- 3 min read
I recently had the privilege of joining a panel discussion at the Reno Tahoe International Art Festival, expertly hosted by Lance Glasser, who guided us through a deep dive into the impact of AI on sculpture. It was a fascinating and important conversation, one that delved into how this rapidly evolving technology might affect the future of our fine art form. As a sculptor who has spent decades honing my skills, I’ve been thinking a lot about how AI might influence the work we do, both creatively and commercially.
The panel featured some incredibly talented artists, including Adrian Landon, Varvàra Fern, and Karl Lansing. Each brought their own perspective on AI’s potential to change the art world. One of the key themes of our discussion was whether AI threatens the authenticity of our art or if it can serve as a useful tool to enhance the creative process.
On AI’s Role in Art
Most of the collectors I speak with say they’d lose confidence in an artist’s integrity if they discovered AI was heavily involved in creating the work. That sentiment stuck with me. There’s a trust between the artist and the collector, and I worry that AI might undermine that trust. For me, great art comes from a unique vision, one that AI can’t replicate because it only looks backward, not forward.
Karl Lansing’s Concerns
Karl raised a valid concern about where the line is drawn between an artist’s work and the machine’s contribution. He explained how he could physically alter a sculpture, like
repositioning a moose, but AI might one day be able to do that with the click of a button. As he said, “At what point do I ask myself, is that my creation, or is that a machine creating it for me?” His fear is that the art loses its life when AI handles the heavy lifting.
Varvàra Fern’s Perspective
Varvàra had an interesting take. She’s used AI as a tool, but primarily as a reference, like a virtual assistant. As she put it, “I don’t think I would ever ask AI to generate work for me because I want to do it myself. It’s the fun part. I don’t want to give it to somebody else.” She emphasized that AI can speed up some of the more tedious processes, like tweaking proportions, but it can never replace the joy of creation for her.
Adrian Landon’s Call for Transparency
Adrian echoed a concern many of us have about honesty in the art world. He argued that there should be regulations around disclosing how much AI is used in creating a piece. “There should be some standards... It should be labeled to what percentage is the final product aided by AI or not.” For Adrian, it’s about allowing buyers to make informed decisions about the value and authenticity of the work.
Final Thoughts
What I walked away with from this discussion is the belief that AI is a tool—but a tool that requires careful consideration. I’m skeptical that AI can ever truly create “great” art, but I acknowledge that it has its place in the creative process. As artists, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our work remains authentic and true to our vision, even as technology advances.
A special thanks to Lance Glasser for organizing and moderating this insightful panel. His thoughtful guidance helped us navigate a complex topic and explore how AI might shape the future of sculpture.
What do you think—can AI ever truly create great art, or will it always require the hand and vision of a human?
