Balancing Creativity and Ethics in AI Art
How do I balance the ethical and environmental concerns around the role of AI art in my videos and illustrated books? Read on, or if you’d rather listen, watch the video on this topic at the end. A New Art Form: The Psychemagination Series When I first started using AI to create illustrations for my introspections and considered putting them into a book, I worried that people might reject my work thinking I was taking a job from an artist. But I realized that my AI use wasn’t taking jobs away from human artists, rather the AI art generator was enabling me to create something entirely new. I could never have afforded to pay an illustrator, but more than that, I would never have considered illustrating my writing. My skills as a traditional artist simply weren’t up to the task of illustrating books, and even if I did have the…
Unlocking the Inner World: Using AI Art for Self-Reflection
Art as a Pathway for Self-reflection Art has always been one of humanity’s most powerful tools for self-reflection. It gives form to what we feel, know, and dream—often revealing truths that words alone can’t touch. But for many of us, especially those who are not trained or unskilled in traditional art forms, accessing that creative expression can feel out of reach. That’s where AI art comes in. AI-generated art is transforming the way we approach creativity. It’s not about replacing the artist—it’s about collaborating with a tool that helps bring our inner world to life, even if we don’t have formal art skills. AI art democratizes the creative process, making it more accessible, and if worked at in an introspective way, it can be deeply personal. When you’re trying to express a complex emotion or navigate a life change, traditional art can be both a balm and a barrier. You…
Magical AI Visuals for Meditation
This multipotentialite editor, author, artist and contemplative does many things. You can employ me as an editor, or you can buy one of my books or some of my art – and soon you’ll be able to visit my place and stay in a gorgeous tiny house. But today I’m sharing some of my AI video art, and the title ‘Magical AI Visuals for Meditation’ shows you how my multiple passions (creativity and spirit) join in this work of art. The actual title of the piece is ‘The Fog of Forgetfulness’, which is the name of the piece of music written by my husband Kris Newland. I’m lucky to have Kris’s music to use with my visuals. If you want to give him some love, you can find all his albums on Bandcamp. I can watch and listen to this kind of visuals for meditation many times – they’re in…
Christmas Gift Ideas That Aren’t Books
Hey fellow bookworms, let’s talk about something wild—Christmas gift ideas that aren’t books. I know, I know. Why would anyone want something other than a beautifully bound stack of pages filled with magical worlds, thrilling adventures, or swoon-worthy romances? But hear me out, because even the most dedicated reader sometimes needs to mix it up. Picture this: your or your friends or family’s walls looking as magical as your bookshelves. Over at my Etsy store, you’ll find stunning calendars featuring my artwork—think of it as a year-long gallery tour in your home! Each month greets you with vibrant, unique art to inspire your days (and maybe even your reading). And let’s face it, we readers always need a good calendar to track all those upcoming book releases and TBR challenges. But that’s not all! My Redbubble and Etsy stores are packed with goodies for every bookish soul. How about a…
Unveiling the Hero’s Journey: A Timeless Storytelling Structure for Captivating Narratives
The hero’s journey is a timeless narrative framework that has captivated audiences for centuries. Rooted in the seminal work of renowned comparative mythologist Joseph Campbell, this powerful storytelling structure has been applied to some of the most iconic tales in literature, film, and beyond. At its core, the hero’s journey chronicles the transformative odyssey of a protagonist as they navigate a series of trials, tribulations, and transformations, ultimately emerging as a changed individual. The Origins and Evolution of the Hero’s Journey The origins of the hero’s journey can be traced back to Campbell’s groundbreaking 1949 work, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” in which he introduced the concept of the “monomyth.” Through his extensive study of myths and legends from around the world, Campbell identified a common narrative pattern that he believed underpinned the vast majority of heroic tales. This universal structure, he proposed, mirrored the fundamental human experiences and…