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

Civitai
12 Aug 202460:31

TLDRIn this special Civitai AiR session, Drew Nikonowicz, a talented photographer and master of Fine Arts, shares his experience with AI in the creative process. Drew, who runs a large format camera company, explores the use of generative AI tools like 'Laura' to create unique visual art, discussing his experiments with image training and the resulting uncanny and thought-provoking outputs. The conversation delves into the relationship between technology, art, and the potential of AI to inspire and shape new creative directions.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 Drew Nikonowicz, a talented photographer and participant in the Civitai Artist in Residence (AiR) program, was featured in the live stream discussing his journey with AI and photography.
  • 🏆 Drew is known for his conceptual photography work and has received numerous awards, including the Aperture Portfolio Prize and Lens Scratch Student Prize.
  • 📚 Drew is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Arkansas and has a published book titled 'This World and Others Like It'.
  • 🤖 Drew had no prior experience with generative AI tools but was intrigued by the potential of using AI as a diagnostic tool for creative exploration.
  • 🔍 Drew's approach to AI was experimental, seeking to understand its capabilities and limitations through a series of trials and failures.
  • 📷 The conversation highlighted Drew's project 'This World and Others Like It,' which involves abstract forms, technology fears, and optimism, mapped onto landscapes reflecting human civilization.
  • 🛠 Drew also runs his own large format camera company, Standard Cameras, producing 8x10 sheet film photography equipment.
  • 🔄 The discussion explored Drew's process of training AI with specific images to generate new pieces of art, emphasizing the importance of iteration and failure in the creative process.
  • 🧩 Drew shared his experience with AI's ability to pick up on specific visual elements and generate consistent themes, despite varying prompts.
  • 🔮 The live stream concluded with a reflection on the potential of AI in the arts, suggesting that while the tools are powerful, the artist's intent and exploration remain central to creative work.
  • 🌐 For those interested in AI and creativity, the Civitai AiR program offers a platform to explore and develop new artistic practices with the support of a community.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video 'From Analog to AI ft. Drew Nikonowicz // Civitai AiR Session'?

    -The main topic of the video is an exploration of the intersection between traditional art forms and AI technology, featuring an interview with Drew Nikonowicz, a talented artist and photographer who has participated in the Civitai Artist in Residence (AiR) program.

  • Who is Drew Nikonowicz and what is his background in the arts?

    -Drew Nikonowicz is a photographer working in the conceptual photography space. He is pursuing his master of Fine Arts at the University of Arkansas, has published a book titled 'this world and others like it' in 2019, and has won several awards including the aperture portfolio prize and lens scratch student prize. He also runs a large format camera company called Standard Cameras.

  • What is the Civitai Artist in Residence (AiR) program?

    -The Civitai Artist in Residence (AiR) program is an initiative that invites artists to explore and engage with AI technologies to create generative art. It is overseen by Chris, the Civitai Art Director, who introduces and discusses the work of the artists involved in the program.

  • What was Drew Nikonowicz's initial experience with AI tools before joining the AiR program?

    -Prior to joining the AiR program, Drew had no experience with generative AI tools but was conversationally aware of them. He had used text-based AI like chat GPT for diagnostic purposes and brainstorming, but had not personally used any visual generative tools.

  • How does Drew Nikonowicz view the role of AI in his creative process?

    -Drew views AI as a diagnostic tool in his creative process. He is interested in learning and trying new things, and he sees AI as another tool that can help shape and inform his practice, even though he doesn't necessarily demand a certain medium or technology in his work.

  • What was the outcome of Drew Nikonowicz's first experiment with AI in the AiR program?

    -Drew's first experiment involved training an AI model using the same image 100 times. The result was that the AI focused on the most graphic details and replicated them, creating variations of the image with a consistent shape and elements like the birds on the window from the original photo.

  • What challenges did Drew Nikonowicz encounter when trying to introduce different shapes into the AI training process?

    -Drew faced challenges when trying to introduce random shapes into the AI training process. The AI either ignored the shapes or produced heavily abstracted results, which did not align with his goal of creating a consistent visual element with changing details.

  • How did Drew Nikonowicz approach the failure he experienced during his experiments with AI?

    -Drew embraced the concept of failure as a part of the creative process. He viewed the failed experiments as valuable learning experiences and potential sources of inspiration for future projects, aligning with his practice of using failure as a diagnostic tool.

  • What insights did Drew Nikonowicz gain from his time in the AiR program?

    -Drew gained a deeper understanding of AI as a diagnostic tool and its potential for brainstorming and idea generation. He also realized the importance of being aware of and engaging with emerging technologies, even if it means stepping outside of his comfort zone.

  • Where can viewers find more information about Drew Nikonowicz and his work?

