I saw this Instagram post by an artist in Penang, Malaysia. 👇🏼
“Will artists really be replaced by AI? 🎨
Last Sunday at Hin Bus Depot, a mother and daughter walked past my stall. The daughter saw my artwork and excitedly asked her mom if they could get a portrait drawn. The mother replied, ‘AI can do all this too, no need to spend unnecessary money.’ Hearing that made me feel really sad—not because they didn’t get a portrait, but because of what the mother said.
Being an artist is not just about drawing an image; it’s about infusing inspiration and emotions into the artwork. The joy a drawing brings, the interaction between the artist and people—these are things AI can never replace. AI can generate images, but it cannot capture the warmth of human connection.
Support original art and let its warmth continue to spread.”
I’m not here to jump into the artist pool, holding placards protesting the death of creativity. Instead, I’m here to share a glimpse of myself as both an artist and a writer for this newsletter, my poems, and content writing for businesses.
To put it straight out. Of course, I use AI. I use it for many things. From recipe ideas based on what’s in my fridge, personalised Photoshop editing guides, and an overview of Die Fledermaus before attending the operetta, to asking, 'Why are Portuguese houses so cold in winter, and what can I do about it?' It saves me time and mental space for countless daily tasks that don’t require personal input.
However. I don’t use it to shortcut my art creation because—where is the joy of creating? Where’s the individuality that only comes from each of us?
A priest was once asked in an interview, “What do you think of robo-priests?” Though I couldn’t remember his entire answer, as it was before the ChatGPT era, his last sentence stuck with me: “But, it (AI robo-priest) doesn’t have a soul.”
It does not have a soul.
Even with the most advanced developments, this is the one thing that nothing and no one can replace or take from us.
Some people buy 'art' without soul, while others value both the art and the artist. It’s a personal preference. As for me, I’d rather focus my energy on the latter than worry about the former.
Good things
A young chap got on board the metro, sat opposite us, made eye contact and gave a genuine, casual smile before putting on his earphones to go back to his world. Eye contact and a smile that took 2 seconds. Yet what a difference it makes.
That’s a wrap. See you in April for the 7th issue of HopeMail 2025.
🧡
Melinda
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Yes to all this. It’s all about the both-and approach. One thing I’ve noticed about AI generated writing is that my brain almost goes to sleep while reading it and I usually quit reading before I’m finished. It’s made me wonder if my brain (mind? Something else?) has a Soul Detector. Because of course—why not?