"Design in the Age of AI: The Human Touch Endures" by AIC Occupational Therapy Student Michaela Hodson

In my course Cultivating Creativity, we visited the George Walter Vincent Smith Museum in Springfield, MA. Following the visit, we were tasked with an assignment to create a visual representation and presentation regarding what we learned about various art elements from our experience at the museum. I chose to create a PowerPoint presentation and was planning to compare the art elements we were provided to pictures I took at the museum. I started my PowerPoint by selecting a theme when I noticed a feature I had never seen before. This feature is called "Designer" which is an AI design creator. I put a keyword onto my first slide, "Color" and a list of different designs appeared for me to use. I thought that it would be interesting to compare how the AI interpreted the different art elements as to how I interpreted them. The way AI interprets information different than a human is interesting to consider. Humans have so many emotions and experiences to influence their interpretations while AI lacks that. AI produces whatever it thinks is the correct answer I might want to hear where I have unique thoughts and experiences making my interpretation to AI different.

Design in the Age of AI: The Human Touch Endures from ProfessorNordell

So, instead of the original idea I started with, I switched gears and presented my interpretations along with the AI images. I am majoring in Occupational Therapy, which has a lot to do with applying my knowledge and education to my clients needs. This experience in my course reminded me of what OTs do. I can imagine there will be a similar time in my future career where I will be tasked with something, and I may have a plan and start one way, but I might have to change and adapt depending on my client or the possible challenges I face. This experience was not one I was expecting to stumble upon, but I was able to learn something new and apply it to my present and future life. 

Artwork Created by AIC Student Leslie Brazeau Featured in Community Art Show

A few months ago, Professor Nordell reached out to me about an opportunity to apply to the annual community art show at The LAVA Center in Greenfield, MA. The theme of the art show was Texture. I applied on whim, hopeful I got in, but not expecting anything. I submitted my painting "Fairy in the Garden". A few months later I received an email thanking me for my submission and congratulating me on getting in!

The opening reception was a small local gathering celebrating artists. It was a great event and Professor Nordell also had his work in the show right next to mine. My family came to support and cheer me on.

Leslie with her art!

"Fairy in the Garden"

Leslie's "Fairy in the Garden" along with "Nascent Cukes" by Professor Nordell

The Future is Now - AIC History of Photojournalism Students Use AI to Understand the Impact of AI on Photojournalism

Students in professor Nordell's History of Photojournalism Class were tasked with a prompt. The following explanation summarizes of Professor Nordell's assignment, in the words of ChatGPT.

"This blog prompt calls for an exploration of AI's rapid developments, particularly its impact on               photojournalism. The assignment emphasizes experimenting with AI tools to create content about          how AI influences ethics, truth, jobs, and the perception of reality in photojournalism. Students are        encouraged to take risks, think creatively, and collaborate by posting their work on a Padlet called          "The Future is Now - AI and Photojournalism."

Students used at least one form of AI to create pieces demonstrating the implementation of AI technologies in our society and the future we inevitably will experience. Students utilized AI to create pictures, videos, and prompts. 

By: Shamar Pink Co-created with Leonardo AI & Chat GPT

Prompt: Create an outlook of brave, young people trying to fight against the world transforming from a photography-based life to an AI-led future. I also asked Chat GPT to create a small think piece on my prompt, it said" As the world shifts from photography to an AI-dominated future, a brave new generation of young creators is fighting to preserve the soul of human creativity. While AI offers instant, flawless visuals, these individuals argue that photography’s real power lies in its human touch — capturing raw, imperfect moments with emotion and depth.

Their battle isn’t against technology itself but against a culture that values speed over authentic storytelling. By using photography as a form of rebellion, they seek to remind the world that true art is rooted in human connection, not algorithms."

