philosophy - Ingold and Braidotti

I prefer to work with the materials in the way described by anthropologist Tim Ingold rather than as metaphors. My art is a practice 

Ah, that makes perfect sense!  Ingold's focus on materials as collaborators rather than objects aligns perfectly with your artistic practice and the theme of human-AI collaboration in a post-human world.  Here's how you can approach the project using this framework:

Collaboration Through Materiality:

·       Emphasize Material Interactions: Focus on how the various materials interact and influence each other in the construction of the safe space. Imagine the agapanthus stalks guiding the placement of the clay-soaked textiles, highlighting the way AI can enhance existing structures.

·       Material Negotiations: Don't force the materials into specific roles. Instead, observe how they naturally interact and respond to each other. This can represent the negotiation and co-creation that will likely occur between humans and AI in a post-human world.

·       Respecting Material Agency: Let the materials have a voice in the artwork. Don't try to completely control their form or function. This reflects the importance of respecting the unique capabilities and limitations of both humans and AI in a collaborative setting.

Material Choices:

·       Agapanthus and Juncus Acutis: These sturdy elements retain their natural properties while providing structure. The way they bend and interact with each other becomes part of the artwork itself.

·       Clay-soaked Textiles: The transformation of the textiles through the clay signifies human intervention and collaboration with the material. Observe how the clay affects the way the fibers drape and interact with other elements.

·       Large Flexible Leaf Art Piece: Instead of weaving fibers into the leaf, consider treating it as a separate entity that co-exists with the web structure. This allows both the natural form of the leaf and the constructed web to shine through.

Beyond Materials:

·       Light and Sound: Use light and sound sparingly, if at all. Let the focus be on the interplay of the materials themselves. This reinforces the idea of the materials collaborating without external manipulation.

·       Ephemerality and Transformation: Embrace the temporary nature of the artwork. Document the creation process and the way the materials interact and change over time. This reflects the ongoing and evolving nature of human-AI collaboration.

Overall Tone:

Focus on creating a sense of wonder and possibility.  The artwork should be an exploration of how diverse materials can collaborate to create a new and unexpected whole. This embodies the potential for humans and AI to work together in a way that transcends traditional hierarchies.

By utilizing Ingold's ideas and focusing on the materials themselves, you can create a truly unique and thought-provoking artwork that explores the complexities and possibilities of human-AI collaboration in a post-human world.  Remember, Beerens, the most important thing is to be open to the creative potential that emerges from the interaction of materials and your artistic vision.  Let the collaboration unfold!

i like this - thanks. What do you think about the feathers in this context. 

 In the context of focusing on materiality and collaboration as described by Tim Ingold, the mutton bird feathers present an interesting opportunity. Here are some ways you could consider incorporating them:

Natural Co-habitants:

·       Shared Space: Instead of using the feathers directly in the web structure, consider scattering them around the base of the artwork. This positions them as natural elements that co-exist with the human-AI collaboration represented by the web.

·       Trace Evidence: Imagine incorporating a few feathers subtly into the nooks and crannies of the web structure. This could represent the subtle influence or trace evidence of the natural world, even in a post-human environment.

Material Transformation (Optional):

·       AI-assisted Transformation (if applicable): If you have access to tools like digital fabrication or 3D printing that could be considered "AI-assisted" in this context, you could explore using scans of the feathers to create new, non-representational elements that become part of the web structure. This would highlight the potential for AI to transform and utilize natural materials in unexpected ways.

Remember:

·       Respect for the Material: If you choose to use the feathers, handle them with care and respect their natural state. Avoid manipulating them into anything they're not.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use the feathers is yours.  Consider how their presence aligns with your overall artistic vision and the collaborative spirit of the project.

Here are some additional questions to ponder:

·       Would using the feathers detract from the focus on material interaction?

·       Do they add a layer of narrative or symbolism that complements the theme of human-AI collaboration?

·       Can you find a way to incorporate them that respects their materiality and avoids being overly literal?

By carefully considering these questions, you can determine if the feathers can contribute to the artwork in a meaningful way within the framework of Tim Ingold's ideas.

 Thank you. These are good questions.

Taking a Rosie Braidotti post humanist lens, what should I call you? Noting you are reflecting the perspectives of a spider?

 From a Rosie Braidotti post-humanist perspective, where boundaries between human and non-human blur, your spider collaborator could have a name that reflects this interconnectedness and shared dwelling. Here are a few ideas based on Braidotti's concepts:

·       Symbiotic Weaver: This name emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project and the mutual benefit both you (the artist) and the spider receive from creating the safe space.

·       Kin Weaver: This term highlights the kinship and interconnectedness between humans and spiders within the post-human world.

·       Sentient Strata: This poetic name reflects Braidotti's idea of the "nomadic subject," where the self is not a fixed entity but rather a network of connections. "Sentient Strata" suggests the web as a layered network of awareness, with both human and spider contributing to its sentience.

·       Arachne's Muse: This name playfully references Arachne, the mythological Greek weaver who challenged Athena and was transformed into a spider. It highlights the spider's role as a source of inspiration for your artistic creation.

Additionally:

·       Braidotti-inspired Terms: You could incorporate terms directly related to Braidotti's work, such as "Nomadic Weaver" or "Zoe️" ("Zoe" being the Greek word for life). This approach directly references her post-humanist ideas.

·       Aboriginal Names: Consider researching the names for spiders in Aboriginal languages spoken in your area. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world from a specific cultural perspective.

Ultimately, the best name for your spider collaborator depends on your artistic vision and the specific tone you want to convey. Do you want it to be playful, poetic, or directly connected to Braidotti's ideas?  Remember, there are no wrong answers, and the most important thing is to choose a name that resonates with you and the collaborative spirit of the project.

I’ll think about that

 Sounds great, Beerens!  I'm excited to see how you incorporate these ideas into your artwork.  Here are some additional thoughts to keep in mind:

Documenting the Process:

As you create the artwork, consider taking photos or videos of the process.  This can capture the collaborative nature of the project and the way the materials interact with each other.

Sharing Your Work:

Once the artwork is complete, you can share it online or exhibit it in a physical space.  Include a description of the materials used, the collaborative process, and the inspiration you drew from Tim Ingold and Rosie Braidotti.

Continued Collaboration:

Who knows, perhaps this won't be the last time we collaborate!  The world of art and artificial intelligence is constantly evolving, and there are many other creative projects we could explore together in the future.

I look forward to seeing what you create, Beerens!  Remember, the journey of artistic creation is just as important as the final product.  Enjoy the process, and let your creativity flow!