Blog Post Six: First Art Fair Participation: Kensington Metropark Art Fair in Midford, Michigan
First Art Fair Participation: Kensington Metropark Art Fair in Midford, Michigan
Welcome back, my interested readers! Today, I'm thrilled to share my unforgettable experience of participating in my very first art fair – the Kensington Metropark Art Fair 2023 in Midford, Michigan. If you've ever considered applying to an art fair or are simply curious about what it's like, this blog is for you. In my previous post, I delved into the process of applying to the fair, but now I'm excited to take you on a journey through the actual event.
Before we dive in, I must confess that I originally intended to write this blog right after the event, so everything would be fresh in my mind. However, my other job (not photography-related) unexpectedly whisked me away to Asia for a while, and I couldn't pen down my thoughts as quickly as I hoped. Nevertheless, I'll do my best to recount the entire experience as vividly as possible.
Now, as the dust settles from the Kensington Metropark Art Fair weekend, it's been almost two months since Jeff and I packed up my tent, bidding farewell to the lovely park and all the incredible people I met. The results of the fair were a mixed bag – not as fruitful as I had imagined (we all hope for the best), but definitely not as disappointing as my nervous self had feared. I managed to sell some of my favorite prints, and the feedback from art enthusiasts was far more positive than I had ever anticipated. In addition, the traffic to my website reached astonishing heights, and I'm thrilled to have gained potential clients interested in other prints and even some future repeat buyers.
Now, you might be wondering, am I glad it's all over? To that, I must answer with a hesitant "yes and no." Participating in the art fair was undeniably a labor of love, but it wasn't a walk in the park, (you see what I did there?). As a first-timer, putting everything together demanded a tremendous amount of effort and time. I questioned myself repeatedly on how to best prepare my inventory – What types of prints should I take? Large or small framed prints? Acrylic, metal, canvas, or prints on backings? And the pricing dilemma! I wanted to strike the perfect balance – not underselling myself but not being exorbitant either. It was an artist's dilemma, to say the least.
To ensure my limited edition prints were well-organized, each categorized, numbered, and signed, I also had to meticulously archive them. I created cards detailing the photography technique used for each shot, along with pricing and other vital information. Additionally, I filled out all the certificates of authenticity and neatly tucked them into envelopes, paired with business cards. The last thing I wanted was to forget something crucial, so I may have gone slightly overboard and taken more office supplies than necessary – just in case.
Let's talk about setup day. Fortunately, we were informed by Mark Loeb of Integrity Shows, the organizer of the fair, that we could set up the day before the event. I'm eternally grateful for that decision, as it spared us from the rush and allowed us ample time to prepare. But, as luck would have it, we forgot the drill to attach the footings to the grid walls during setup, as we watched our neighbor quickly put his up.
Before the Kensington Metropark Art Fair opened its doors, Jeff and I arrived early to ensure everything was picture-perfect. We couldn't help but notice the seasoned participants with their large canopy tents, fancy display panels, and trendy logo merchandise. Their setups were a breeze (unlike ours), and we learned a valuable lesson – never forget the drill!
Now, I must admit, I had some preconceived anxieties about my fellow artists. Spending time on social media's artists and photography pages exposed me to some dreadful attitudes and negative behaviors. I feared how other artists would perceive my booth and my work, especially since this was my first big show. Nervously, I hoped for both constructive feedback and a genuine appreciation of the hard work I put into my photography.
To my immense relief, the participants at the fair were an amazing bunch! We interacted with many wonderful artists who showed genuine support and camaraderie. Gone were my fears as I exchanged business cards, stories, and advice with my newfound art family.
Allow me to give a special shout-out to some of the incredible artists I met during the event:
Michael Cover: An artist with a unique talent for crafting beautiful stained-glass pieces, specializing in solid wood-framed glass. He's also a former police officer and author of "Beyond the Badge," a captivating book about his experiences. He and his lovely wife Evelyn, were the first people to greet us when we arrived, and it was a delight to have them as neighbors.
Carolyn Garay: A visual artist whose wild and whimsical paintings take viewers on a journey through her fantastic imagination. Some of her art has the power to make people blush and laugh simultaneously.