Co-created with Leonardo AI and Chat GPT, 10/7/24

By: Morgan Schechter Co-created with Luma

I used Luma to generate a video that showed how, in time, photojournalism would not be as meaningful due to the use of AI. The prompt I used to create this image was the downfall of photojournalism due to the use of AI. If we use AI to replace photojournalism, it will lack authenticity and the emotion we feel. It also will produce more biases, the use of AI comes with a lot of assumptions, as it took a few words to generate the short video above. This video shows a run-down building that is dark and gives off an eerie feeling. You can see the stacks of newspapers, and the cameras are broken and misused.

By: Kaylie Moran Co-created with ChatGPT & Leonardo AI

I started this assignment by asking ChatGPT what they believed members of the royal families' favorite Taylor Swift song. Each of the main members of the family was assigned songs and given a brief description as to why they were given the song. The provided descriptions that were given had something to do with family history or love life. An example that was given includes Prince William being assigned to, " The Best Day," and Kate Middleton being given, " Love Story." Both of these songs are about a fairy-tale relationship and their family history as they are raising their own children. These descriptions match their current positions in life and what is portrayed throughout the media. The next example given is Prince Harry with, "Shake it Off." His description is referring to the negative press and backlash he has received alongside his wife. Lastly, I used Leonardo.AI to create a picture that shows Taylor Swift among multiple members of the royal family.

By: Matthew Garrity Co-created with Microsoft Copilot

I had my prompt emphasize the risk humans are to themselves. A group of them building the very thing that could one day eliminate them. Artificial Intelligence is seen as the upmost level of efficiency, when AI starts being heavily integrated into government functions and databases there won't be a piece of information not known to it. As AI advances it will become more powerful and influential as well. I've already seen an abundance of pictures and videos online edited to mislead or scam people. Experts talk about the risks and how every precaution is being taken but how or when do we know AI is going to surpass us or get rid of us. We truly have no idea what AI thinks, if it can lie, if it can communicate silently with other forms of tech, or the ceiling of what is can do. It is clear as day that no on cares about the risks more than the benefits of AI, I think is has to do with the profit potential. I used Microsoft Copilot to generate this image.

By: Paola Rodriguez    Co-Created with Leonardo AI and ChatGPT

I used Leonardo AI to create an image based on the prompt "The Impact of Technology in Photojournalism." Then I went to Luma Lab- Dream Machine and utilized the previous created image for the video.  Technology has helped photojournalism, but it has affected its credibility to the viewers. Not knowing if the picture is the raw picture taken or it has been manipulated to focus a main point for the person posting the picture raises a lot of questions.  

Then I went to ChatGPT and asked the following question ...

What's the impact of technology in photojournalism? It answered with some key things that affect  photojournalism.

Accessibility and speed - with phones and cameras that fit in one's hands there is more people with the accessibility to photography. With phones the images are basically send and taken almost instantaneously leading to faster reports and updates in real time.

Quality and Versatility- advances in technology have improve the quality of the images allowing for high- resolutions photos across all planforms, digital or print.

Editing Tools-software created to edit photographs helps photographers to edit their pictures quickly enhancing their visual impact and correcting any issues really quick. 

Social media- Platforms like Instagram allow photojournalist to reach a wider audience faster but it also creates questions about accuracy. 

Drone and Aerial Photography- Drones help photojournalist to take picture from unique angles and places difficult to access.

Data Visualization- technology facilitates the faster integration of photography with data helping the telling of complex stories.

Ethical Challenges- the ease of editing and sharing has raised a lot of ethical questions. 

Virtual and Augmented Reality- these new Technologies creates a way of bringing the story to life allowing viewers to interact with the news in more interactive ways.

Art and Basketball plus a Manifesto: The Unavoidable Assertion of Art || By Graphic Arts and Design Major Rhay Porter

Part 1 - Art and Basketball: The Maestros of My Life

I think when people think of athletes, they don’t associate them studying a subject like art. They think that they probably study exercise sciences, or physical health, or even biology or nursing. I study graphic arts and design at AIC and am also on the women’s basketball team on athletic scholarship.  Click any image to enlarge.

