and coherent way of living. This prevailing debate with no anticipated result or solution does not only apply to the previously stated subject matter. The controversies surrounding this machinery have been prominent in the world of art, which is what I have chosen to explore. Specifically, I will analyze what it means to be an AI Artist, whether they are creative, and how to make use of these seemingly permanent tools.

At this point in time, humans can identify whether or not an art piece was created using artificial intelligence. However, this technology is increasingly improving and will soon create art that we will fail to recognize as being created by machinery. Before declaring what an AI Artist has been said to be, it is crucial to note that AI Art is not created by actual artificial intelligence. The production process of AI art involves no use of artificial intelligence, but instead machine learning algorithms. Those branding this work seek to profit off this title of “artificial intelligence” due to its advanced or futuristic feel while masking the reality of its humdrum product. Essentially, the term artificial intelligence is implying that a mind is involved in the workings of these creations, fostering a leniency to AI art that would not extend to algorithm-pushing advertisements. Focusing on who or what can truly be titled an AI Artist, a 2020 article titled “Who (or what) is an AI Artist” explores the term’s history and theory, while addressing its controversies. Its main finding is the proposition that “AI art’s interactions with art institutions have not promoted new creative possibilities but have instead reinforced conservative forms and aesthetics” (Browne, 2020). It has been argued that while the tools themselves are not creative, humans can use these tools in a creative way. This argument has no relevance when looking at the fact that these AI art tools only work because of their enormous databases of previous art to draw upon. This is the fuel that powers them and those databases were compiled from millions of images that were used without permission. At their core, AI art tools cannot create anything new; they are simply converters.