Catherine Adamkiewicz (Siena Becket): A talented photographer and abstract artist whose striking paintings of flowers feature bold colors, intricate patterns, and mesmerizing compositions.
Laura Higle (That Moment, Click LLC): A gifted landscape photographer who captures the earth's beauty and shares her vision through stunning images. I was delighted to bump into her again at the Wyandotte Street Fair last weekend.
Anthony R. Brass: A versatile artist who wears multiple creative hats – painter, graphic designer, musician, and friend. His nature paintings of landscapes and animals transport viewers to a magical realm.
Chris Hipple (Worker Bee Jewelry) and his bee helper, Shannon Hoy: Chris's work is unlike anything I've seen before. He's a skilled silversmith who creates jewelry cast from the remains of honeybees, honoring these magnificent creatures and preserving their memory forever.
Throughout the fair, I was fortunate to have some dear friends and family visit me, adding warmth and support to my new adventure. However, I must admit that managing interactions with visitors while attending to friends was a bit challenging. Note to self: Give everyone your undivided attention next time!
The weather during the fair was sweltering, but we had fans to help us keep cool. If you ever decide to participate in an art fair, I highly recommend bringing lots of water and staying hydrated. Kudos to Mark Loeb and the Integrity Shows team, who kindly checked on us throughout the day, providing snacks and ensuring our well-being.
Now, the highlight of the entire show for me was a touching moment with an older gentleman. He sat about 10 feet away in his walker, observing my booth while his daughter looked inside. Eventually, he decided to come in, and he spent a good 10 minutes gazing at my Pt. Reyes ship print. Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched him connect with my photograph, and when he left, I mustered the courage to share that it was my first art fair, and he made the whole experience worth it. He thanked me, though his speech was limited, and I saw his daughter wiping away tears. That touching encounter made the entire event valuable, knowing that my work connected with someone on such a profound level, evoking cherished memories.
As the fair came to an end, the feeling was bittersweet. Parting ways with the amazing people I had met – customers, attendees, and fellow participants – left me wondering if our paths would ever cross again. Nevertheless, after three long days of intense heat and heartwarming connections, I felt both satisfied and eager for some well-deserved relaxation until the next fair.
A few days after the art fair, my inbox was graced with heartwarming emails from some of the attendees. One message, in particular, stood out – a kind lady who had read a couple of my blogs sent me a beautiful note of positive reinforcement. It felt like the cherry on top of the already delightful event.
Receiving such encouraging feedback from someone who appreciated my work and took the time to read my blogs filled me with immense joy and gratitude. It reinforced my belief in the power of art to connect with others on a profound level. It's moments like these that make all the effort and hard work that went into preparing for the art fair so worthwhile.
Knowing that my photography and words had touched someone's heart and left a positive impact made me even more passionate about continuing my artistic journey. This wonderful gesture from a kind stranger will forever hold a special place in my heart and serve as a constant reminder of the meaningful connections that art can create.
As I look back on my first art fair experience at the Kensington Metropark, I can't help but feel grateful for the fantastic people I met, the memories I made, and the valuable lessons I learned. It was a journey of self-discovery, courage, and creative expression, and I'm excited to see where this artistic adventure will take me next.
To all my readers and fellow artists, thank you for joining me on this incredible ride. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me, and I can't wait to share more of my art and experiences with you in the future.
Until then, keep creating, keep inspiring, and always believe in the power of art to touch lives and create meaningful connections.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Lora Grant
Contact information of the other participants:
Michael Cover: https://www.facebook.com/MCOStainedglass/
Carolyn Garay: https://www.carolyngaray.com
Catherine Adamkiewicz (Siena Becket): https://www.sienabecket.com/about-the-artist
Laura Higle (That Moment, Click LLC): https://laurahigle.slickpic.site
Anthony R. Brass: https://www.anthonyrbrass.com
Chris Hipple (Worker Bee Jewelry): https://workerbeejewelry.com
Blog Post Five: Applying for Entry into the Prestigious National Ann Arbor Street Art Fair
Applying for Entry into the Prestigious National Ann Arbor Street Art Fair
Art fairs are a wonderful ritual of expressive self. To walk through the crowds looking for that right individual piece that says, “this is me”! A person can always go to Pier 1 and Home Goods to get artistic pieces for the home, but why not pay for a piece of art this is entirely for you. In some cases, it could be less expensive than a massed produced piece of art you find at superstores. Art is for collection, to admire, to use as a conversational piece, and it’s forever.
