From Analog to AI ft. Drew Nikonowicz // Civitai AiR Session

The video begins with a lively introduction to citi.com, a platform for the generative AI art community. The host encourages viewers to like and subscribe to support the channel's commitment to high-quality AI community content. A special live stream is announced, featuring an interview with Drew Nickovic, a recent participant in the civet AI artist residency program. Drew is introduced by Chris, the civet AI art director, who highlights Drew's background in conceptual photography, his published works, and his achievements such as winning the Aperture Portfolio Prize and Lens Scratch Student Prize. Drew also runs his own large format camera company, Standard Cameras, producing 4X5 and 8 by 10 sheet film photography. The conversation sets the stage for an exploration of Drew's experiences and insights into the intersection of traditional art and AI technology.

Drew discusses his initial experience with AI tools, particularly in the context of text-based AI like GPT, which he used diagnostically for brainstorming. He admits to having no prior experience with generative visual AI tools but was eager to explore them as part of the civet AI residency. Drew's approach to art is non-hierarchical, valuing the exploration of various mediums and tools. He views AI tools as diagnostic, aiding in the creative process rather than being the sole medium for creation. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding and incorporating emerging technologies like AI in one's artistic practice to stay relevant and explore new creative possibilities.

The discussion shifts to Drew's venture into large format camera production, which began as a college project and evolved into a full-fledged business. Drew's inability to afford a 4X5 camera post-graduation led him to design his own using 3D printing. His success with a Kickstarter campaign and subsequent monthly sales have made this endeavor a significant part of his artistic career. Drew reflects on the importance of being aware of and adapting to new technologies, even if one doesn't fully embrace them, to maintain a competitive edge in the art world.

Chris guides the conversation towards Drew's project 'This World and Others Like It,' which was a catalyst for inviting Drew to the civet AI residency. The project, a mix of 4X5 and digitally generated images, explores the relationship between technology and human civilization. Drew's use of mapping software to create landscapes and his subsequent photographic interventions within these digital spaces highlight his interest in the intersection of the physical and the digital. The project's themes resonate with the potential of AI in art, setting the stage for Drew's exploration of AI tools during the residency.

Drew shares his experimental journey with AI during the residency, focusing on the use of AI to generate images based on specific prompts and training data. His initial attempts involved training AI on a single image to explore the limits of AI's creative output. Drew discusses the iterative process of failure and learning, emphasizing the importance of rapid prototyping and failure in the creative process. He reflects on the uncanny results produced by AI, which, while not always successful, offered valuable insights into the AI's 'understanding' of visual elements and the potential for AI in artistic expression.

The conversation concludes with Drew's reflections on AI's role in expanding the creative horizons of artists. He discusses his experiences with AI as both a tool for brainstorming and a medium for artistic expression. Drew's exploration of AI in the context of his existing artistic practice highlights the potential for AI to augment, rather than replace, traditional artistic methods. The discussion underscores the importance of artists engaging with AI to understand its capabilities and limitations, and to explore new avenues of creativity.