AI and Summer Experiments
“Primary Objectives”, acrylic triptych comprised of 3 canvases, each 20" x 20"
I know some artists are becoming concerned about the future of art in the era of Artificial Intelligence. Actually many people are concerned about the impact of AI on just about everything, particularly journalism and political campaigning. Teachers are wondering how to evaluate student essays and more basic homework when it is more and more difficult to determine if students are actually generating their own work, their own thinking. Personally I barely understand the whole AI industry and probably I should be concerned about a lot more than the future of “original” art. Digital manipulation alone brought about concerns, and some organizations now ask for explanations of any digital components when artists submit “original” work. I’m sure we will soon be asked to guarantee that our original artwork comes solely from our personal intelligence. And who will be able to determine the difference? AI is able to reproduce exact copies of originals and make any number of manipulations, including “replicating” an artist’s style as a new work. I am quite naïve but I keep wondering, can AI replicate inspiration? Spontaneity? Will AI works, if examined closely, really replicate the artist’s emotional energy? A robot can vacuum my living room and surgically remove a tumor, and I am sure AI can put my colors and maybe my marks on canvas, but what about the joy, or anger, or wonder that chose those colors or guided that brushstroke? Does AI replicate the experiences and feelings that generate original art (be it music or paint)? And do I really want to know the answer to that question?
While I am ignoring the future of art in the world of AI, I am taking some time this summer to experiment, to try some new materials and get back to exploring some directions that I have neglected. My first “experiment" was a triptych, taking three canvases and making a three-part composition, “Primary Objectives” (on top). The lines actually connect vertically and horizontally. I’m trying out some ideas with monotypes—a type of printing that can not be replicated as with a permanent plate, wood block, etc.—you can only do it once. I have long incorporated some monotype methods with my acrylic and mixed media work (particularly using paint on wax paper to “print” onto an acrylic painting), but I am experimenting with the monotype itself. (See “Midday at the Oasis”). I’ve also been fascinated by works using wax, either hot wax (encaustic) or cold wax, both of which enhance the effect of layering paint and materials. I took a one-day workshop introduction to using oil and cold wax. I love the effect, I dislike using oil. There is at least one product that claims to be an acrylic-compatible substitute for oil and beeswax—I will try it out. Stay tuned.
“Midday at the Oasis”, acrylic monotype on Yupo (11" x 14").
Summer tends to be a slow time at Casket Arts and other studios. It’s the season for outdoor art festivals as well as for totally different activities, vacations, etc. for artists, art collectors, and art hounds. At Casket, we have our Second Saturdays every month, but indeed our summer open studios are typically less busy. If you have favorite studios or artists you like to visit, best to check their website or e-news to see if they will be open. Studio 218 for example will not be open July 12! (Actually I am doing some photography for the Northfield Jazz festival that weekend!) Do stop by Casket if you are interested in checking out some live art. See the white board by the elevator to see which studios are open!
Studio 218 will be back with a really fun event on August 9. Two years ago I teamed up with my friend, jazz flute specialist Bobb Fantauzzo, for live “demo” of cross-inspiration. Bobb walked around the studio improvising on his flutes, while I “improvised” to the music with a variety of paints and tools and a 36 x 36 canvas. After about 45 minutes, I had a new painting. The only change I made to it was to turn it a quarter turn. The result was “Phantazzo,” a wild acrylic abstract. After I sent Bobb a digital image, he created a new work of music inspired by the painting. He put the soundtrack of the new music onto video he had recorded as I painted. We plan to have another session with his music and another blank canvas—around 2 pm on August 9. Observers welcome!
A footnote to the story of Phantazzo – the work has been displayed in several exhibits, most recently at the Dow Gallery in St Paul for the “Art of Jazz” exhibit which runs through most of July. “Phantazzo” sold during the first week of the exhibit and has a new home.
On Exhibit
“Art of Jazz” at the Dow Gallery (St Paul), through mid July. Although “Phantazzo” sold, I was asked to replace it. I still have four works hanging in this show, including the newly added “A Night With Amnesia”. It’s a very eclectic show of paintings, photographs, and textiles. The exhibit is open during Dow business hours (Monday-Saturday). 2242 University Av W, St Paul; www.dowartgallery.com
“A Night With Amnesia,” 30 x30 mixed media on canvas.
“Kaleidoscope III” at the Burl Gallery, St Paul, through August 9; reception August 2, 5-8 pm. This is the third installment of four for 2025. Using a rather vague theme, Burl Gallery’s juried exhibition series presents 65-70 works from primarily Twin Cities artists in all genres. My 30 x 30 mixed media work “Defiance” is includes in this show. Located across Prince Street from CHS Field, the Burl is open Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. 308 Prince Street, St Paul; https://burlartgallery.org
“Whiz Bang,” annual members’ summer show at the Robbin Gallery, July 10-August 3. Every July, the Robbin asks members to submit 1-3 paintings for this fun eclectic show, and at least one work is guaranteed “accepted.” So I don’t yet know which one or both of my submissions will be hanging this month. Reception July 10, 6-8 pm. 4915 42nd Av N, Robbinsdale; www.robbingallery.org
10th Annual “In. Art” Show and Competition, Hallberg Center for the Arts (Wyoming Creative Artists Community), July 17-August 16; opening reception July 17, 5-7 pm. The jurors smiled on my submission this year, and I am happy to have “Tipping Point” included in this annual exhibit. There will also be judging for monetary awards, taking place on August 14 followed by an awards ceremony. And finally, an Artists Talk with the award winners and judges will be held at 3 pm, August 16. 5521 E. Viking Blvd, Wyoming, MN. Open 2-8 pm, Tuesday-Saturday. http://wyomingcreativearts.org
Watch your online resources for news of a variety of summer exhibits and events, from art fairs to art crawls to exhibits at our long list of metro-area galleries, art centers and museums. If you have children or grandchildren (or neighbors), summer offers many ways to introduce children of all ages to art, including a lot of hands-on activities. Take them now—it’s never to early to get a jump on AI!
Andrea
612-501-8812
andreacanterartworks@gmail.com
Andrea Canter
Artist and Owner
andreacanterartworks.com
Andrea Canter Artworks
The Casket Arts Building
681 17th Ave NE, Studio 218
Minneapolis, MN 55413