When being a student athlete, you are constantly tested. Emotionally, physically, positively, and negatively. Being on the basketball team is a blessing for more than just keeping me in shape. Its connected me with my sisters, its taught me patience and teamwork. 

However, it has stressed me out to no end. I am a perfectionist, and so I want to do my role to the best of my ability at all times which isn’t completely possible. It connects over to my art life. When working on a piece, I’m hunched over for hours on end spending that time on the shading of one specific spot. 

When working on assignments, I constantly ask myself, “Is this good to the standard of not only my professor, but to my class? What are they going to think?” 

For both art and sports, you are exerting yourself emotionally, letting go of emotions positively and negatively through something you love and adore. I wouldn’t trade the world for my skills in art or in basketball, and I would go to war for them both. They are both mental processes that you can only perfect through time.

Part 2 - Manifesto: The Unavoidable Assertion of Art 

To read the full text of the manifesto speech Rhay delivered in Professor Borrelli's Theater and Society course click here.

The conclusion of her manifesto:

The universe will reward those courageous enough to do what they love. If what you love is painting, then you shall do it with the fluffiest blush as your sword. If what you love is writing lyrics as a musician, then you shall do it with the boldest of scriptures. The connection between artists and non are too similar to continue to discriminate. If what you love is to save lives as a doctor, then you shall save the blood of the mightiest soldier. But do not do so without the strength of your creative mind beside you. If what you love is to defend a client in court as a lawyer, then remember what inspired your solution suddenly. We pave the way for so many, and never gain the appreciation, when all we thrive for is connection. We demand to be seen.

(Rhay paused her speech at this point to reveal her artwork of Vincent Van Gogh as a doctor.)

Vincent Van Gogh created from pulling deep within himself, especially during time of need, and stress, and made something life changing from not only himself and his reputation, but the world around him. He became a household name, with his disabilities and misunderstandings of the world plaguing him at every moment. He could’ve made his life into so many things. For all we knew, he could’ve ended up a doctor, a lawyer, a singer. But he chose his inner calling and shared his life through the means of art like so many want to do, but get downgraded by society every day. Artists through time know the struggle, now we beg that the people yearn to know it too, alongside us instead of against us.

This is why I do it. This is my why. You may know me for so many things, but this is it. My breath, my air. And I only hope to continue to share with you my reason, my itch, my yearning. I only hope to inspire youth, to find theirs too. I hope the shadows that we were forced into form, with your help, into a beautiful painting that we all can experience together.

Thank you.

Click to view Rhay's photographic portraits using studio lighting.

Click to view Rhay's photographic portfolio. Click on an image to view full image.

Professor Nordell photographed Rhay competing on the court.

Digital Photography 2 Students Respond to the Prompt "Cities" and Submit Their Results to F-Stop Magazine

Striving for an authentic real-world publishing experience Digital Photography 2 students submitted images to F-Stop Magazine's group exhibition on the theme of "Cities". As it turned out, none of the student submissions were accepted for the exhibition. Not accepted for a juried exhibition... now that is a real-world experience! Several of these same students later persevered and their creations were accepted and exhibited at an area gallery.

Worcester by Amelia Rodriguez

During one class period, Professor Nordell picked up the students in a van and they headed to downtown Springfield.

Motor Man by Grace Boisvert

Michael Mendez in Action by Professor Nordell

Single by Rhay Porter

Professor Nordell Consults with Isaiah Darden by Rhay Porter

Barbershop by Dahvey Hicks

Kyana Andrews at Work by Professor Nordell

Street Side by Isaiah Darden

Just a Break by Madeline Jackson

Restaurant (Flights) by Brianna Westberry

New York Gallery Digital Director and Artist Sofia Love Connects with History of Art Students at AIC

Sofia Love is the Digital Director for Sargent's Daughters Gallery in New York/Los Angeles. A year after graduating from Parsons School of Design in 2022 she had her debut solo exhibition at the Shelter Gallery in New York.  test

In advance of her Zoom visit to class, Professor Nordell assigned his History of Art students to formulate questions to ask Sofia.  

