As far as generative art goes, I think we’re seeing the birth of a new medium for expression that can and should be explored by anyone, regardless of any experience or skill level.
Generative art allows more people to communicate with others in ways they couldn’t before. People want to broadly treat this stuff like it’s just pressing a button and getting a random result rather than focusing on the creativity, curiosity, experimentation, and refinement that goes into getting good results. It also requires learning how to use new skills they may not have had to effectively use new tools that are rapidly evolving and improving to express themselves.
We can’t put a lid on this, but what we can do, keep making open source models that are, effective and affordable to the public. Mega-corps will have their own models, no matter the cost. They already have their own datasets, and have the money to buy whatever other ones they want. They can also make users sign predatory ToS allowing them exclusive access to user data, effectively selling our own data back to us.
Remember: It costs nothing to encourage an artist, and the potential benefits are staggering. A pat on the back to an artist now could one day result in your favorite film, or the cartoon you love to get stoned watching, or the song that saves your life. Discourage an artist, you get absolutely nothing in return, ever.
― Kevin Smith, Tough Shit: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good
I believe that generative art, warts and all, is a vital new form of art that is shaking things up, challenging preconceptions, and getting people angry - just like art should. And if you see someone post some malformed monstrosity somewhere, cut them some slack, they’re just learning.
For further reading, I recommend this article by Kit Walsh, a senior staff attorney at the EFF if you haven’t already. The EFF is a digital rights group who most recently won a historic case: border guards now need a warrant to search your phone.
You should also read this open letter by artists that have been using generative AI for years, some for decades.
As far as generative art goes, I think we’re seeing the birth of a new medium for expression that can and should be explored by anyone, regardless of any experience or skill level.
Generative art allows more people to communicate with others in ways they couldn’t before. People want to broadly treat this stuff like it’s just pressing a button and getting a random result rather than focusing on the creativity, curiosity, experimentation, and refinement that goes into getting good results. It also requires learning how to use new skills they may not have had to effectively use new tools that are rapidly evolving and improving to express themselves.
We can’t put a lid on this, but what we can do, keep making open source models that are, effective and affordable to the public. Mega-corps will have their own models, no matter the cost. They already have their own datasets, and have the money to buy whatever other ones they want. They can also make users sign predatory ToS allowing them exclusive access to user data, effectively selling our own data back to us.
I believe that generative art, warts and all, is a vital new form of art that is shaking things up, challenging preconceptions, and getting people angry - just like art should. And if you see someone post some malformed monstrosity somewhere, cut them some slack, they’re just learning.
For further reading, I recommend this article by Kit Walsh, a senior staff attorney at the EFF if you haven’t already. The EFF is a digital rights group who most recently won a historic case: border guards now need a warrant to search your phone.
You should also read this open letter by artists that have been using generative AI for years, some for decades.