The origin of all technical achievements is the divine curiosity and the playfulness of the tinkering and pondering researcher, and no less the constructive fantasies of the technical inventor.' - Albert Einstein In this piece titled 'The origin of all achievement,' the spirit of Einstein's quote is vividly brought to life. We see a cluttered desk, strewn with papers, books, a typewriter, and even a timepiece, all swirling into the unmistakable silhouette of Einstein himself. It's a visual homage to the chaos of creativity and the rigorous beauty of scientific exploration. The image encapsulates the essence of Einstein's environment, reflecting the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the playful intellect that powered his groundbreaking contributions to science.

The Origin of All Achievement

'Just a wild rambling rose seeking mysteries untold. No regret for the path that I chose. When a flower grows wild, it can always survive. Wildflowers don't care where they grow.' - Dolly Parton This artwork inspired by Dolly Parton is a vibrant tapestry of color and character, much like the singer herself. Set in the heart of a luxurious tour bus, awash with the bold pinks and teals reminiscent of Dolly's own stage costumes, the scene captures her essence—a wildflower thriving in any environment. The plush surroundings adorned with lush, blooming flowers, reflect the untamed spirit and resilience she sings about. This piece doesn't just show Dolly Parton; it celebrates her enduring vivacity and the beauty of growing wild, without boundaries.

On the Road

'Never underestimate the power of a girl with a book.' - Ruth Bader Ginsburg Captured in this evocative piece is the essence of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's enduring wisdom. The scene unfolds in the hallowed quiet of a courtroom, where the legendary figure presides over a gathering of thoughtful women, each engrossed in their own tome. It's a powerful homage to the pursuit of knowledge and justice, embodying the belief that with education and resolve, barriers can be broken. The artwork celebrates not only RBG's legacy but also the collective strength and potential of all girls and women armed with knowledge and a vision for the future.

Leaving Tracks

'Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.' - Frida Kahlo This piece, inspired by Frida Kahlo, immerses the viewer in a landscape where the transient nature of existence is palpable. A skeletal figure, reminiscent of her self-portraits, rests amidst a desert, echoing the stark yet vibrant tones of a Mexican landscape. Surrounding it are symbols of life and its fleetingness—a wheelchair suggesting both mobility and constraint, cacti signifying resilience, and scattered stones marking the passage of time. All under the gaze of a skull, a poignant reminder of mortality and the continuous cycle of life. This artwork reflects Kahlo's embrace of change and the beauty of impermanence that defines our existence.

Impermanence

'With increasing distance, our knowledge fades, and fades rapidly. Eventually, we reach the dim boundary—the utmost limits of our telescopes. There, we measure shadows, and we search among ghostly errors of measurement for landmarks that are scarcely more substantial. The search will continue' - Edwin Hubble This striking image inspired by Edwin Hubble's profound insight transports us to the nebulous frontier of cosmic discovery. The ethereal face of Hubble is superimposed upon the canvas of the cosmos, illustrating his intimate connection with the universe he strove to understand. Nebulae and starlight contour his visage, a metaphor for how his work revealed the vastness and beauty of the universe beyond our sight. This piece is a visual tribute to the relentless human pursuit of knowledge, through the vast and uncharted realms of space, where every pinpoint of light is a mystery to unravel, and the very act of searching is a testament to our unyielding quest for understanding.

