Building on the Film vs. AI images discussion from a few days ago, I wanted to expand on some of the tangible reasons (with video and words) why traditional media differs from images made by artificial intelligence. Traditional and mixed media, encompassing a variety of artistic materials and methods such as film, graphite, watercolor, pen & ink, etc., offer unique tonal structures and tactile qualities that set them apart from AI-generated art. For some relevant context, consider how the NFT craze of the last few years has primarily dissipated by 2023, leaving many people feeling burned by the hype train, with many realizing there was no real intrinsic value. This decline can be attributed to the realization that a significant portion of NFTs was overhyped or even scams, with their perceived value artificially inflated by celebrity endorsements and marketing.
Traditional or mixed media's unique characteristics and tactile experience showcase enduring appeal and intrinsic value, especially when compared to more temporary and volatile digital creations like NFTs. For instance, the exclusivity and physical presence of a Monet painting provide a sense of value and connection that cannot be replicated by computer art that solely lives in the metaverse (although pushers will try to convince you otherwise).
Do you remember the movie The Book of Eli, starring Denzel Washington and Mila Kunis, when they stumbled upon a house with an elderly couple and could recognize what kind of person it was due to the woman's hands shaking while drinking tea? In the future, as AI-generated creations become more sophisticated, our ability to discern between authentic experiences and artificial imitations will become increasingly important. Just as the characters in the movie recognized the truth through a subtle physical interaction, it would be wise for us to develop a keen appreciation for the tactile qualities and artistic nuances around us, such as those found in traditional and mixed media but also the deeper connection to reality and the value of genuine experiences and creative expressions.
Let's examine a few artistic mediums and their unique properties exclusive to the source materials.
Pencil
Pencil: Graphite pencil drawings exhibit diverse tonal values, from deep blacks to soft grays, resulting from the artist's hand's physical application and pressure. These variations in shading and stroke intensity reveal the artist's skill, intention, and emotional connection to the subject matter. The inherent textures of the pencil marks, combined with the slight imperfections in each stroke, bring a unique, organic quality to the artwork, engaging the viewer and inviting them to experience the emotions conveyed within. ---------------
2. Film Photography
Film Photography: The rich tones and subtle imperfections of film photography add an organic quality that AI-generated lacks, capturing a moment's unique atmosphere and emotions. These images carry the essence of their creators as they reveal the photographer's vision, artistry, and personal perspective. Film's tangible nature, with its grain and texture, lends a sense of warmth and nostalgia, setting it apart from the sharp, pristine appearance of computer images.
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3. Lithograph
Lithograph: Lithography, a printmaking technique that relies on the principle that oil and water don't mix, allows artists to create multiple original copies of their work with exquisite detail and texture. The process involves drawing an image on a stone or metal plate using a greasy substance and then applying ink, which adheres only to the drawn areas. The resulting prints have a unique look and feel.
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4. Watercolor
Watercolor: Watercolor paintings showcase a captivating fusion of delicate washes and vibrant colors that seamlessly blend and flow on the paper's surface. This artistic medium relies on the unique interaction between pigment, water, and paper, resulting in an ethereal, fleeting beauty that's challenging to recreate artificially. The fluidity of watercolors allows artists to produce a wide range of effects, from soft gradients and gentle washes to striking contrasts and bold, dynamic strokes. The spontaneity of watercolor paintings, where the colors may mix, bleed, and spread unexpectedly, brings the artwork a sense of serendipity and organic complexity.
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The tactile qualities and artistic subtleties in traditional, mixed, and hybrid workflows offer a unique sense of value that transcends the virtual realm of algorithms, establishing a strong connection to originality and the creative spirit. As you engage in your creative projects, contemplate the ways in which incorporating traditional media techniques might enrich your work. How can we balance the advancements of the digital age with the enduring appeal of traditional art forms to create meaningful and unforgettable experiences?
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