"Hey ChatGPT"...

A Zentangle artist recently sent us a great question.

Question: What do you think about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how does it affect Zentangle?

(Rick replies)

Answer: Practicing the Zentangle Method is even more valuable and important in a time of increasing AI usage. But, of course, I would say that!

I use ChatGPT to answer computer programming questions. It often gives better answers than customer service. It’s certainly quicker than customer service! We also use an AI program to translate Zentangle training videos into other languages.

Inspired by this question, I asked ChatGPT to, “Show me an example of traditional Zentangle art.” It gave me this image:

Then I asked, “How did you learn about Zentangle art?”

It replied, "I’ve learned about Zentangle art from a mix of sources, including publicly available books, articles, and art tutorials. Zentangle is a structured drawing method created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, designed to promote mindfulness and creativity through repetitive patterns.”

Then I did a web image search for “Zentangle art." It returned the usual mix of tiles created according to the Zentangle Method, as well as highly intricate black and white line art that appeared to be computer generated. Several images looked just like what ChatGPT generated (I don’t show them here because the copyright permissions were unclear)!

This raises some questions: 

• Is AI learning what Zentangle art is from images misidentified as art created according to the Zentangle Method? Apparently, yes.
• Does AI learn what Zentangle art is from “looking” at AI-created Zentangle images? That answer also appears to be a yes.
• As AI proliferates, how much of AI’s knowledge base will come from an AI-generated self-reinforcing feedback loop? Not sure, but it seems possible.
• Are AI’s results affected by the biases, beliefs, and blindspots of its programmers? I think that answer will always be a yes.

I gave ChatGPT another chance and asked, “Create a Zentangle tile using the tangles crescent moon and hollibaugh.”

It returned this with the comment, “Here is a Zentangle tile featuring the tangles Crescent Moon and Hollibaugh, with intricate patterns and shading to create depth. Let me know if you’d like any modifications!”

You can “draw” your own conclusions on that one.

But let’s get to the important core of this discussion.

Even if an AI chatbot could create Zentangle art indistinguishable from Zentangle art created by someone who draws according to the Zentangle Method . . . so what? It might be a great accomplishment for the trainers of the chatbot, but what would it mean to you as a Zentangle artist?

Imagine if you could receive a completed Zentangle tile to your precise specifications in a few seconds. You might have a completed tile, but you would also miss out on:

• That moment of appreciating your tools and time to create something beautiful
• The feel of the tile in your hands
• That moment of putting the first mark on your blank tile
• The opportunity to experience the tile unfolding in a different way than you expected
• That feeling of unanticipated creativity as you find your way through a so-called “mistake”
• The joy of admiring your unfolding tile as you turn it this way and that
• The joy of creating something you didn’t think possible
• The stillness of mind and quiet focus from drawing pen stroke after pen stroke

There is something magical and real about the drag of your pen on your tile, turning your tile this way and that as you tangle, adding graphite to shade and sculpt your tangles, the sound of the tortillon as it blends the graphite into the fibers of your tile. It is thrilling and nourishing to watch something new and beautiful appear on the tile beneath your hands.

And, as Bijou reminds us, the Joy is in the Journey.

At a recent Zentangle event in Frankfort, Germany, Katharina and Jennifer introduced a new interpretation of AI - Artistic Intelligence. In practicing the Zentangle Method you may not use Artificial Intelligence, but you certainly do develop your Artistic Intelligence!

And you can apply that Artistic Intelligence to make not only beautiful patterns on your tiles but also beautiful patterns on the canvas of your life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!