This introductory workshop looks at artificial intelligence (AI) as a creative medium. Through the lens of human-machine collaboration, we will look at examples and discuss the aesthetics and techniques of creating “artisanal datasets”. After a short survey lecture and group dialogue, we will conduct in-class, analog experiments as a way to further probe what it means to cultivate a dataset and look at introductory concepts on how neural nets learn.

QUESTIONS DRIVING THIS WORKSHOP:

• How do machines learn? What is a neural net?

• What are examples and affordances of AI as a creative medium?

• What are some starting points to work with AI as an artist/designer?

• What are “artisanal datasets” and how can they be part of one’s creative practice?

• What aesthetic, ethical and sociopolitical concerns might such “artisanal datasets” engaged

Who is this for? This is an inclusive workshop. We welcome all creatives, artists, designers and technologists (especially from underrepresented groups, i.e. women, people of color, queer and trans folks etc.) age 18 and up.

What to bring: We recommend you bring a laptop to follow along with the workshop; however, it is not required.

Instructors: Catherine Griffiths (PhD Candidate, Media Arts + Practice, USC School of Cinematic Arts) + Selwa Sweidan (Faculty, Loyola Marymount University)

Parking: Paid parking in the basement lot (at 500 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203) or metered street parking.

Image credit: Catherine Griffiths