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I have been watching the controversy surrounding the current fad of AI generated artwork. As an artist who does sometimes use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for creating digital works for textile design and similar applications, I consider AI to be a double-edged sword. 

While it has application potential for commercial use, such as gaming, I really don't see the appeal for fine artists. It can be used as a time-saving tool for creating the technical specs of a complex installation for example. But once the human element, original creativity, spirit, and thought, produced by the best computer of all-the human brain, has been removed, the image becomes trite, boring, and empty. Merely a play toy of those who want the instant gratification of a limited idea. It is laziness at best. But as for creating original fine art, nothing is as good as a human being. 

Many reports are coming out about artists' original artwork and photographs being stolen by AI databases and used without permission or compensation. Artists are professionals just as any profession is, and AI platforms should seek permissions, credit the copyright holder/creator/artist/photographer and compensate them fairly. Everytime a user makes an AI image, whatever resource is used, then the AI platform needs to credit and pay the original resource creator/copyright holder. Any other professional expects to be paid, why not artists? AI platforms have a legal, moral and ethical responsibility to conduct business properly with artists. Anything less is theft and plagiarism.

I know some wonderfully talented artists who solely create original artworks using digital media as their medium of choice, and I love their work. The human element is clearly seen in the artwork. 

Simply put, I will never use AI to create my art.

Any images that I post will be clearly marked if they are created using more traditional digital media (I never thought I would think of digital media as traditional!). Time, research, much thought, joy and love, years of training and practice, and using my skills with materials goes into everything I create. Every piece is a part of me and my deepest joy is sharing with those who appreciate the work.