TOP Reasons to Buy Art From Independent Artists and Avoid AI Art
Once upon a time, long long ago, before automated elevator systems were controlled by buttons, elevator operators or lift attendants played an important role in getting people from one place to the next. At the time, elevators required someone to manually control their movement, manage the doors, and maintain safety. However, with continued technological advancements, elevators were able to make it to the state where anyone can operate them with a simple push of a button. Although it's more convenient for the everyday user, elevator riders have lost the sense of connection with the lift man, and liftmen have of course lost their jobs.
But, what do elevators have to do with art? In much the same way, technology continues to advance. AI is now threatening the careers of everyone from lawyers, to accountants, to engineers, and even to artists. Certain advancements, like those on elevators, are considered a net positive even though job opportunities were lost. Where does computer-generated art fall on the spectrum? In this blog post we will explore the limitations of algorithmic art and all the reasons you should continue to buy from local and independent artists instead.
Why AI Art is Bad
If you've ever used ChatGPT, you'll notice that while it can write things for you, it has a very easily identifiable writing style. Artificial intelligence in art and design is much the same in that one can very easily tell when art is real or artificially generated. The art tends to lack emotional depth because of the computers and ability to understand the human experience. The art is often not intentional and lacks creativity. And perhaps most problematic, the art struggles to even be good art. AI notoriously struggles with hands, racial inclusivity, and as it pulls from other art, it is literally incapable of being original. Someday, computer-generated art could, like ChatGPT, be a good tool for supplemental creation. But we have a VERY long way to go before it can replace an actual artist.
Supporting Creativity: Why Buying Directly from Artists Matters
Investing in independent artists supports their creative innovation, and everyone within the local artistic community. By purchasing their work, you contribute to their livelihood, allow them to further pursue their passion, and create room for them to explore and make great creations. Starry Night didn't come about because Van Gogh was struggling to pay rent.
Innovation in Art from Human Artists
At this point, AI artwork can make still images and video, but because it cannot be original, you can never have anything better than what already exists. Humans have minds that allow us to innovate further. If we had left at all to artificial intelligence, the Barbie movie and Oppenheimer would have been lost works. Major art exhibitions of 2024, such as Ed Ruscha’s Now Then coming to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, would not be able to exist and captivate new audiences. While AI commodities are profitable and quick, there's a reason we say you can either do it cheap or do it well.
Authenticity Matters; Embrace Genuine Fine Artwork!
When you purchase art from an independent artist, you have the opportunity to choose to get a piece from someone who's unique perspective, emotions, and experiences align with yours. They express life through brush strokes and beauty and invite you to engage with it. Computers can never create the depth of emotion that comes from genuine human expression, and without a valuable expression, why would you waste the money and time putting something in your home?
Building Meaningful Relationships through Real-World Creations
While you may not have the opportunity to meet every artist you admire, we at Uncommon Canvas Co are frequently at events in and around Los Angeles California. Real conversations and bond building, can add to your community, and can make buying art a more fulfilling process. Even from artists you cannot meet, it's natural for their art to be embedded with personal narratives and messages. By engaging with their work you cannot only appreciate the visual aesthetic, but also connect with the artist's story and the inspiration behind their art. This connection can create stories behind every piece in your home, and allow you to have a deeper appreciation and consideration for everything around you. Life is more enriching when it's able to be meaningful!
For a meaningful piece of art of your own, you can join our artsy newsletter to receive occasional updates (we don't believe in inbox spamming) on uncommon canvas co, the LA art scene, and home decor. We'll also throw in a free phone background with its own story, impact, and original human perspective.
In conclusion, elevator buttons are not so bad. But, they do come with their own downfalls. If an elevator malfunctions, you're stuck in there for longer and those coming to help you could never be as familiar with the systems as a daily elevator operator could be. There are pros and cons to every technological advancement. While machine-generated art has the opportunity to let those without the talent create, supporting indie artists cannot be underrated. By investing in their work, you uphold authenticity, allow for creativity, and build human connections that are key to the artistic experience. Foster a vibrant and inclusive art community around you by supporting small business artists over AI generated copycats!