"I love teaching General Education courses," says Professor Nordell, "because you have students from all across campus with different majors and perspectives."

We hope you enjoy the variety of questions as well as the diverse takeaways students gained from class with Sofia. Her Instagram.

Website bio: Sofia Love (b. 1999, Boston, MA) is a multidisciplinary artist and designer tackling themes of identity, perception, queer expression, and cultural aestheticism. Born and raised in Boston, but with deep family ties to the Mexican community of Laredo, TX, Love’s acrylic paintings serve as a negotiation between ancestral memory and contemporary identity. The cowgirl recurs throughout her work – gun slinging, brown, and frequently nude – framed by expanses of desert. She’s a real, historical cowgirl. She’s the artist traversing her own imagination. For Love, the vaquera is an object of desire and an extension of herself.

"Do you ever feel like you undervalue any of your artwork? How does it make you feel and do you make changes to the prices, if so?"  - Amari Jones, Criminal Justice Major 

"I saw that you work as a Digital Director at a gallery in New York.  I was wondering what that position entails?"  - Dario Beljo, General Business Major

"Being a younger artist, what are your thoughts on AI generated art?  Do you consider it art? Or do you consider it something of not as much as value as something an actual person made?  - Damon Asencio, Undeclared

Each student reflected on what they learned from class with Sofia.

"One thing I learned was how to price artwork and how much art really goes for." - Bella Capua, Educational Studies Major

"I sketch all the time but using colored pencils is a good idea and I will try it." - Kyana Andrews, Visual and Digital Arts Major

"One idea I learned is that it matters to the artist who and for what reason their art is purchased."  - Damon Asencio, Undeclared

"I use Pinterest a lot in my daily life. I don't know why it didn't cross my mind to use it when doing an art assignment. I'll be using Pinterest for inspiration more often now." - Christian Torres, Visual and Digital Arts Major

"An artwork’s value comes from the artist’s career and the dimensions of the art."  - Mateo Castro, Undeclared

"I learned that you should always have confidence in your ability to produce."  - Chase Pham, Visual and Digital Arts Major

"It was very interesting to learn about the role of a Digital Director and what that position entails." - Dario Beljo, General Business Major

"Seeing that most of my questions and interest were based on the value of art, one thing I learned from Sofia is to always take pride in your work and never let anything tell you otherwise when it comes to your work." - Amari Jones, Criminal Justice Major 

"I learned how she's more than just an artist. She does many other things as well."  - Marquis Lundy, Athletic Administration and Leadership Major

Photo 2 Photo Shoot: Points of View

Digital Photography 2 students Rhay Porter and Madeline Jacyszn worked with studio strobe lights to complete the Project B option of their semester's end projects. Click to view more Project B work. Big thanks to model Iman Williams and photo assistant Marquis Lundy. Click any image to enlarge.

Let's engage in visual thinking and creative comprehension by interacting with the images while reading points of view from the participants.   

Model Iman Williams is a graduate student in AIC's Mental Health Counseling doctoral program.
Photo by Graphic Arts and Design Major Rhay Porter

Photographer Rhay Porter: "For shooting with the strobe lights, I was fortunate enough to have assistance not only with an assistant (of whom it was my first time meeting), but also my professor and two models. The shoot was for an assignment, but we were even able to capture photos that could be used recreationally. It was a very fun experience because not only was I able to learn more about using strobe lights (I wasn't completely new to the idea of them, but I still have to learn a lot through experience), but I was also able to connect with my models and assistant through learning together.  For the models, it was interesting feeling what they were comfortable with doing, and I found that one of my biggest priorities was finding how best to make them comfortable. Same goes for the assistant, but more so for him I was learning how to instruct him to get the best shots (along with my professor's help of course). I think overall it was a one of a kind experience and I am very honored to have been able to have something like that under my belt as an artist and photographer." 

