Businesses are using AI images, but N.L. artists want them to reconsider

A St. John's artist is trying to get people to think twice before using art made with artificial intelligence.

Emma Bishop says she's seen an increase in people and local businesses using AI art. But as a traditional artist, she balked at the sudden shift away from human-made designs.

In protest, Bishop designed anti-AI posters and put them up around St. John's. 

"[I] just want people to get encouraged to do their own research on why it might not be the best thing to use, and ... think again about maybe supporting a local artist," said Bishop. 

The Orange Store, a local gas and convenience chain, recently sparked controversy after it created advertisements with AI-generated images. 

In an emailed statement, North Sun Energy spokesperson Sandy Mercer said a recent Father's Day gift card advertisement included an AI-generated image. 

"We work closely with our creative team to explore innovative promotional ideas — including how AI is used," said Mercer. 

Bishop says AI image generation hurts artists by taking away work that they could've done, arguing opportunities for artists in Newfoundland and Labrador can be hard to come by.

"It may be quicker and it may be more convenient, but I truly believe that using a local artist to make some of your art is just so much more beneficial for both people," said Bishop. 

She also says AI is ripping artists off by learning from their work without permission.

"Every time I post on Instagram, my art is feeding into an AI algorithm, and I can't stop that unfortunately," said Bishop.

Bishop says she's also concerned about environmental harms. 

According to some estimates, the average question a user asks ChatGPT takes about 10 times more power than a Google search to generate. Creating an image uses about as much power as charging a smartphone. 

Computers that run AI models become so hot, they also need to use a lot of water to stay cool.