Art has always been a reflection of who we are—our thoughts, emotions, and the messy, beautiful reality of being human. But what happens when machines start creating alongside us? Are we still the sole artists, or is AI carving out its own space in the world of creativity?
In this episode of Art is the New Wall Street, I sat down with Dave Razor, a 2D and 3D animator who’s been experimenting with AI and tech in his art for years. Our conversation touched on everything from the excitement of new creative possibilities to the thought provoking questions about what actually makes us human.
AI: The New Creative Partner
Dave kicks off by talking about how AI is shaking up the creative world. “It's knocked out this idea that you have to be a master of your craft to be creative,” he says. This isn’t about replacing skill or experience, but about opening up the world of art to anyone with an idea and just enough bold curiosity to explore it.
He shares how today’s kids, with their wild imaginations, are using AI to bring ideas to life that would’ve been impossible just a few years ago. “Now we’re seeing creativity combine in ways that were never possible before,” Dave points out.
Is AI Art Actually Art?
This is the big question, isn’t it? If a machine creates something, can we really call it art? Dave doesn’t shy away from this one. For him, AI is just a new kind of art—different, but valid. “This is a whole new genre,” he explains, “and it’s alive, it’s real.”
But he’s also aware of the ethical gray areas. He’s cautious about using AI in ways that feel cheap or uninspired. “If you’re using AI just to copy something like ‘Spider-Man in the style of Van Gogh,’ that’s not it. But if you’re using it to spark new ideas, to create something that you couldn’t do otherwise, then that’s where it gets interesting.”
What Makes Us Human?
As we talk more, we start exploring what it means to be human in a world where machines can mimic our creative processes. Dave pulls from some heavy-hitting philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Daniel Dennett to get at this idea.
“What if what we thought was unique to us isn’t so unique after all?” he asks. “What if AI can do it too?”
It’s a bit of a head-trip, honestly. But Dave sees it as a chance to rethink what makes us, well, us. Maybe it’s not just about what we can create, but about the emotions, connections, and stories behind those creations.
The Commercial Side of Creativity
We couldn’t have this episode without talking about how AI is changing the art world on a practical level. Dave gets real about the challenges of staying true to your creative vision while also trying to make a living. “Sometimes it feels like I’m just grinding through revisions, over and over,” he says. “It can suck the life out of you.”
But Dave’s hopeful too. He’s not letting AI—or the demands of the market—dictate his art. Instead, he’s finding ways to use these tools to enhance his work, not compromise it.
What’s Next?
So, where do we go from here? AI is clearly changing the world, but it’s also opening up new ways to think about art and creativity. And, even more so, it’s pushing us to ask deeper questions about humanity.
If you’ve ever wondered where the line between human and machine creativity really lies, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in and join us as we rethink everything we know about art, creativity, and what it means to be human.
See Dave's work on his website: https://www.daverazordesign.com/
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