    -Viewers can find more information about Drew Nikonowicz and his work on his website, which includes links to his projects, his large format camera company Standard Cameras, and his Super Mario World ROM hack. He also has a Patreon for those who wish to support his art practice.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introduction to the Generative AI Art Community

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.

05:01

🤖 Exploring AI Tools in Art and Photography

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.

10:03

📸 Drew's Journey into Large Format Camera Production

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.

15:04

🔍 Deep Dive into Drew's 'This World and Others Like It' Project

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.

20:06

🧠 AI's Creative Potential: Experiments and Failures

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.

25:07

🖼️ AI's Role in Art: Expanding Creative Horizons

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.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Generative AI

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can create new content, such as images, music, or text. In the video, this concept is central as the discussion revolves around the use of AI in creating art, specifically how it can generate new and unique visual outputs that can inspire artists and contribute to their creative process.

💡Civitai

Civitai appears to be a community or platform related to AI and art, as it is mentioned as the home of the generative AI art community. The video script discusses a program associated with Civitai, indicating that it is a place where artists can engage with AI tools to enhance their artwork and share their experiences with a wider audience.

💡Artistic Residence Program

An Artistic Residence Program typically provides artists with time and space to focus on their work, often including resources and support. In the context of the video, Drew Nikonowicz is part of the 'civettai artist and residence program,' which seems to offer artists the opportunity to explore AI tools and integrate them into their creative practice.

💡Conceptual Photography

Conceptual Photography is a genre of photography that emphasizes ideas and concepts over traditional aesthetic or technical aspects. Drew Nikonowicz is described as working in this space, suggesting that his photography is more about the underlying ideas and messages it conveys rather than just the visual appeal.

💡Diagnostic Tool

In the video, the term 'diagnostic tool' is used metaphorically to describe AI's ability to provide feedback or insights. For instance, Drew mentions using AI tools like chat GPT to get reactions to text, which helps him in brainstorming and understanding different perspectives, much like a diagnostic tool would help in identifying issues or patterns.

💡Uncanny Valley

The Uncanny Valley is a concept in robotics and AI that describes the discomfort or eeriness a person might feel when an artificial entity looks and acts almost, but not exactly, like a real human. In the script, this term is used to describe the feeling evoked by some of the AI-generated images that look real but have subtle off-putting differences.

💡ROM Hacking

ROM Hacking refers to the modification of a read-only memory (ROM) used in video games to change or enhance the game's content. Drew mentions engaging in ROM hacking as part of his creative explorations, indicating his interest in pushing boundaries and experimenting with different forms of media.

💡Failure

Failure is a recurring theme in the video, discussed in the context of the creative process. It is portrayed positively as a necessary step towards innovation and learning. Drew and others in the video see failure as an opportunity for growth and a chance to explore new ideas, rather than as a setback.

💡Figma Board

A Figma Board is a digital workspace where designers and artists can collaborate and organize their projects visually. In the video, Drew's Figma Board is mentioned as a place where he has been developing his ideas and workflows, showcasing the use of digital tools in the creative process.

💡Aesthetic

Aesthetic in this context refers to the visual or sensory qualities that are perceived as beautiful or appealing. While not explicitly defined in the script, the term is implied in discussions about art and the AI-generated images, which are evaluated based on their aesthetic impact and how they stimulate the viewer's senses.

💡Texture

Texture in art refers to the surface quality or feel of a piece, which can be literal in physical artworks or metaphorical in digital or photographic works. The script mentions texture as an important aspect of the images used to train the AI, suggesting that the AI was able to pick up on and replicate the visual texture of the original photographs.

Highlights

Drew Nikonowicz joins the Civitai AiR Session to discuss his journey from analog to AI in the art community.

Drew is part of the Civet Tha artist and residence program, exploring the intersection of AI and conceptual photography.

Chris, the Civet Tai art director, introduces Drew and his accomplishments, including winning the aperture portfolio prize.

Drew's interest in generative AI tools as a diagnostic device for creative brainstorming.

The importance of maintaining a personal relationship with AI tools for productivity and creative exploration.

Drew's venture into creating and selling large format cameras through his company, Standard Cameras.

Insights on the potential challenges traditional artists may face with advancing AI technologies.

Drew's experience with training AI on a single image to explore the limits and outputs of generative AI.

The concept of using AI as a tool for expanding creative possibilities rather than just mimicking existing styles.

Drew's experimentation with AI, leading to a series of uncanny and thought-provoking images.

The psychological impact of AI-generated images and the feelings of unease they can evoke.

A discussion on the uncanny valley and the human perception of AI-generated spaces.

Drew's approach to using AI as a diagnostic tool for generating new ideas and creative directions.

The idea of AI as a collaborative partner in the creative process, offering unexpected outcomes.

Drew's reflections on failure as a necessary part of the creative process and its value in artistic growth.

Final thoughts on the potential of AI in art and the importance of understanding and experimenting with these tools.