A Journey through the Creative Process and Its Context
“Unveiling the Beauty of Process” by Bart Niedner, 22 May 2023
A Secondary Purpose for this Article
Setting the Stage for AI Impact Discussions
The primary aim of the AI-RISE Blog is to investigate the numerous AI tools emerging for authors and illustrators in their quest to craft compelling novels. While this article may not directly discuss AI, it addresses a crucial context that will be frequently explored in other AI-RISE Blog posts: the assessment of beauty in creative work, and the role that dynamic social conditions and technological advancements play in shaping our evaluations.
As AI tools rapidly permeate our lives, it’s no surprise that they evoke a mix of apprehension and fascination. The rise of AI is a significant turning point, and we must brace ourselves for the inevitable challenges and transformations it brings.
In upcoming articles, we will delve into the debates balancing the allure of rapid adoption and the prudence of regulating these powerful technologies. To lay a solid foundation for those discussions, let’s pause to examine the broader context of creative work, specifically, the ever-evolving social landscape and the ceaseless march of technological innovations throughout human history.
In the interest of transparency and acknowledging my own bias, I want to clarify that while I remain open to both sides of the “embrace or restrict AI” debate, I lean towards aggressively embracing AI with a proactive awareness of its implications. By disclosing my perspective, I hope to encourage you to thoughtfully consider your stance on AI’s rapidly approaching effects as we navigate this crucial context.
The Enduring Allure of Creative Products
For most individuals, engagement with a creative product, be it a painting, a sculpture, or a piece of music, typically ends with the appreciation of the final piece. However, there is immense value in delving deeper into the creative process that birthed these works of art. Creative works are intrinsically tied to their time and place and, as such, can only be wholly appreciated when considered within their original context. By examining the process that led to the creation of a work, we can uncover the full extent of its beauty.
Defining Beauty in Creative Works
To better understand the concept of beauty in creative products, let us consider “beauty” as that which brings pleasure to our senses or uplifts our minds. To truly appreciate the beauty of a creative product, it is essential to explore the intricacies of its creation. This involves acknowledging the technical aspects of the work’s origin and examining how it broadens the human experience within our ever-evolving social context — starting from the moment of its inception.
The Impact of Context on Perception
A prime example of how understanding the creative process can alter our perception of a creative object is the case of an acclaimed Vermeer painting that was removed from the National Gallery in London after ninety-three years due to its discovery as a forgery. While the artwork itself — the product — remained visually unchanged, its critical reception was irrevocably altered by the revelation of its true origin. The forged work’s beauty can still be enjoyed in many ways, even newfound and unexpected ones, but our understanding of its creative process has transformed it into a fundamentally different product.
Another instance highlighting the impact of context on perception is Henry Ossawa Tanner’s “The Banjo Lesson.” Created in 1893, this painting was initially celebrated as a testament to African American culture and resilience. However, as the 20th century progressed and African Americans began to challenge the portrayal of black individuals in art and media as subservient and inferior, the painting’s meaning evolved. It came to exalt the mind in ways unforeseeable and unintended by its creator.
As time passes, changes in creative processes and social contexts inevitably reshape our perceptions of creative works. While these pieces may continue to be appreciated for their beauty, the reasons for this admiration may differ significantly. The influence of context on our understanding of creative works cannot be denied, often transforming them into something they were not initially intended to be.
Should we lament social changes that may unjustly vilify creators such as authors, artists, or photographers? Although we cannot precisely predict how context will change for creatives, we know it will. What best practices should we adopt in creative professions and as a society to embrace (or prepare for) the profound changes that lie ahead?
The Evolution of Creative Practices
The ever-changing landscape of imaginative products is shaped by the evolution of innovative practices and the shifting roles of creatives in society. Throughout history, creative professionals have utilized various techniques and materials to bring their visions to life, often adapting to technological advancements that transform their professions.
The 19th-century invention of photography, for instance, was met with skepticism by some painters and illustrators who feared it would replace their craft as the primary means of creating images. French painter Paul Delaroche famously exclaimed in 1839, upon seeing a photograph for the first time, “From today, painting is dead!” Contrary to this belief, photography did not eliminate painting; instead, it liberated artists from the constraints of realism, paving the way for innovative styles and techniques that led to the emergence of movements like Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
In certain instances, the context surrounding a creative work may change so drastically that the original impact becomes subdued or barely noticeable. Stained glass, for example, has been utilized in European churches since as early as the second century, but it was not until the twelfth century that its widespread use began to captivate the medieval population. These awe-inspiring creations were not only visually stunning, but they also elevated the mind – the vibrant, illuminated images combined with powerful spiritual messages to profoundly touch the souls of those who entered the sacred spaces. Experiencing the vastness of these sanctuaries bathed in soft colors evoked a sense of humility and divine presence.