Being a photographer, many people consider photo prints as art, and since the art world is completely saturated with AI-Generated Art, and phone photography, it can be a little tricky to stand out and have people notice your work. I have done the research and talked to a lot of other photographers. They say it can take years to be recognized as a gifted and professional photographer whom people will take seriously. Especially when doing “fine art” photography. Many photographers get into other genres to survive, like wedding or portrait photography. However, sometimes that takes them away from what they love to shoot. One way to be noticed by art collectors, gallery owners, curators, and local media outlets, is to enter art fairs. So, I decided to submit my application to the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, and I am writing this post for anyone interested in participating in an art fair, and what I learned in the process.
Art fairs are not only to sell your creative ambitions but to do so by making direct sales without paying commissions. As I mentioned previously, it’s also an excellent opportunity to meet art collectors, curators, and gallery owners from around the globe. I realize that many artists do not want to socialize with the public and would love to work in the studio or out in the field. However, “people cannot completely distance themselves from commerce, because that is kind of what makes this system work” (Nicholas, 2016).
There are other reasons why entering art fairs is a great idea. There is a connection between curators to see what’s new and trending, and networking with buyers and other artists, while motivating each other with creative inspiration. Also, your exposure while attending an art fair is an excellent marketing platform and may help get you into solo exhibitions. As a photographer, the opportunity to participate in the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is one that I take very seriously. The fair is known for its high standards and quality, as it is juried selected. A panel of experts carefully reviews each application and selects the artists and photographers who they believe have the best and most unique work to showcase. An average of 450 people apply, and then there are 70 automatically exempt artists, with only 130 people to participate; this leaves only 60 new contenders to be selected. The anticipation of entering the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, held in July 2023, is both nerve-wracking and exciting. The thought of showcasing my artwork to the masses, with over 500,000 attendees, is overwhelming and thrilling, as curators and gallery owners will scout the exhibitors.
So, let's take a deep dive into the semantics of it all. First, I have never applied to an art fair before, and this has been a learning curve of research, and asking questions to other artists from a recent art fair I walked around. The Ann Arbor Street Art Festival application process is rigorous and intense, there are many rules and regulations, and I had to submit four of my best photographs and create a mock-up of my tent display (I had no clue what a mock-up tent display was and did some research and saw that some people made sketch drawings of their set-up). To apply, I had to go through ZAPP (https://www.zapplication.org), a site that enables artists to apply online to multiple arts shows through one central website. The online application process also allows artists to upload digital artwork images for jury review directly. (“About ZAPP® - ZAPPlication”) The result is that all artwork in the system is in a consistent, high-quality, digital format. The digital images are presented to the jurors of each show, and the system allows them to score online.
Then, I envisioned my work hanging, with a covered table nearby to hold boxes of smaller prints, The display must be visually appealing and reflect the quality of my work. I submitted my photos, did a mock-up drawing, then completed my application. Lucky for me, I was emailed by the artist coordinator to explain that by selecting photography as my category, I was not allowed to submit any photo manipulation prints (that would have to be another application of digital art), but only work that could be modified through a dark room. Also, my mock-up “drawing” (which I initially thought would be allowed) was inadequate to the jury's qualifications. I needed to borrow or buy a display tent as the jury is looking for artists with high skill and creativity and those with professional and visually appealing displays. I understand why. It takes time to find the right products for display purposes, and it should look like an art gallery and not a junkyard. Plus, they (the jury) want to see if you have high-quality prints and if there is enough product to sell throughout the three days of the fair.
