Olena speakingtomato

@speakingtomato ∙ Published March 3, 2023

[AI Art Weekly] Olena, what’s your background and how did you get into AI art?

As an artist who focused on camera portraits for 15 years, I was drawn to the world of AI art after a period of immobility due to surgery. During this time, I had the opportunity to explore AI technology, which fascinated me and inspired me to try my hand at creating art using these cutting-edge tools. Since then, I have been creating figurative art using a mix of modernism, surrealism, and symbolism, with a focus on creating meaningful details that capture the essence of my life and dreams. The process of transitioning from traditional photography to AI art has been both challenging and rewarding. While I miss the tactile experience of working with a camera, I have found that the endless possibilities of AI art have opened up new avenues for creative expression. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next and to continue exploring the fascinating intersection of art and technology.

[AI Art Weekly] Do you have a specific project you’re currently working on? What is it?

I’m currently working on my main collection on Foundation, which is a series of AI-generated artworks that explore themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time.

[AI Art Weekly] What drives you to create?

What drives me to create is the ability to use artificial intelligence to create unique works of art. I became so fascinated with AI technology that I shifted the focus of my artistic endeavors. I’m driven to create art that resonates emotionally with viewers and pushes the boundaries of what is possible with AI art.

[AI Art Weekly] What does your workflow look like?

My workflow typically commences with an idea that manifests either during the day or in a dream. Occasionally, I have a fully-formed image in mind, while other times, I provide the AI with a sketch of the words swirling in my head and collaborate with it.

To bring the final product to life, I input my initial concept into the AI model, which generates an initial image. Subsequently, I use a suite of software, including digital painting in Adobe Photoshop, to refine the image. I work with a few different types of AI, which allows me to polish the artwork and imbue it with meaningful details that capture the essence of my vision.

[AI Art Weekly] What is your favourite prompt when creating art?

My favorite prompt for creating art is to explore themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time. These concepts enable me to delve deeply into the human experience and create work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

However, I should note that my prompt may vary from work to work, as I often draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, cultural and historical events, and other works of art.

[AI Art Weekly] How do you imagine AI (art) will be impacting society in the near future?

As an AI artist, I wholeheartedly believe in the power and potential of AI-generated art. It’s incredible to think that I am contributing to the development of this emerging field and shaping the future of art history. AI art will enable new forms of creativity and expression that were previously impossible or difficult to achieve. With the potential to push boundaries and create new aesthetic experiences, AI-generated art will captivate and engage audiences. AI art will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in the art world and society at large.

[AI Art Weekly] Who is your favourite artist?

I am inspired by a wide range of artists, including traditional artists and AI artists. It’s hard for me to pick just one favorite, but here are a few artists whose work I greatly admire: Nikolena Petolas, Casey Weldon, Daria Petrilli, and Dolce Paganne.

[AI Art Weekly] Anything else you would like to share?

Just my catchphrase: My images tell stories. Thank you for the opportunity to share your work with you.