AI CAN’T REPLACE ARTISTS & HERE’S WHY

BY SARAH BAY-CHENG, PHD

t’s all over the news. News pundits ask: Will artificial intelligence replace artists?

With the release of programs such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, it seems as if everyone is talking about artificial intelligence (AI). There are two main ideas in the current debates: either AI is changing everything and you should learn it right now; or, AI will destroy humanity and we should get rid of it right now.

As the Dean of a mutli-disciplinary school of the arts and design, I have paid close attention when these discussions involve the arts, especially amid suggestions that AI programs will replace creators with programmers or prompt engineers. This is what influencers are promoting online, but it’s not the whole story.

Despite some dire predictions, I don’t believe emerging artists and other creatives should worry that an AI program will replace them. It is important to remember that artists and art schools have been using AI and algorithmic tools for a while. As the University World News recently reported, AI is prevalent in art schools. Here at York University, we have faculty specializing in AI and art, and the University received more than $100m for a research program focused on the ethical development and use of emerging technologies.

AI IS A TOOL FOR ARTISTS, NOT THE COMPETITION

Our philosophy is that artists and designers should not fear but learn as much as possible about these tools. Emerging creatives should engage and experiment with new techniques because current processes will be changed and perhaps even improved. It is likely that some elements of the creative process will be automated. However, it may also be true that the skills we teach and learn in the arts will become even more valuable.

If you have used ChatGPT or Midjourney, you will have noticed how quickly these programs can synthesize large amounts of data into everything from convincing imitations of famous painters to dogs in spaceships. With correct prompting, AI programs can write convincing letters, explain physics in the approximations of Shakespeare, and create convincing video simulations of people who have never existed.

What these programs cannot do is sew sequins on a homemade costume, dance in the park, or imagine something that has never been seen. These programs are masterful at combining and recombining existing digital data and they are excellent tools for artists’ pre-visualization work. It is fun to test the limits of one’s imagination in these environments, although rather quickly the works all begin to look similar.

This doesn’t mean that you cannot create great art with AI. The artist, Refik Anadol utilizes AI to create immersive exhibits and artworks. His vision, scale, and the meaning behind his works distinguish them from other forms of digital art. It is both the imagination and integration of new elements and the craft of creation that are still exclusively in the domain of human artists.

As the tools of digital creation become increasingly commonplace, artists will distinguish themselves through the material craft and manual skills that are becoming rarer and thus more valuable. The techniques of art-making are always changing, but the fundamentals of pictorial representation, sound and storytelling have remained mostly constant. Each new innovation – including graphite pencils, photography, word processors, cinema, and algorithms -- changes the techniques of creation. But at the core, creativity is a fundamentally human act.

I look forward to what a new generation of artists - equally skilled in digital and traditional techniques and practices - will do. I believe no AI program is ever a replacement for each student who makes our collective creativity possible. •

Sarah Bay-Cheng, PhD Dean & Professor, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design | York University (Toronto, Canada)

In My Own Words

Why Did You Choose Anderson University and This Major?

I chose Anderson University because its professors and students were the type of people that I wanted to be surrounded by for four years. God-fearing, creative, knowledgeable, supportive, and talented. It was made very clear to me that the foundation of this university is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Also, the university proved to me that they were going to invest in me, not just monetarily, but by giving me opportunities and attention that larger schools could not afford to give.

I chose the commercial music major because I knew my passions and talents lied in music, but I was not sure yet where I wanted to focus those talents. The commercial music program is very broad and allows for students to taste a lot of different experiences and responsibilities to see which the student gravitates towards.

What Did You Hope to Get Out of the Program, and Did You Achieve It?

I wanted to spend four years tasting a bunch of different areas within the world of music. That is exactly the sort of education I received. As a performer, I've been on stage playing piano, keyboards, synthesizers, drum set, percussion, electric bass, melodica, vocoder, and even triggering Ableton through a novation launchpad. I've performed with commercial ensembles, choirs, orchestras, music theatre shows, jazz combos, big bands, and worship teams. I've gotten to arrange, orchestrate, music direct, and conduct on many different occasions. I received a lot of creative liberty that truly blessed my education by letting me passionately run after any new idea that excited me.

Did You Have to Prepare for this Major in Any Way?

I felt very prepared for this major. I had a background in performing, with choirs, jazz bands, orchestras, and worship bands. I also had begun an online presence, which has blossomed during my college career. Lastly, I had a head start in the theory program because music theory was my obsession in high schooI. This is not necessary, but it enabled me to not have to stress about a freshman level theory course, because my foundation was solid.

What is a Typical Day at Anderson University Like?

The typical day as a commercial music major in AU is really special. I would start my day by grabbing a breakfast sandwich at Chronicles Cafe. Then, I would do my daily bible study before my first class. Then, I'd go to some of the various exciting music courses offered here (some of my favorites were Conducting I, Orchestration, Entrepreneurship, and Theory V). Grab lunch with some friends after class at Chick-fil-a.

