AI: What It Is and Is Not

At a recent professional day, Upper School arts and engineering teachers spent a significant amount of time talking about how AI is changing our world as artists, creators, and educators. We discussed the AI tools that can and will aid our work as creators and educators. We all agreed that there are those that will save us time and potentially give us more time for the creative process.

Most powerfully, though, our discussions led us to one place. As the world continues to become more technological in the arts and design spaces, we plan to double-down on what makes us human.

Consider this list of just some a few of the things AI will never be able to create for you:

• The feeling a taut canvas gives you when a brush full of paint presses against it
• The physiological response your body has when you stand on a stage in front of 538 people—feeling your heart beating
• The smell of a freshly-cut 2x4, ready to be used on a production set
• The feeling of clay passing through your hands on a pottery wheel
• The power of eye contact between you and your bandmates as you hit the last note of a long-rehearsed song
• The vibration in your hand as a cello bow passes over a string
• The sense of pride that comes from designing and constructing a heart valve that could save lives
• The feeling of camaraderie as you and your castmates hold hands and take a final bow after performing three shows in a row that took 100 hours of rehearsal together
• The feeling of frustration when your design idea is not coming together, even after the 24th try
• The trust you feel when your dance partner’s hand leads you through a tough step
• The meditative state your brain goes to when shading a form with graphite
• The sound that graphite makes as it passes back and forth over paper
• Capturing a sacred moment in time on film
• Receiving feedback from a peer who understands the creative journey you have endured, and who understands what you need to hear to improve
• The feelings of being a human and having a voice

In the Visual & Performing Arts and Engineering Department at Colorado Academy, our goal is to help students make work that they are proud of and that helps others see the world differently. We teach our students the skills, habits, and mindsets that will allow them to make that work. We empower every student to find their voice and to use it. The creative process is hard, and those who shy away from the struggle are usually the ones who do not make impactful work.

We believe that the details that make us human are what connect us and keep us focused, even in the face of struggle. It is our humanity that pulls us through the creative process and keeps us making good work. Ultimately, our hope is that our students and what they create will leave the world a better place.