Ghostly Errors of Interpretation

Look closely at this image. Focus on the blue center. Did your screen suddenly turn 3-dimensional? 'The Blind Man and the Elephant' is a captivating digital mandala that intertwines the idea of the mandala with the modern optical phenomenon of chromostereopsis. At first glance, this piece is a stunning fusion of bold reds and deep blues, arranged in intricate, almost-symmetrical patterns that are characteristic of traditional mandalas, yet display various scenes as if taken from a Renaissance painting. However, a closer observation reveals a unique visual experience - the red and blue elements appear to fluctuate in depth, creating an illusion of three-dimensional space. This effect not only challenges the viewer's perception, making it difficult to focus on the entirety of the piece at once, but also beautifully manifests the concept of chromostereopsis. Chromostereopsis is a fascinating optical effect where colors, specifically reds and blues, appear to be at different depths when viewed, creating a sense of three-dimensionality. This phenomenon occurs due to the way our eyes process light and color. Red light, having a longer wavelength, seems to recede or appear further away, while blue, with a shorter wavelength, appears to be closer. In ‘The Blind Man and the Elephant,’ this effect is artfully employed, as the contrasting red and blue hues in the mandala seem to shift and move, creating an almost living, breathing artwork that defies the flatness of the medium. This dynamic interplay of color and depth is a central feature of the piece, adding to its mystique and allure. The title, ‘The Blind Man and the Elephant,’ is inspired by the famous parable that speaks to the limitations of perception and the subjective nature of experience. Much like the blind men in the story who each touch a different part of the elephant and draw their own conclusions, viewers of this artwork may find themselves focusing on individual fragments, unable to grasp the full scope in a single view. The presence of elephants within the mandala's design further ties the artwork to the story, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural and philosophical significance. This artwork is more than a visual spectacle; it's an invitation to explore the deeper truths about our perceptions and understandings. It stands as a metaphor for the multifaceted nature of reality, encouraging viewers to appreciate the beauty in both the parts and the whole, and to acknowledge the vastness of perspectives that lie beyond our immediate grasp.

The Blind Man and the Elephant

Look closely at this image. Focus on the blue parts. Did your screen suddenly turn 3-dimensional? 'Lion Rouge' is a bold piece that plays with color and how we see things. There's no actual lion in the picture, just red and blue shapes divided by black lines. But when you look at it, your mind puts the shapes together to make the image of a lion. This happens because of a trick our brains do called Gestalt – it's our brain's way of taking bits and pieces and turning them into a complete picture. The colors in 'Lion Bleu' can seem to pop out at you because of something called chromostereopsis. Whether the red or blue seems closer can change from person to person. To see this for yourself, you can try this: 1.Look at the art in a room that's not too bright. 2. To make the blue stand out, cover the sides of your eyes near your temples with your hands or some paper. (Check out 'Lion Bleu' to see an image that works best with blue in front.) 3. To see the red jump forward, cover the inner sides of your eyes, near your nose. 4. Stand back a bit. Sometimes the farther away you are, the stronger the effect. This trick of the eyes is pretty neat, and it's about how our eyes bend light differently for different colors, which makes our brains think there's depth where there isn't. 'Lion Rouge' is part of a 2-lion series, red and blue. This one works best for people who naturally perceive red to be popping out.

Lion Rouge

Look closely at this image. Focus on the blue parts. Did your screen suddenly turn 3-dimensional? 'Lion Bleu' is a bold piece that plays with color and how we see things. There's no actual lion in the picture, just red and blue shapes divided by black lines. But when you look at it, your mind puts the shapes together to make the image of a lion. This happens because of a trick our brains do called Gestalt – it's our brain's way of taking bits and pieces and turning them into a complete picture. The colors in 'Lion Bleu' can seem to pop out at you because of something called chromostereopsis. Whether the red or blue seems closer can change from person to person. To see this for yourself, you can try this: 1.Look at the art in a room that's not too bright. 2. To make the blue stand out, cover the sides of your eyes near your temples with your hands or some paper. 3. To see the red jump forward, cover the inner sides of your eyes, near your nose. (Check out 'Lion Rouge' to see an image that works best with red in front.) 4. Stand back a bit. Sometimes the farther away you are, the stronger the effect. This trick of the eyes is pretty neat, and it's about how our eyes bend light differently for different colors, which makes our brains think there's depth where there isn't. 'Lion Bleu' is part of a 2-lion series, red and blue. This one works best for people who naturally perceive blue to be popping out.