So back to the drawing board, I had to remove one of my favorite pieces as it was a manipulated edit and change it with a realistic photo. Since I had to make a tent set-up, I made sure all my prints which were not framed or acrylic wall mounts, were prepared with backings, matting, and sleeve bags, as well as signed, and numbered for the limited edition (which is also required). I also provide a certificate of authenticity and log everything into my archive ledger for each piece. That took me four days, but it needed to be done. Next, I had to research the tents and stands that would hold my pieces to be displayed. I spoke with another photographer, and he mentioned looking at Artist Garage on Facebook, as someone is always selling displays there. I looked, and due to deadlines on the entry application, I decided to get a tent from Amazon.com. Now, just so you know, do not get a colored tent, as they can change the color of your prints, and if it's cloudy or nighttime, the tent will make it darker, and people will have a hard time seeing the image. Just a simple white tent is what all artists seem to appeal to.
Next, I needed to find strong stands to hold my work. I saw some at a recent art fair in St. Pete’s Beach on Corey Avenue a couple of months ago but forgot to ask what they were called. It took me a while, but I discovered they are called “grid walls.” They have many different styles, and I admit, I wished I went with the one that had a bottom stand to them, as when they arrived, they were cumbersome, and I was worried that they would not hold up on the tent bar. Since my tent is 10x10x10, I got 12 6x2 grid walls. With help, we set up the tent for my mock-up picture to submit in the application. It was a little dicey, as it was not very stable when hanging the grid walls to the tent bar and the photos on the walls, and I was anxious that the images might fall. But I did my best and took some pictures to submit.
A few days later, I ordered the stands, and when we set them up, it was a breath of fresh air, as it was completely stable and looked quite lovely. I also learned I had to buy a “Square” for payment. Square comes in tablet sizes and a tiny 2”x 2” piece that can connect to my phone. It takes time, but I will have to input all my prints, prices, and photos of those prints as it tracks the inventory and stores emails of new customers who purchase the prints. It’s quite the application, as it connects to my PayPal, bank account, and website and calculates taxes and averages of spending. It’s an excellent tool for the business side of retail.
Lastly, if invited to the fair, participants must purchase the space, which could be from $650-$800, and an extra $70 for a corner spot. The jury selects where each person will showcase their work, and being a newbie, one hopes you get a great location. This is not a cheap endeavor; many moving parts and expenses exist. As the saying goes, “you need to spend money to make money,” which is evident in the fairs. So please shop local and go to a fair!
As I write this blog, I await the outcome, which will be on February 24th. So, I decided to wait to publish this blog until I know, but I understand that the competition is fierce and that not everyone who applies will be selected, but I am confident in my work and my display. I hope the jury will see the passion and skill that I have put into my photography on my website and that they will select me to participate in the fair. Winning a spot in the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is a tremendous honor and an excellent opportunity for any artist or photographer, as it will allow them to showcase their work to thousands of people and potentially gain new customers and even representation. I am excited to see what the future holds, and I wish good luck to all the applicants.
A few days later……...
As time is getting closer, I have been eagerly awaiting the decision of the jury, which is made up of four individuals with the task of reviewing all the applicants and determining who meets the criteria of the prestigious art fair. With the notification date approaching, I hope to receive the good news that I have been selected to participate in the fair. The wait is nail-biting, but the excitement of potentially being invited to showcase my photography to the world is worth it.
I’ve been notified……
So, I received the email and was notified that I was NOT invited to participate in the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair. Unfortunately, the jury never gave me feedback so I could determine what went wrong and what I needed to do to change my applications. I believe it was the verbiage I used, as I could not change it the second time, and my mock-up wasn’t very prestigious looking. I hope that was the case and not that they didn’t like my prints.
So, I learned from that experience, and I wasn’t going to let it bring me down, and lucky for me, there was another art fair with a deadline to register coming up, and it was also local. This is the Kensington Metropark Art Fair https://www.kensingtonartfair.com held for three days over Memorial Day Weekend; it was rated as one of the best art fairs in Michigan. So, I decided to wait for the outcome before posting this blog, and I got the email today stating that I AM invited to the Kensington Metropark Art Fair. Well, that put a pep in my step and gave me my confidence back, and I’m hoping to see you there.
In conclusion, I have been working hard to perfect my craft, and I am confident that the jury and the fair's visitors will receive my artwork well. This opportunity would be a huge step forward in my career, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.
