*This article is part of our editorial series, GALLERY SELECTS, where we showcase the diverse artists, collectors, and curators who are creating and sharing their NFTs on GALLERY.
The ever-ongoing fervor surrounding AI-generated art has hit again, igniting passionate debates reminiscent of controversies about art mediums throughout history. At the heart of the latest episode of “AI artists vs. the rest of the world” stands Petra Voice. Petra's innovative approach and relentless pursuit of expression have propelled her into the on-chain art space. Her work in NFTs and AI-generated art has expanded her artistic reach and cultivated a community of collectors and a worldwide fandom—many proudly displaying Petra’s "Babes" as their PFP, a testament to her influence.
In the following chat, Petra offers us an in-depth look into her workflow. Each of her pieces begins with a spark—often triggered by social vibes and cultural pulse. Her process is dynamic and evolving, marked by experimentation, iteration, and refinement. Ultimately, all of this culminates in creations that resonate with the signature style everyone has been hungry for.
Petra also talks about her exploration of NFTs, discussing how this space has changed her stance in the art scene. She highlights the crucial role collectors play in the space, not just because of their wallets, but as the ones who shape new art trends.
Finally, the conversation takes a deeper tone as Petra addresses the intense debates around AI-generated art. She shares her thoughts on navigating both praise and criticism, reflecting on her recent successful drop on Foundation, "Babes," and the strategic timing that capitalized on the heightened attention from the controversy.
Hi Petra. Could you share your personal background and how you transitioned to creating AI art? What drew you to tech over traditional tools?
I first encountered AI about two years ago. At that time, I was in a state of uncertainty: I had just finished a long-term project, moved to another country, and realized I didn’t know what I wanted to do next. I had accumulated a lot of knowledge and skills, but I didn’t know how to use them.
When I first tried to create art using AI, I was immediately captivated. This technology offered a new, exciting way to express myself and explore creative possibilities beyond classic tools. AI quickly became my everything. I was then able to create art that felt both innovative and deeply personal.
You have explored various aesthetics in your work, such as fantasy, post-photography, portraiture, abstraction, and both dark and joyful elements. How do you approach this diversity, and what inspires you to look into such varied subjects?
My approach to exploring diverse aesthetics is driven by curiosity and a desire to express different facets of the human experience. Each phase of my process has been shaped by the technical advancements of the time and by my evolving skills, ideas, and thoughts.
Fantasy allows me to create worlds and characters that push the limits of imagination. Post-photography and portraiture help me explore identity and the human form, while abstraction lets me play with shapes, colors, and emotions in a more fluid way. Both dark and joyful elements are important as they reflect the full spectrum of human feelings.
Inspiration often comes from personal experiences, cultural influences, and the dynamic nature of AI itself. It permits endless experimentation and discovery. The transition from one aesthetic to another often mirrors my personal growth and the progression of my artistic vision, making each period a unique reflection of where I am at that moment, technically and creatively.
You frequently explore themes related to the body and the inner self. Can you elaborate on how these are reflected in your art? Is this something personal, and how do you inject your experiences and feelings into your work?
Themes related to the body and the inner self are indeed central to my work. I’m fascinated by the complexities of human nature and identity. These topics are personal, as they often stem from my experiences and introspections. I use AI to explore and visualize the multifaceted aspects of our inner lives, creating art that speaks to the hidden emotions and thoughts we all harbor.
The human body, especially the female form, is a recurring subject in what I do. I’m drawn to its beauty, strength, vulnerability, and the stories it tells. This exploration is about the physical form and also about the internal landscapes we navigate daily. My journey as a woman and an artist influences this. The emotions, challenges, and triumphs I’ve experienced become parts of my art, helping me create pieces that really connect with people.
By bringing together my feelings and experiences with what AI can do, I try to create art that invites viewers to think about their own inner worlds and the masks we wear. It’s a way for me to unite with others, to share a part of my soul, and to remind us all of the depth and complexity that lie within each of us.
Can you walk us through your process when creating art?
It always begins with inspiration and conceptualization. I draw this mostly from my emotions, current events, and pop culture. Often, a single image or feeling can bring an idea. I brainstorm by jotting down notes and creating mood boards to visualize the concept.
The creation phase involves drafting initial prototypes and experimenting with different prompts. Sometimes unexpected outputs and experiments transform my idea, so the process is very dynamic. After multiple iterations, I refine the work and make adjustments. The final touches include adding details, color correction, and ensuring consistency with my style.
Within this process, are there any rituals or habits that enhance your creativity?
