Businesses are using AI images, but N.L. artists want them to reconsider

A St. John's artist is trying to get people to think twice before using art made with artificial intelligence.

Emma Bishop says she's seen an increase in people and local businesses using AI art. But as a traditional artist, she balked at the sudden shift away from human-made designs.

In protest, Bishop designed anti-AI posters and put them up around St. John's. 

"[I] just want people to get encouraged to do their own research on why it might not be the best thing to use, and ... think again about maybe supporting a local artist," said Bishop. 

The Orange Store, a local gas and convenience chain, recently sparked controversy after it created advertisements with AI-generated images. 

In an emailed statement, North Sun Energy spokesperson Sandy Mercer said a recent Father's Day gift card advertisement included an AI-generated image. 

"We work closely with our creative team to explore innovative promotional ideas — including how AI is used," said Mercer. 

Bishop says AI image generation hurts artists by taking away work that they could've done, arguing opportunities for artists in Newfoundland and Labrador can be hard to come by.

"It may be quicker and it may be more convenient, but I truly believe that using a local artist to make some of your art is just so much more beneficial for both people," said Bishop. 

She also says AI is ripping artists off by learning from their work without permission.

"Every time I post on Instagram, my art is feeding into an AI algorithm, and I can't stop that unfortunately," said Bishop.

Bishop says she's also concerned about environmental harms. 

According to some estimates, the average question a user asks ChatGPT takes about 10 times more power than a Google search to generate. Creating an image uses about as much power as charging a smartphone. 

Computers that run AI models become so hot, they also need to use a lot of water to stay cool. 

"It's not worth the impact on the artist community and the environment for what you get," said Bishop.

Is AI stealing from artists?

Megan Fitzgerald, the director of IceberGallery, a non-profit that helps emerging artists find opportunities in the province, says there are ethical questions about the use of AI as an emerging technology.

She referenced a recent social media trend where people used ChatGPT to generate images of themselves in the style of a Studio Ghibli animated film. 

Fitzgerald questions whether the art style should be used by ChatGPT if the creator never gave permission to use it.

"That is a very specific art style. It is very specific to that studio," said Fitzgerald. "That sparks the question of, is this a violation of intellectual property?"

Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki has expressed disdain for AI, stating that he would "never wish to incorporate this technology into [his] work at all."

"I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself," said Miyazaki.

Fitzgerald says AI should be regulated and that artists should be compensated when businesses use AI images that have copied their work. 

"This technology isn't going away. It's not going to disappear. It's only going to get more sophisticated and more prevalent in our society," said Fitzgerald. "So we have to kind of find a way to play nice with it instead of erasing it entirely."

Bishop also says there should be a way for artists to give consent to have AI use their art. 

"I think one day it can be used and I think one day it will be a great tool for artists to use. I just don't think we're there yet. And I think we need to talk about that," she said. 

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