In Conversations
I see AI as a superpower for creativity. It is just another tool to help artists express themselves in the most accessible way.
Nathan Boey
Plutonium F. speaks to Nathan Boey
Plutonium Fitzgerald: Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in creating art?
Nathan Boey: I have been creating art in various mediums my whole life. I started with drawing as a kid, then delved into design, sculpture, and video as an adolescent. For the past 20 years, I have been fully focused on still and moving images.
PLUTONIUM F.: What got you interested in creating art with AI tools? How has AI evolved your artistic process?
BOEY: As someone who works in the commercial field, I keep up to date with the latest technology. When I discovered AI tools, I became immediately obsessed. The biggest draw for me was anticipating the freedom it allows artists. There are no budgets, no approvals, and no gatekeeping. Your imagination is your only limit.
PLUTONIUM F.: What inspires you as an artist?
BOEY: I have a constant desire to create things. Watching an idea start as a seed in my mind, develop, and grow into something tangible to share with others gives me great pleasure, especially when they connect with it as well.
PLUTONIUM F.: You are a part of a group show titled "Post Photographic Perspectives II — Acceptable Realities." Can you discuss how your work fits into this collection?
BOEY: With Post-Photographic AI, artists are able to give birth to entire worlds that they have created in their minds. In my case, I use AI to create imagery that draws from real-life experiences and then remix those elements into something new.
PLUTONIUM F.: Tell us more about the project. How did you come up with the name and your creative process for this project?
BOEY: My project is titled "Unmoored," which refers to the displacement of ideas, subjects, locations, and actions. I then reconnect these elements in ways that subvert our real-life expectations and experiences, similar to what happens when we dream.
My creative process for this project involves a constant juggling of three levers: My memory: I draw from the people, places, and experiences of my past and fuse them in unnatural ways. My prompting language: I attempt to realize the ideas in my mind with what the AI generates. I repeat this process over and over again. My trained eye: My experience and taste developed over the years help me determine what is working and what is not, although sometimes the AI will offer a surprise that I wasn't expecting but is better than I hoped.
PLUTONIUM F.: What are your thoughts on the intersection of photography and AI technology?
BOEY: I think both art forms intersect but will always be their own thing. Photography is meant to capture what exists, what we can see with our eyes. AI is meant to capture and bring to life what we see with our inner eye.
On AI: The biggest draw for me was anticipating the freedom it allows artists. There are no budgets, no approvals, and no gatekeeping. Your imagination is your only limit.
Nathan Boey
PLUTONIUM F.: Anything you would like to share with people skeptical about AI tools for creativity?
BOEY: I see AI as a superpower for creativity. It is just another tool to help artists express themselves in the most accessible way. The best part is that if you've already spent years honing other art forms, your talents will be transferable. Jump in!
PLUTONIUM F.: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. What is the best way for people to follow you and learn more about you and your work?
BOEY: My pleasure. You can follow me on Twitter.