Yes, several rituals and habits: I always try to change my environment to keep the flow of inspiration going, so I often take long walks to seek inspiration. Discipline also helps me a lot in my work process, although I can get so engrossed in creating that it can occupy me for an entire day.
An inspiring workspace with art, plants, and meaningful objects enhances my creative flow as well.
What drew you to NFTs, and how does this medium fit with your artistic practice?
The innovation of NFTs and blockchain tech fascinates me. They are new ways to create and share art. The supportive NFT community was also a significant draw because it brought lots of opportunities for collaboration and growth. I quickly found my audience and community who warmly welcomed me and helped me reach new heights.
I do think NFTs make my art accessible to a global audience, breaking down barriers. They allow for interactive and evolving art pieces, expanding the frontiers of art forms. Additionally, they bring new revenue streams, supporting my artistic practice sustainably. Before NFTs, I couldn't have imagined one second making a living through my art, but the crypto-art market is very different from the standard market, and I feel like this is where I belong.
What role do you see collectors playing in the digital art and crypto art space?
Collectors are important in these spaces. They provide crucial support and validation. They help artists like me to pursue our work full-time. They aren't just buyers; they're curators who help shape the digital art landscape and influence trends. Their engagement with artists and other collectors strengthens and builds the community.
However, it's not all positive. Sometimes, the pressure to please collectors can stifle creativity. There's a risk of becoming too focused on what will sell rather than what you genuinely want to create. It's just a question of balance between staying true to your artistic vision and making a living.
How do you think collecting digital art differs from traditional art forms?
Collecting digital art is more accessible in my opinion. It opens the doors for a broader audience to participate. Unlike classical art, where you have a physical piece hanging on your wall, digital art can be experienced in unique ways. And you can become a collector for a very small and fair price, especially with edition formats.
But with this accessibility comes challenges. The sheer volume of digital art can be overwhelming, and the ease of access means that collectors have to sift through a lot more to find truly unique pieces.
There has been much debate about AI art, and you were directly targeted. What are your thoughts on these discussions, and how do you navigate the criticisms and praises of AI-generated art?
The reaction to my recent tweet was super intense, to say the least. I wanted to convey that art, whether created by traditional means or through AI, is a form of expression that should be open to exploration and acceptance. The diverse responses, from appreciation to harsh criticism, reflect the wide range of perspectives people hold regarding AI art.
Navigating this landscape is challenging. The praise feels validating, but the criticism can be tough to handle. I remind myself that art is meant to provoke thought and emotion. If my work is getting people talking, then it's hitting the mark. I take all these emotions as part of the dialogue. It's a learning experience and it helps me grow as an artist.
A couple of days after this debate, you released 'Babes' on FND, which was a huge success. Could you talk about this drop? Why did you choose this timing?
The 'Babes' collection is a quite personal reflection. Moving to Asia and encountering the hyper-cute aesthetic of anime and cartoon imagery left a strong impression on me. We strategically timed the release to capitalize on the increased attention generated by the recent debate.
The collection was planned well in advance of the scandal, so we decided to proceed as planned and view the scandal as a fortunate coincidence that brought more attention to our drop. I had been preparing this collection for a long time and was uncertain about its format and platform for release, but given its extensive scope, I knew this project demanded a serious approach, so I didn't rush it. The team at FND actually reached out to me themselves with an offer to launch this project together.
Looking ahead, how do you envision AI art impacting society? Do you believe it will redefine cultural norms and artistic appreciation?
I think AI art will significantly impact society by redefining what we consider art. It introduces new techniques and possibilities and allows artists to create works that were previously unimaginable.
This will challenge conventional notions of authorship and creativity. As AI art becomes more mainstream, it will likely reshape cultural norms and artistic appreciation, encouraging broader acceptance of diverse artistic expressions. AI's ability to democratize art creation means more people can participate in the creative process, unfolding a more inclusive art world.
What ethical considerations related to AI-generated art should we be aware of?
As an artist working with AI, I think it's key to consider several ethical aspects related to AI-generated art.
Firstly, defining authorship and ownership rights of AI-generated artworks can be complex, especially in collaborative or multi-dataset scenarios. I advocate for clear and fair legal frameworks that protect the interests of all parties involved.
Secondly, I am mindful of potential biases that AI systems may inherit from their training data, which could unintentionally affect the art they produce. Ensuring we use diverse and representative datasets is essential to minimize biases and create art that’s inclusive.
Transparency in my use of AI is also paramount. I try to transparently share how AI influences my creative process, enabling viewers and collectors to better understand and appreciate the unique contributions of this technology.
Thank you, Petra!
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