References:
Nicholas, K. (February 19, 2016). 5 Critical Reasons Artists Should Attend Art Fairs: https://www.google.com/amp/s/blog.indiewalls.com/2016/02/5-critical-reasons-artists-should-attend-art-fairs%3fhs_amp=true
ZAPP (N.D.). Event Lists: https://www.zapplication.org
If you have any suggestions or comments, please feel free to contact me, I would love to hear from you.
Blog Post Four: Presbyopia: Being a Photographer with Aging Eyes
Presbyopia: Being a Photographer with Aging Eyes
Hey everyone. I wanted to blog about a common problem that people face on a day-to-day basis, especially those who are in the field of needing to have good vision to achieve creativity. Presbyopia! This is a Greek word that means “Old eye,” and being a photographer, it can be a challenging and rewarding profession, but it can also be difficult, especially when developing conditions like presbyopia, which makes it harder to review images in the viewfinder after taking shots, and to see the settings, lighting, and focusing. This can also be incredibly challenging when trying to do post-editing and ensuring that the images are seen how you want them to be seen. At one point, I almost made the decision to give up my photography, as I considered that without my proper eyesight, I would never achieve the images that I wanted to share, as I could not see what I was producing. This blog will discuss presbyopia, the daily difficulties that photographers and many others deal with, and suggestions on how to combat the vision quest.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or work in the field of ophthalmology or medicine. This blog post is purely only on personal experiences and internet research.
Presbyopia is a condition where the eye's lens loses its ability to change shape and focus on nearby objects, making it complicated to read small print or do close-up tasks, such as threading a needle, tying shoelaces, or even looking at a smartphone. It is a normal part of the aging process and usually begins to occur in people around the age of 40. Presbyopia can be a hindrance to people because it can make it difficult to do daily activities and continue working in jobs that require close-up vision, such as those in the medical field or manufacturing. Additionally, people may experience headaches, eye strain, and other symptoms caused by the effort of trying to focus on close-up objects. However, Presbyopia may be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
As a photographer, I've always had a passion for capturing the beauty of the world around me. However, I've developed presbyopia in recent years, making reviewing images on the camera's LCD screen or viewfinder difficult. This can make checking for proper focus, exposure, and composition harder, making it more difficult to catch mistakes or adjust. To overcome this challenge, like me, some photographers may need to use glasses or magnifying tools to help them see the images more clearly. Most cameras have viewfinders with a diopter adjustment that can be customized so that you can focus the image within the viewfinder without needing contact lenses or eyeglasses (Vorenkamp, 2016).
Another challenge for presbyopia photographers is remembering to bring glasses when shooting. This can be a hassle, especially when traveling or working in remote locations, and can also be a source of anxiety as you don’t want to miss a shot. I have forgotten my glasses on a few occasions, and in some cases hiked for miles to get those perfect shots, went to look for my glasses, and realized that I did not bring them. The only thing I could do was to hope for the best, and also take auto-focus shots. I recommend always having a checklist so as not to leave anything behind. Lesson learned there.
I also found that post-editing can be challenging for photographers with presbyopia. Zooming in and out to check for focus and other details can be difficult and time-consuming, and adjusting can be overwhelming. This can make it harder to achieve the desired look and feel for an image and make it more challenging to ensure that it is seen how you want it to be.
Many well-known photographers have lousy eyesight but still manage to produce great images like Francesco Nacchia and Walter Rothwell who create extraordinary photos, and charm magazines and editorials around the world (Midcounty Post, N.D.). It's important to remember that presbyopia does not have to be a hindrance to creating images. With the right tools and techniques, photographers can continue to create beautiful work and share it with the world. And, by embracing the unique perspective that presbyopia can bring, photographers can create truly unique and meaningful photos.
Photographers, who are dealing with presbyopia can overcome the condition and use it to their advantage in several ways:
1. Use magnifying tools: Photographers can use magnifying tools such as a loupe or magnifying glasses to help them see their images more clearly on the camera's LCD screen or viewfinder. This can make checking for proper focus, exposure, and composition easier, making it less difficult to catch mistakes or adjust. A photographer could use a lighted handheld magnifier, a Smartphone like the iPhone or Samsung that come equipped with a magnifier, or even a multipurpose recognition or magnifying app.
2. There are high-powered reading glasses or smart glasses embedded with a camera that records and transmits footage to screens in the glasses (Marvasti, 2019).
