AI art is everywhere — plastered as posters around the school, in the newsletter, on presentations, and even coloring pages available in the library. This usage has begun to bother many artists, and Ollie Cavenaile, senior, has decided to do something about it.
“Our school has a surplus of artists; there is an art department full of students — an entire honors society — dedicated to combatting AI and making real art. And that is what I wanted to do. I wanted people to turn to artists first instead of AI,” Cavenaile said.
AI usage has been steadily increasing since it first became accessible to people, and it can seem to be a useful tool.
“I like to see how AI visualizes details and the options of backgrounds that fit with the topic I am talking about, “ Baraa Rashid, English teacher, said.
AI appears to help teachers and students alike in the moment, but in the long run, it causes damage to both the environment and artists, which some feel can greatly outweigh the quick and “creative” imagery it produces.
According to the Associated Press, AI is a dangerous force that causes irreversible harm to the planet: “Larger centers can consume up to 5 million gallons (18.9 million liters) a day.”
Cavenaile is not only helping fight against AI’s environmental impact but its impact on artists as well. By offering to help out others with his artistic abilities, Cavenaile is reiterating that there are other options. And Cavenaile isn’t the only student willing to help. If people take a moment to reach out to the artistic people they know, they will find someone happy to help.
In the end, though, creating art is not that hard to do without AI. There are templates available, or people can try it freehand.
“I try to avoid using AI in any capacity. I’ll crudely create it myself or ask someone artistic for assistance,” Scott Kupka, English teacher, said.
Cavenaile can be reached through his Instagram account @ollie.cav_ or school email: [email protected] to learn more about his goal or to ask for art to be created.
“Art is always accessible, and anyone can make it, no matter your skill level. If you don’t want to use traditional art, digital art apps and Canva are good resources to draw and build skills with a program,” Cavenaile said. “In an increasingly digital world, graphic design and art being used to combat AI is becoming more prevalent. Art will always have a field; anyone can create.”
