"AI is not ART!!!"

The Misconception of Art and Tools

"Is AI Not Art? This assertion is as nonsensical as claiming 'a pen is not art,' 'a tablet is not art,' 'a 3D program is not art,' or 'a brush is not art.' It's an error of categorization. This line of reasoning is ontologically incorrect! An artist creates art using tools—some tools are superior, others less so.

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A Journey Through Digital Art Evolution

As a 3D artist from the very start, roughly 40 years ago, I began sculpting a human head from a simple box, mastering technical tricks to shape organic forms, painting textures in Photoshop onto rendered UV wireframes.

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Questioning the Value of Ease in Art Creation

The advent of modern sculpting tools, starting with Sculptris in ZBrush, along with sculpting features in other 3D packages and Substance for texturing, greatly simplified the process for creatives to mold organic shapes.

Does the ease of creation make it any less of art?

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The Essence of True Artistry

Art emerges from the fusion of an idea with one's personality, where the unique contours of an individual's experiences, emotions, and worldview meld with the spark of creativity to form expressions that resonate with authenticity and depth. Consequently, whether through the stroke of a pen, the sweep of a brush, or the algorithms of AI, these tools merely serve as conduits for the artist’s vision, each capable of birthing art that is as varied as the creators behind them.

Art vs. Replication in Digital Forums

Most of what is showcased in art forums is not art. Even before AI, most images were mere replicas upon replicas. The same trend persists; not everyone crafts original art with AI, yet some achieve remarkable feats.

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Challenging the Flood of Repetition

The flooding of art forums with sexy manga girls, photorealistic 3D portraits in poorly composed images, or mech warriors and sci-fi armors to showcase hard surface modeling skills was already dull and uninteresting before the advent of AI. These displays often lacked originality, minimal understanding of composition, or any semblance of artistic design. Describing such output as 'art' stretches the definition beyond recognition.

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Art or Craftsmanship? A Common Misconception

Furthermore, it's crucial to address a common misconception prevalent in these discussions: the conflation of 'art' with 'craftsmanship.' Many in these forums misleadingly use the term 'art,' failing to distinguish between the creative inspiration that propels genuine art and the technical skill or craftsmanship involved in its execution. While craftsmanship is immensely valuable and requires significant skill, it is the infusion of personal insight and innovation that elevates a creation to the realm of art. This distinction is often overlooked, leading to a diluted understanding of what art truly represents.

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Beyond the Basics: Copyright and AI

Ultimately, there are other significant areas that warrant discussion. A particularly contentious issue is the extent to which copyrighted works have been used without permission for the training of image-generating AIs, enabling companies to profit from this potentially illegal use without compensating the artists involved. This situation raises serious questions about ethics and fairness in the digital art world, underscoring the need to protect and respect creative rights in the age of AI.