Lion Bleu

Look closely at this image. Focus on the blue parts. Did your screen suddenly turn 3-dimensional? 'I, AI, and The Third Eye' is another one in a set of red and blue paintings that play tricks on our brain. The colors in this image can seem to pop out at you because of something called chromostereopsis. Whether the red or blue seems closer can change from person to person. To see this for yourself, you can try this: 1.Look at the art in a room that's not too bright. 2. To make the blue stand out, cover the sides of your eyes near your temples with your hands or some paper. (Check out 'Lion Bleu' to see an image that works best with blue in front.) 3. To see the red jump forward, cover the inner sides of your eyes, near your nose. 4. Stand back a bit. Sometimes the farther away you are, the stronger the effect. This trick of the eyes is pretty neat, and it's about how our eyes bend light differently for different colors, which makes our brains think there's depth where there isn't. 'I, AI, and The Third Eye' is a visual symphony of color and depth that invites the viewer into a journey of spiritual discovery. The central eye, a conduit to higher consciousness, is framed by mandala-inspired designs that symbolize the intricate pathways to enlightenment. This piece transcends the optical illusion of chromostereopsis, encouraging a deeper contemplation of the self and the universe. The interplay of red and blue is a dance of contrasts, reflecting the duality of existence—the physical and the spiritual, the technological and the mystical. As a testament to the union of artificial intelligence and artistic vision, this artwork is not just to be seen, but to be experienced, nudging the observer to unlock the doors of perception and peer into the vastness of reality through their own inner eye.

I, AI, and the Third Eye

'Birbs' is a captivating visual play on perspective, where the observer is invited to experience a double take. At first glance, it's a singular, graceful bird, a symbol of freedom and the natural world's effortless beauty. Yet, on closer inspection, the image reveals itself to be composed entirely of countless miniature birds, each one contributing to the larger whole. This intricate design mirrors the essence of community and individuality—reminding us that every part is essential to the bigger picture. In this artwork, the halftone technique is reimagined with life, each 'dot' a tiny testament to the diversity and unity of life's forms.

Birbs

Live Wildly is an organization devoted to protecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor. In 2021, they held an online challenge to paint a simple manatee to raise awareness to their cause. I took the manatee and started working on painting it with AI. This turned into one of the most fun collaborations with the AI. I asked for something, like - 'an image of the florida wildlife corridor', and would get something amorphous, maybe with some trees, fish, etc. Eventually, an image appeared that had a nice perspective, showing islands above the water, fish under the water, and a city in the distance. I took that and started to refine it, changing the structure and adding more details as I went. This resulted in this work, which also won that online challenge and was presented during Miami Art Week.

Live Wildly

This was one of the first experiments with controlling the shape of an AI image, before ControlNet became available. This mesmerizing piece intricately layers imagery to craft a complex illusion of the Buddha. It's an exploration of the divine and the natural, seamlessly blending together to form a single, harmonious vision. The rich tapestry of florals and patterns that fill and define the Buddha's figure suggest a unity of life's beauty and spiritual transcendence. Every petal, curve, and shade in the array of intertwined images echoes the interconnectedness of all things, inviting reflection on the ways in which the sacred is interwoven with the everyday world around us.

Emptiness I

'Children Moon' is one of the early works in which I explored ambiguity. This piece weaves a dreamlike tapestry where the innocence of childhood meets the mystery of the cosmos. Silhouettes of children gaze upward as their counterparts dance among the stars, blurring the line between earth and the celestial. It's a visual poem that captures the wonder of youthful imagination—a reminder of a time when the moon was within our reach, and every night sky was full of stories yet to be told. Or, is there somethine else to see here?

Children Moon

This compelling artwork captures the profound and intimate connection between the human mind and the natural world. Here, the serene beauty of a lush landscape flows seamlessly into the contours of a person's head, symbolizing the endless stream of inspiration and tranquility that nature provides. Cascading waterfalls, verdant forests, and the tranquil depth of still waters merge in a surreal and beautiful infusion of the outer environment into one's inner thoughts and dreams. It’s an evocative portrayal of how nature's majesty can fill our minds, influence our thoughts, and shape our deepest reflections.