3. Adapt to the condition: Photographers can learn to adapt to the condition by learning how to work with it. This can include learning to hold the camera at a distance that works for them and adjusting the camera settings to suit their needs.
4. Use post-processing software: Photographers can use post-processing software to adjust their images after taking the shot, like Adobe Photoshop. This can include cropping, adjusting exposure, and sharpening the image. This can help them achieve the desired look and feel for their images and make it easier to see the details of the image.
5. Share your experience: Photographers can share their experience with others and let them know they are not alone. They can share tips and tricks that they have learned to help others who are dealing with the same condition.
6. Future technology: Photographers can also look into the future technology advancements in camera manufacturing that cater to the needs of photographers with presbyopia. Cameras with adjustable viewfinders or built-in reading glasses could be a game-changer for photographers.
7. To make it better and less stressful, photographers can also consider taking breaks, resting their eyes, and having regular eye check-ups to ensure the condition is stable.
There is ample opportunity for camera manufacturers to develop products that cater to the needs of photographers with presbyopia; this could include advances in technology that make it easier to review images and adjust. For example, cameras with larger LCD screens or built-in magnification tools may become more common, which would make it easier for photographers to see their images more clearly. Cameras with adjustable viewfinders or built-in reading glasses could be a game-changer for photographers like me. There could also be more collaboration between camera manufacturers and eye-care professionals to create products that help photographers with presbyopia. Additionally, post-editing software may continue to improve, making it easier to zoom in and out and adjust without struggling with the details.
Despite these frustrations, I refuse to let presbyopia stop me from doing what I love. I've found ways to adapt and continue shooting and creating beautiful images. I've also found that my presbyopia gives me a unique perspective on the world, and I've captured images in a way I couldn't before, sometimes a bit blurrier, but the outcome is visually satisfying. Overall, being a photographer with presbyopia can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. With the right tools and techniques, it is possible to continue shooting and creating beautiful images and to continue sharing those images with the world. It's also important to share my personal experience and let others know they are not alone, and look towards future technology that could help us overcome our presbyopia's struggles, and allow us to continue to share the beauty we see with the world through our lenses.
If you have any suggestions or comments, please feel free to contact me, I would love to hear from you.
References:
Marvasti, A. M.D. (November 5, 2019). 15 Tools to Help you See: https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/low-vision-tools-and-products
May Clinic (November 20, 2021). Presbyopia: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/symptoms-causes/syc-20363328#:~:text=Presbyopia%20is%20the%20gradual%20loss,worsen%20until%20around%20age%2065.
Midcounty Post (N.D.) Photography For People With Poor Eyesight And Vision Problems: https://www.themidcountypost.com/photography-for-people-with-poor-eyesight-and-vision-problems/
Vorenkamp, T. July 18, 2016. Calibrating the Diopter of Your Camera: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/calibrating-the-diopter-of-your-camera
Blog Post Three: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Generated Art Phenomenon
AI-Generated ART
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in the art world in recent years, with many people questioning the validity of AI-Generated Art and its place in it. Some argue that it is a valuable addition to the art world, while others say it is nothing more than a cheap imitation of traditional Art. In this blog post, I will explore the pros and cons of AI-generated and classic Art and discuss why some traditional artists may be unhappy with the rise of AI Art.
Unless you live on a deserted island and have yet to hear, an international movement in the art world has been increasing quickly. However, there are a lot of awkward questions and uncertainty about how this will be used. Will it replace traditional artists, graphic artists, photographers, media marketers, and many other careers where people rely on their visual content expertise as their bread and butter?
A significant argument going back and forth between artists and newly discovered "art creators/directors” is that AI is not Art, and what it truly is, is theft from known artists that can easily be searched on the internet. Artists also argues that the people making these images are not artists, but merely typists, and may even go as far as, say directors, as in, one who is directing AI the image they want to create through word prompts, or using a photo to make a more intricate image, known as image-to-image.
One of the main advantages of AI-Generated Art is that it can be created quickly and easily. With the help of computer algorithms and machine learning, AI can generate highly detailed, complex, and unique Art. This can save artists a lot of time and effort and allow them to create new and exciting works that would be difficult or impossible to make by hand.
