Rethinking art and AI

Many people view AI as a potential threat to traditional art, fearing that machines might replace the human touch or diminish the value of handcrafted works. However, from my perspective as an artist, AI is not a rival but a complementary tool that can enhance creativity. The nuances of brushstrokes, the subtle imperfections, and the tactile qualities of traditional painting cannot be replicated digitally, which makes human-made art stand out even more. AI also opens new avenues for experimentation, allowing artists like myself to explore concepts, test ideas, and refine techniques before committing them to canvas.

Writing with precision

I often rely on AI to assist me in writing artist statements, exhibition notes, and other essential pieces of text. Expressing complex emotions or translating abstract ideas into words can sometimes be challenging, and AI helps me find the precise phrases and tone needed to convey my intentions clearly. It allows me to refine my writing, ensuring that every sentence communicates the depth of my artistic vision and the subtlety of my concepts.

Designing before painting

Before working on a physical canvas, I often turn to AI to visualise and plan my artworks in a digital space. This process allows me to experiment with colours, compositions, and details without touching the original painting. I can test different palettes, adjust contrasts, or even reimagine elements of the piece virtually. Doing so gives me a clearer sense of how a particular shade, layout, or mood might translate once painted by hand.

Bringing imagination to life

AI also helps me manipulate reference images according to my imagination—adding, removing, or transforming elements effortlessly. It expands my creative freedom and allows me to explore possibilities that would take much longer to execute by hand. By combining traditional painting techniques with AI-assisted pre-visualisation, I can merge the precision of technology with the warmth, depth, and unpredictability of hand-crafted art.