Have you ever heard of the famous artist AARON? The painting at the top, titled “Mother and Daughter,” is an example of AARON’s work. AARON's paintings have been exhibited in many museums around the world, including London's Tate Modern Gallery, Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Washington Capitol Children's Museum.

This artist is truly one-of-a-kind, but for a very unusual reason: "he" isn’t human! Actually, AARON is the world’s first cybernetic artist, an artificially intelligent system that paints original art. AARON exists because of the efforts of one man: Professor Harold Cohen, a painter who became interested in computer science. Cohen spent 40 years of his life “teaching” AARON to paint by modeling the decisions made by an experienced artist. For example, in the same way a person can learn how the human body is structured, or how a plant grows, so can a computer. 

You can see AARON at work in the photo under the painting. in addition to creating its own artwork, AARON mixes its own paints and even washes its own brushes!

Here's the interesting question: even though AARON can draw and paint really well, can a computer actually be creative? Some people involved in the artificial intelligence community say yes, because when people view AARON’s work they feel emotions. But Cohen doesn’t agree. “Having a brain and having a life are two different things,” he says. In other words, our experiences as humans fuel our creativity.

Others are intrigued by this very same question.  In 2001, Simon Colton a Professor of Computational Creativity in London, created graphics software called the Painting Fool, which he claims possesses creative abilities. His hope was that “one day it would taken seriously as a creative artist in its own right.” For that to happen, Colton believes the program needs to exhibit behaviors “that can genuinely be called skillful, appreciative and imaginative." He is working toward that goal. In fact, The Painting Fool has recently been producing sculptures, animations and even poetry!

What do you think? Can artificial intelligence be creative…or is creativity something only flesh-and-blood humans are capable of? Do you agree with Cohen's belief that creativity can't exist without life experiences? 

Computer or human artist? Test your eye at: http://www.studio360.org/story/175733-robopainter/
Can you tell the difference?

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Reshma Saujani, an American lawyer, politician and activist, believes that failing at something is actually the best way to succeed! Why? Because, she says, “If you haven’t failed yet, you haven’t tried anything! I never 'get' things the first time, or second—more like third or fourth!” 

The most important thing, says Reshma, is not being  afraid of a challenge. And if you don't succeed the first time, try again! Reshma he believes that fear of failure holds girls and women back from achieving their full potential—especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like science and technology. She’s even written a book to help empower women, titled “Women Who Don’t Wait in Line: Break the Mold, Lead the Way.”

April 23rd is International Girls in Information and Communications Technologies Day. Let’s take a moment to explore the gender gap in those areas known as STEM: science, technology, engineering and math. Do you know that only one out of seven engineers in the United States is a woman? It’s true! And get this — when choosing a college major, just 0.3% of high school girls select computer science. 

There are many theories as to why this is the case, but one thing’s for certain: Reshma wants it to change.  

Growing up, Reshma’s father read books to her about people doing good things. “I always knew I wanted to serve,” she says. In addition to holding public office in New York City, she founded “Girls Who Code,” a national non-profit organization dedicated to exposing girls to computer science. The organization’s programs “work to inspire, educate, and equip girls with the computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities.”  Its goal is to teach 1 million girls to code by 2020, through summer programs, high school clubs, and online courses. 

There are now over 160 Girls Who Code clubs across the country and 19 summer programs in five cities nationwide. One girl at a time, the organization is changing the perception of what a scientist looks like, and showing young women that technology can be the very thing that enables them to change the world! 

http://girlswhocode.com

Continuing with our technology theme, next week's post will try to answer this interesting question: Can computers make art? 

What do you think? Say tuned!  

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Justin Canha is an exceptionally gifted young artist whose striking creations attracted the attention of artists and galleries when he was just 14 years old. He also happens to be autistic. In recognition of National Autism Month, let’s appreciate and applaud Justin’s unique talent and incredible accomplishments!

People with autism spectrum disorder may not think or behave the same way as their peers. They may find communicating and relating to others difficult. According to the organization Autism Speaks, many autistic people have exceptional abilities in visual skills, music and academics.

That's certainly the case for Justin! By age four, he was using magic markers to express on paper what he couldn’t say in words, and it soon became clear that his love for art was more than just a passing childhood hobby. He moved on to charcoal, pastels, and watercolors, and used them to create uniquely bold, colorful, energetic works. Justin's vibrant paintings and drawings reflect “his sweetness, love of animals, and empathy,” says his mother, Maria Teresa. “If you say ‘draw this,’ he doesn’t have to look at a photograph. He can just draw it.” Plants and animals—birds, tigers, goats, dogs and wolves—are favorite subjects. Justin is also a gifted cartoonist and creates humorous, action-packed computer animations.

Justin’s work has been exhibited at Montclair State University in New Jersey, the Rhode Island School of Design, and Pace University in New York City. Also, he has illustrated several books and his paintings have been featured in Oprah magazine. Justin himself has appeared in three documentaries films. 

Now in his mid-twenties, Justin works as a freelance illustrator and story boarder/animator, a part-time cake decorator, and an assistant elementary school art teacher. His goal is to live independently and have his own apartment. He is well on his way to achieving this dream!

No matter what path Justin follows, the world is richer for his beautiful art. “We’re thrilled and thankful for this tremendous gift that Justin has,” says Maria Teresa. Those fortunate enough to know Justin and is work all share her feeling.

Does Justin’s art “speak” to you? What do you like best about it?

You can see what Justin's been up to lately at  http://www.facebook.com/justincanhasart.

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Those words were spoken by environmental activist, author, and artist Olivia Bouler when she was just 11 years old. Olivia's commitment to environmental action began when she saw birds suffering from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. She knew right away she wanted to help, and sent a letter to The National Audubon Society (an organization that conserves and restores natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife). She wrote: “I was wondering if I could sell some bird paintings and give the profits to your organization."

The Audubon Society loved Olivia’s idea! She started painting right away, and also established a “Save The Gulf” Facebook initiative. Donations began pouring in. Starting with one simple idea and a handful of paintings, Olivia was eventually able to raise more than $200,000! After that, Olivia wrote and illustrated a book called “Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf," in which she shared her extensive knowledge about birds. A portion of the proceeds benefit Audubon's efforts to clean up the Gulf Coast. 

Olivia’s accomplishment was recognized throughout the media by The Today Show, CNN, People Magazine, The Disney Channel, BBC radio, Scholastic, American Girl Magazine, and many more. She has been honored with the Youth Leadership Award, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, and the ASPCA Humane Award. Her talent in art has also earned recognitions such as the Audubon Artist Inspiring Conservation Award and being named as an AOL Artist. Youth Service America included Olivia in its list of the 25 most powerful and influential young people in the world! 

Now 16, Olivia is still a passionate champion of the earth. And, it probably won’t surprise you that she aspires to be an ornithologist (bird scientist) when she grows up!

Says Olivia: “Everyone, at any age, can do something, whether it is picking up trash along the side of the road, filling a bird feeder, or bringing reusable bags to the grocery store. For me, I used my artwork. Find your cause and use your talents. The quality of our world is counting on you.”

As we celebrate Earth Day this month, think about what you can do for the environment. Every little bit helps!


You can learn more about Olivia at http://www.oliviabouler.net.

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