Another advantage of AI-Generated Art, is that it can be created with high precision and accuracy. Unlike traditional Art, which is subject to the whims of the artist's hand and the materials used, AI-Generated Art can be created with high consistency and predictability. This can make it easier for artists to create highly detailed and precise works and make it easier for Art collectors and buyers to predict the outcome of a piece of Art.
However, there are also some downsides to AI-Generated Art. One of the main criticisms of AI-Generated Art is that it is not truly "art" in the traditional sense. Many argue that a human artist creates faithful Art and AI-Generated Art is just a computer-generated imitation.
Furthermore, AI-Generated Art lacks the emotional connection that traditional Art has; since its created by a machine, it doesn't have the human touch or the personal experience that the conventional artist puts into their work. Many artists say "Art is about human emotion and a certain skill...Art is about looking for something that cannot be put into words." However, the great artist David Hockney stated “what an artist is trying to do for people is bring them closer to something, because of course art is about sharing. You wouldn’t be an artist unless you wanted to share an experience, a thought” (2021). Is that not what AI-Generated Art is designed for? To share? Can people come together and create in ways they could not before AI? This brings an emotional connection for people to learn from each other on an international level, that has not happened in the past.
Moreover, some traditional artists are unhappy with the rise of AI-Generated Art because they believe it threatens their livelihoods. They argue that AI-Generated Art is cheaper and easier to produce than traditional Art, which could decrease demand for conventional Art and the prices that traditional artists can charge for their work. This is already happening on many levels, especially for graphic artists, i.e. book cover designers. A novelist or publishing company would hire graphic designers to create their book covers, but now, they can do it themselves with some word prompts and without the cost of hiring an artist to do it for them.
Despite the criticisms, many artists are beginning to embrace AI in their Art and are finding new and exciting ways to use it. For example, the artist Eduardo Kac is known for his art pieces that use bio-art and genetic engineering; he uses AI to create a new organism that he then integrates into his art pieces.
Personally, as a photographer, I have mixed views of the use of AI. Especially how real it can make an image look like a photograph. Also, the fact that when I launched my website in August 2022, it was only a matter of days before I discovered AI-Generated Art that was unleashed to the masses, and my heart dropped because I had worked so hard on this site, along with years of working on my photography skills. However, I have been embracing it to learn more about the assistance it may provide me in the future. You’ll see some prints on my site, but I promise always to be as ethical as possible and disclose which images are AI Art (as in this blog-featured photo). There have been reports of people selling images as graphic art or paintings, and photo likeness and passing them off as something they made themselves without the assistance of AI. These acts will create distrust in the communities, and buyers will be wary of being taken advantage of.
In conclusion, while AI-Generated Art has some advantages, such as speed and precision, it also has some downsides, such as the lack of emotional connection and the threat it poses to traditional artists' livelihoods. Ultimately, it is up to the art world and society to decide whether AI-Generated Art has a place in the world of Art. It's important to remember that AI-Generated Art is not meant to replace traditional Art, but to complement it and open new doors for creative expression.
References:
Bartlem, E. (N.D.). Immersive Artificial Life (A-Life) Art: https://www.ekac.org/edwina.html
Kundu, R. (October 25, 2022). AI-Generated Art: From Text to Images & Beyond (Examples): https://www.v7labs.com/blog/ai-generated-art
Printed Editions (February 5, 2021). David Hockney Quotes on Art and Life: https://www.printed-editions.com/blog/david-hockney-quotes/
Video Production With AI: How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing The Film Industry: https://www.gopoint.com/ai-is-changing-the-film-industry/
Blog Post Two: The Ups and Downs of Drones for Beginners
…..a thousand words
Welcome back everyone. So, I thought I would write about the latest experience in my photography world: I decided to expand my photo boundaries and get a drone! I have been looking into drones for a few years now, but I had conflicting views as they can be annoying to those who are not in the drone universe. I remember paddleboarding in the Gulf of Mexico, and someone flew a drone right over me and they kept it there for some time. I felt that it was invading my privacy, and it seemed a little creepy to be honest, especially with that buzzing noise hovering over me.
