Reflection: AI, Reality, & a Home by the Sea
In response to our January reflective questions, Daniel Jones explores the value reality holds in his artistic practice and engages with his dreams for the future.
By Daniel Jones | 1/18/25
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How can I use my artistic practice to amplify my voice this year?
This is, perhaps, becoming a more relevant question than ever due to our rapidly changing relationship with technology, particularly AI. Developers of AI are promising endless ways in which this technology will transform our lives for the better. Many artists also feel anxiety about the impact AI will have on their work and livelihoods. AI relies on the input of data to tell any story. As AI begins to teach itself and create its own stories, I hope that we as artists can continue to tell human stories. Our story. I am a father of three and think it is important to tell my own story for my children rather than let technology contrive one from my digital footprint. We artists should also continue to tell each other's stories outside of algorithmically identified societal preferences. After all, storytelling is one of our unique human characteristics.
What role does my art serve in exploring my relationship to the world around me? What have I learned about the world from my artistic practice?
My medium is photography. People have debated the "reality" of a photograph since the inception of the medium. But in reality, photography is a great way to challenge perception. Diane Arbus once said, "a photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know." Sarah Miller recently wrote in Aperture about Trevor Paglen's work and described it as "a practice that examines how belief is compelled." Photography allows me to challenge my own and my viewers' perception of the world around us. Whether it be lens choice, double exposure, reflections, or compositional choice, photography is a great way to "see" the world. The world is a complicated place and there are many ways of seeing.
If I could dream rapidly, wildly, and with abandon, where would that lead me next?
In my dreams, I have moved to Ireland with my family to raise sheep in a small seaside town. We tend our flock and shear the sheep to make wool clothing. In our free time, we go to the local pub to hang out with the locals and listen to traditional music. All the while, I document this process with my camera and tell our story.
To keep up with Daniel's work, visit his website https://danieljonesfoto.com
About the Author:
Daniel Jones is a photographer currently residing in Petersburg, Virginia. Daniel took up photography in 2015 when he moved to Prague. During his time in the Czech Republic and later Croatia, Daniel honed his skills before returning to the United States. He continues to use photography as a means to explore existential questions and challenge perceptions. Daniel is also the Tri-Cities Program Manager for CultureWorks.
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