Then I'd head back to the fine arts center to run a rehearsal with my commercial music band. We'd often grab dinner together in the Culinary Center after rehearsal. After that I'd often spend my evenings either having a jam session with my fellow students, working in the recording studio on an album, or attending a performance of a friend either on or off campus.

What Was the Most Memorable Moment of Your Time at Anderson University?

Probably the jam sessions will be the most memorable. We spend so much time in rehearsals and shows together, playing pre-arranged, programmed music, and it's always very fun. But, when we can all get together in a rehearsal room or in the auditorium late-night, and just freely express ourselves... there is no feeling more special. It's like one big party celebrating music, each other's talents, and a very good God. Somebody starts improvising some lick, and the night takes off. No one knows where it will end up, but it is always special. It's my favorite aspect of the culture here at Anderson University's commercial music program.

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Double Major with Music

Bachelor of Music Education

Bachelor of Music in Performance

For Open House and Audition dates, go to: www.gettysburg.edu/music

I www.gettysburg.edu/music

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What inspired you to become an artist?

I’ve always wanted to become an artist ever since I was little. Right from my childhood, I was absolutely fascinated by many animated shows and comic art. This instilled in me a desire to pursue the same creative process.

Can you describe your winning artwork and what inspired it?

My artwork consists of a cast of people from different backgrounds following their artistic passions. Since the theme was “Artists of the Future”, I wanted to include a group of diverse ethnicities to show that no matter who you are, you can pursue whatever creative ambition you desire.

What inspired you to participate in the 2023 Performing & Visual Arts Colleges Cover Contest?

My mother sent me an email with the contest outlines, and I was interested in the content. I had never made a brochure cover design before, so I was excited to try and see what I could do.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

One of my biggest artistic influences comes from the Ghibli movies. I love the artistry and realism that Miyazaki creates. The powerful storytelling conveyed through the characters really captivates me. For other specific influences, Xiao Tong

(@velinxi) and Emily Xu (@emilyamiao) are my favorite Instagram artists. I love their vivid compositions and colors.

How do you see your art evolving in the future?

As the years go on, I hope my art keeps improving. My aim is to be able to draw at the same level as my inspirations. Even though that goal seems far away, I'll keep striving to do my best to accomplish it.

What are your artistic and/or academic aspirations for college and beyond?

Whatever I do in my future career, I want to have some aspect of it contain an artistic element since I love the field so much. If I could successfully combine my passion and work, it’d be a dream come true. •

In My Own Words

Seton Hill University, School of Visual & Performing Arts

Teresa Kondas

Why Did You Choose to Attend Seton Hill University and Select This Major?

I have been on Seton Hill University’s campus from a young age, and every time I was on campus, I felt right at home. It sealed the deal for me when I went to Seton Hill Open House during my junior year of high school to learn more about the university and the program I was interested in. I went to a small high school about ten minutes from Seton Hill, and I loved the small atmosphere from my high school. I wanted that same small atmosphere when I went to college.

Growing up, I had always been interested in movies, special effects, and animation. My favorite movies were Marvel movies, and I knew I wanted to get into something where I could create something I love. So, when I discovered that Seton Hill had a Graphic and Interactive Design program and I could concentrate on animation, I knew it was the place for me.

What Did You Hope to Get Out of Your Time At Seton Hill, and Did You Achieve It?

When entering the program, I wanted to learn more about the different paths that graphic design can take me. I knew I wanted to do animation and work for Disney or Pixar due to my love for their movies and animations. In the last three years, Seton Hill has opened my eyes to different job opportunities around me after learning about the various graphic design fields. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.

My professors allow us to learn and develop different skills for each area. I learned how to design websites, which caught my attention, then I learned about UX designers (User Experience), and it also caught my attention. Seton Hill University allows students to dip their toes into different job opportunities through internships.

Did You Have to Prepare for This Major in Any Way? If You Didn’t, Do You Wish You Did?

My graphic design class in high school introduced me to Adobe Photoshop. I didn’t have much experience with Adobe products. I was then introduced to other Adobe products, like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, during my freshman year of college.

What Was a Typical Day at Seton Hill Like?

My studio classes are Monday through Thursday. They can either start in the morning or start in the afternoon. They are about three hours long which is divided up into sections. The first hour and a half is lecture time, where my professor will introduce background information.

For example, during my History of Animation class, we would learn about a period of animation and take notes. The last hour and a half would be studio time to work on any projects relating to the period. After classes, I would meet up with friends and find different spots on campus to catch up or do work.

What Advice Do You Have for Teens Looking for the Right College?

Picking the right college is hard and intimidating. Trust me, you will find the college that makes you feel right at home and makes you want to keep pushing yourself. It is scary, but you will find that place that helps you become the person you want to belike I did with Seton Hill.