However, in today’s world, the once-profound effect of stained glass windows has been largely muted. While they are still appreciated for their intellectual and historical significance, the relentless exposure to modern special effects and the diminished role of religion in our fast-paced, secular lives have lessened their original impact. As a result, the transformative power these creative works once held has been diluted by the ever-changing context in which they are now experienced. Consideration of their historical context is required in order to experience the beauty of these creative products fully.
Technological advancements have always played a role in shaping creative practices. Renaissance oil painters, for example, had to laboriously source azurite, madder root, and cochineal insects before crushing them into egg yolk to create vivid paint pigments. In stark contrast, modern artists can effortlessly order a tube of “Gamblin Artist’s Oil Colors Venetian Red” from Amazon and receive it at their doorstep within twenty-four hours for just $9.75. Should we consider these differences when admiring Leonardo’s soft, hazy “sfumato” blending in the Mona Lisa? Should we appreciate van Gogh’s mixing of his pigments to achieve the desired effect? Is it fair to criticize or dismiss digital artists like David McLeod for using CGI tools instead of traditional methods, or should we explore new dimensions of beauty in their work?
Rather than resisting new technology due to its potential impact on existing supply chains, threats to established professions, and the ability to produce meaningful and beautiful products, perhaps we should embrace the inevitability of change and adapt accordingly. By doing so, we might continue to uncover new forms of beauty and enrich the creative landscape. And we may stay relevant and fed along the way.
Embracing Beauty in the Process
It is crucial to consider creative products as inseparable from their creative process. From technical achievements to social significance, the beauty of creative objects is inherently temporal. By acknowledging and embracing the process that led to their creation, we can gain a richer understanding of these works and fully appreciate the beauty they hold.
Article by Bart Niedner
All hail our technological overlords!
— Bart Niedner
Now, where did I put my eyeglasses?!
Bart Niedner, a versatile creative, embarks on a journey of discovery as he delves into both novel writing and the intriguing realm of AI-assisted writing. Bart warmly welcomes you on this journey from novice to master as he leverages his creative abilities in these innovative domains. His contributions to AI-RISE and BioDigital Novels reflect AI collaboration and exploratory work – the purpose of these websites.
“Get Your Geek On!” (Related Reads)
- “How Generative AI Could Disrupt Creative Work.” Harvard Business Review, 2023. https://hbr.org/2023/04/how-generative-ai-could-disrupt-creative-work
- “Policy Reflection: How generative AI is revolutionizing the creative process and what policymakers can do to ensure artists are protected.” OCAD University, 2023. https://www.ocadu.ca/news/policy-reflection-how-generative-ai-revolutionizing-creative-process-and-what-policymakers-can
- Puxhe, Gerard. “Revolutionizing Creativity: The Impact of AI on the Creative Process.” Medium, 2023. https://medium.com/something-spatial/revolutionizing-creativity-the-impact-of-ai-on-the-creative-process-4b0e53c4167
- “Impact Of Generative AI On Creative Work In 2023.” Arthur Lawrence, 2023. https://www.arthurlawrence.net/blog/generative-ai-impact-on-creative-work/
- “Is AI A Risk To Creativity? The Answer Is Not So Simple.” Entrepreneur, 2023. https://www.entrepreneur.com/science-technology/is-ai-a-risk-to-creativity-the-answer-is-not-so-simple/439525
- Frazier, Javon. “The Impact of AI on Creatives.” LinkedIn, 2023. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/impact-ai-creatives-javon-frazier
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Image Creation Remarks
For the article, “Unveiling the Beauty in Creative Process,” I experimented with numerous concepts before settling on “Death to the Camradon!” This image, featuring an anachronistic blend of historical elements and people attacking a piece of technology, captures the essence of the AI-Blog and the article’s central theme.
Despite generating over 100 potential images using Midjourney, I struggled to achieve the desired balance of visual components and accurately depict a Nikon camera as a cave painting. Turning to Photoshop and incorporating iStock images (35mm film strip, Carricola cave paintings), I crafted the final image. Interestingly, AI tools fell short in this instance, reinforcing the continued need for human creativity in the face of emerging technologies.
The creation process for this image serves as a reminder that while new technologies like AI may significantly impact creative fields, they don’t necessarily signal the end of traditional artistic roles. Instead, they may spur adaptation and collaboration between human ingenuity and technological advancements… Not only did the “Camradon” survive the hunt, talented bowmen remain much in demand.
Midjorney Prompt
AI not used.
Postprocessing
No postprocessing.
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