Photo assistant Marquis Lundy is a member of AIC's football team.
Photo by Professor Nordell

Photo assistant Marquis Lundy is an Athletic Administration and Leadership Major: "My experience with helping as a photo assistant during the photo shoot was a very cool and enjoyable experience. I say this because it's always good to see others happy. I enjoyed seeing the photographer feeling hyped and excited by the fantastic work she was doing. I also enjoyed seeing the models happy and thrilled to do their poses. Usually, I am the student/athlete in front of the camera waiting for my picture to be taken."  

Iman 
Photo by Rhay Porter

Model Iman Williams: "In the past I have been a fashion model for AIC and walked in 3 Pride fashion show events at the school. I have also done other photoshoots in my personal life.

My experience with working with Professor Nordell, Photographer Rhay Porter and assistant Marquis Lundy was a joy! The photoshoot took place in the West Wing area, so we had plenty of space to work in. They set up the equipment pretty fast and we began to shoot right away. I felt very comfortable working with them. We shared lots of laughs throughout the shoot. I forgot I was there to take pictures. Rhay was so kind, and I can tell she really enjoyed shooting. My favorite part was taking pictures with her at the end and doing the “test shots” before each set. The whole experience was a learning journey for myself and for Rhay. I am looking forward to seeing her work in the future. It was such a pleasure and I had so much fun. My only regret is that it ended. (Time flies when you’re having fun).

I would like to personally thank Professor Nordell for having me, Rhay for shooting me, and Marquis for assisting me.  Looking forward to the day where we can do this again."  

Rhay photographs Madeline Jacyszn.
Photo by Professor Nordell

Liberal Studies Major and Visual & Digital Arts Minor Madeline Jacyszn is close to earning her black belt.
Photo by Rhay Porter

Model Madeline Jacyszn: "Using the strobes was like being on both sides of school picture day.

The setup was basic but recognizable: a bulb mounted on a stand with the inside of a reflector umbrella facing the subject. Slide a small antennae piece onto the top of the camera to cue the flash, and it was good to go.

Unlike school picture day though, my turn as the subject required some dynamism. Specifically, jumping. So there I was, in my karate uniform and socks for the aesthetics, against a hastily erected white paper background I was deathly afraid I was going to tear down by accident once I started hopping around.

Truthfully, I was a little stumped too. The style of martial arts I practice doesn't have a lot of jumping moves, and I'm not the most flexible person. Despite having a decent kick, I couldn't hold my leg straight out in front of me without it bent and trembling from the effort. Would a flying kick from me look acceptable enough for the picture?

Turns out, what I should've been worried about was more the faces I made than the kicks I tried. I guess I should just feel relieved that the strobe light put me under decent lighting like it's supposed to." 

Madeline
Photo by Rhay Porter

Madeline and the set in the West Wing Gallery.
Photo by Professor Nordell

Rhay and Iman
Photo by Madeline Jacyszn

Photographer Madeline Jacyszn: "Luckily, once I was on the other side of the camera and taking the pictures instead, my concerns became less physical and more technical.

First was lighting. I had to take several test pictures to check how the lighting setup looked and make adjustments accordingly. Sometimes the strobes would misfire and change the lighting up entirely by throwing sudden deep shadows over half the subject's face, requiring more test pictures.

Next was posing and framing. This project wasn't under my directive so luckily I didn't have to worry about posing, but I did have to make sure I kept the framing within the makeshift backdrop that had been set up. Surprisingly not always as easy as it sounds, as I kept getting the edge of the backdrop in frame by accident." 

 

Rhay and Iman 
Rhay is on the basketball team.
Photo by Madeline Jacyszn