Forest on My Mind

This captivating piece intricately plays with the classic visual illusion of the cup and faces, delving into the rich and mystical themes of alchemy and astrology. It presents a figure that embodies the ancient pursuit of transformation and celestial wisdom, where every element is laden with symbolic meaning. The dual faces, forming a chalice at the center, suggest the merging of dualities—spiritual and physical, earthly and cosmic. Surrounding this central figure are esoteric symbols and celestial bodies, alluding to the storied history of astrology and its connection to the alchemical quest. This artwork is not just a nod to the past; it's a modern interpretation of the timeless human fascination with the unknown and the patterns that bind the universe.

Alchemy / Astrology

This piece was another experiment in creating a massively-detailed infinite repeating pattern with lots of detail. 'A Day on Bear Mountain' playfully reimagines the traditional toile-de-jouy pattern with a whimsical twist, infusing it with the vibrant, wild essence of nature. This richly detailed fabric of life showcases a variety of bears engaged in a symphony of daily activities, each scene distinct yet part of a greater, flowing narrative. Set against a backdrop reminiscent of the rugged terrain of a mountain, the piece juxtaposes the serenity of classical patterns with the dynamic and untamed spirit of these majestic creatures. It's a visual ode to Mussorgsky's 'A Night on Bare Mountain,' capturing the rhythm and movement of wildlife in daylight, each thread a story, and all woven into the grand tapestry of life.

A Day on Bear Mountain

'Taormina' was inspired by the second season of White Lotus. I was working with AI to create seamless patterns, and creating this rich tapestry inspired by the Sicilian landscape and villages seemed fun. This image seemed to call out for a Vespa riding through the streets.

Taormina

'Greek Isles' captures the quintessence of the Greek isles with a playful charm that echoes through the repeating patterns. Each vignette celebrates the iconic whitewashed structures, the azure domes that mirror the sky, and the tranquil sea that binds the land together. Sailing boats dance across the waves, seagulls swirl in the sky, while the windmills stand as sentinels of the breeze. This piece is a joyful tribute to the spirit of Greece, its architecture, and its maritime lore, inviting the viewer to get lost in the intricate details that together, create a harmonious and picturesque mosaic of Mediterranean life. It was another one in the series of super-detailed repeating patterns.

Greek Isles

Discover the enchanting world of the 'Optical Art' collection, where art intersects with illusion. Each piece in this collection captivates the senses, challenging perceptions with a playful dance of colors, shapes, and depth. This collection is a celebration of visual trickery and the joy of optical discovery, inviting viewers on a unique journey through the wonders of sight and perception.

Optical Art

Explore the entire range of public works in the I + AI project here. This collection is a living gallery, showcasing everything from our earliest experiments to the latest creations. We're always adding new pieces, so you can see how our human-AI collaboration continues to evolve and bring new ideas to life.

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'Illusions' explores the concept of self. There is no one reality to any person, and we all see what we are looking for. A person often reflects many aspects of the world around them, and this series explores that in a visual setting. From Einstein's messy patent office, to Dolly Parton in a luxurious tour bus, to Frida Kahlo surrounded by symbols from her art and life.

Illusions

The 'Patterns' collection marked the beginning of I+AI, where we explored ways to use the very early tools of AI image generation to create repeating patterns. Using Disco Diffusion and other Colab notebooks, we created various patterns that evolved over time into the more realistic and detailed themes that you can find in this collection.

Patterns

The 'Early Works' at I + AI are our first creations, where we started figuring out how to blend human ideas with AI's help. This collection has everything from simple drawings to more complex pieces. It's about our first steps, learning and growing, and setting the foundation for everything that came after in I + AI.