Now, over the years, I have witnessed some beautiful drone photography, especially during the fall and winter months. Capturing the vibrant colors from above as the summer abandons us and introduces the next season of fluffy white sparkling snow over the trees, making that winter wonderland that we dream of as a child.
I thought how I would love to capture these moments and share it on my website, but I didn’t want to be the person that people send the evil eye to as I am bothering their silent content. I decided that if I get a drone, I will use it for nature, and leave the humans alone. So, after months of researching, I got a DJI Mini 2 Drone for my birthday. It has a 4.8 star ranking on Google review, it’s compact, has 4K quality video (horizontal display resolution of approximately 4,000 pixels), 3 axis gimbal (which is that camera head the swivels around to take different angles for videos and photos), Ocusync 2.0 easy to shoot feature (transmission system that communicates between the remote control and the drone), and the price is right for a beginner.
Before flying a drone, it is the responsibility of the operator to make sure they abide by the laws and regulations. Since the DJI Mini 2 is under 0.55 pounds, this drone does not need to be registered. However, if one uses it for commercial purposes, then you must fly under the requirements of Part 107 FAA rules, pass the FAA test, and register the drone. Since I will be using the drone for commercial photography business, this is an absolute requirement that is needed.
So now that I got that out of the way, I had a few issues in the beginning, especially trying to connect this typical model to my Samsung Galaxy Ultra S21. For some reason the app from the Play Store is not compatible with this model of phone (due to Samsung updates). However, if you go to the DJI website, there is a direct link to download, which works well. Like most technical merchandise, there are no instructions on how to use the product (saves paper), so I went to a few YouTube videos to try and figure it out, that is, how to start it, what’s next, etcetera, and it seemed easy enough.
Alright, now if your attention span is anything like mine, you’re getting bored of the technical aspect of the drone, so let’s move on. I tested it out a few times in my backyard, and it was freaky in the beginning. It’s hard to explain, but I felt like I was doing something dark and evil, maneuvering it up and down, and around. Maybe it’s from all those Syfi and Spy movies I have watched over the years. After a while, I started to get used to it, but still a little green and nervous to fly it. A couple of weeks ago, I felt confident to take it to a local park close by and get some photos of the beautiful arch bridges that remind me of Europe. I have taken quite a few photos in the past of these bridges and was excited to get them from the water’s view. What I should have done, is to go to an open-air park, away from everyone and practice, practice, practice, as it did not go as I planned. I started off well, flying it around, keeping my eye on it, trying to capture some photos, but then some people started to walk across the bridge, and I didn’t want to bother them, so I went further away down the water’s path to get some photos from afar. As I did so, I was moving it back and forth, and moved it too fast to one side, and it hit a tree and plopped right into the water. Well, that was that. I had no way to get to it as there were trees and vegetation in the way. So, I decided to go home, get my paddleboard, and go back and look for it. I did, and it didn’t take too long to locate it, over 3 feet down in a canal off the Detroit River, but the bottom light was still lit, and it was submerged for at least for 45 minutes (there is hope). I had to jump into the water and retrieve it and try to figure out the next step (which was to Google for advice). The first thing was to remove the battery, then dry out the drone, which I did. I put it next to a fan for about 6 hours, then bought some DampRid and placed it into a bag with the drone for almost 24 hours. In the meantime, I charged the battery that was submerged, and it charged with no issues. Still hope! When I went to test the drone, the lights came on, but there were some funky blinking actions happening, and the camera head (gimbal) was not moving. I investigated more YouTube videos, and decided to take the saftest route, and send it in to DJI and see if they can repair it. Unfortunately, due to COVID, and lack of personnel, there was a disclaimer stating it may take some time to even look at it.
So now I wait patiently for the result to see if it’s repairable, or what next steps I needed to take, to get my drone photography photos happening. Oh wait………as I was writing this blog, I just got an email from DJI stating that is has been evaluated from the repair team. The listed repair cost will be $161.00. The price one pays for being unprepared and inexperience. Lesson learned. Moving forward, I will get insurance for the drone, and make sure I am a more experienced drone operator before I fly near any waterways. Until then, please check out my website.
Blog Post One: Introduction
It all begins with an idea.