Meet Dina!
Introducing Dina, also known as Ethereal Gwirl (IG: @ethereal_gwirl), a visionary AI collaborative artist based in New York. Her work is a mesmerizing blend of fantasy and horror, with a distinct gothic flair reminiscent of Tim Burton's animations. Dina crafts characters that captivate the imagination—children, animals, and creatures, all sharing an expression of shock that leaves a lasting impression. Her short movies and animations are not just unique; they are intriguing windows into a world where the everyday meets the extraordinary. Through her art, Dina aims to express her daily observations, emotions, and outlandish ideas, adapting her style to each project's unique vision. Her goal is to offer viewers a dynamic world that showcases the strength of artistic diversity, inviting them into her richly imagined universe.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in AI art?
I initially started using AI, specifically Midjourney, as an alternative to traditional mediums. I was feeling quite frustrated because I couldn't find the time for setup, creation, and cleanup in my schedule with kids. One day, while scrolling through Instagram, I came across an AI artist's account, which prompted me to look into Midjourney. Navigating Discord presented quite the learning curve, but I was determined to give it a sincere try. Since then, I haven't looked back.
My journey into AI art led me further into the NFT space. With the support of a fellow artist and friend, LeMoon, I was introduced to the Daily.xyz program through FellowshipAI. The team there is so passionate and committed, shining a light on the artists.
Engaging in the NFT world has been both a creative outlet and a significant learning experience. It has connected me with an exceptionally kind, supportive, and welcoming community. The NFT space has provided opportunities for growth, all while being extremely uplifting.
How do you approach the creative process when working with AI?
The beauty of AI lies in its collaborative nature. Although control is somewhat limited, the benefit comes from the tool's fluidity. If I encounter a creative block, I sometimes experiment with various prompting terms and ideas, leading to a productive back-and-forth that stimulates creativity. It's very similar to collaborating with a human, where external input can help unlock an idea that was lurking just below the surface.
I find this process distinct from working with traditional art mediums. For example, I could stare at a blank canvas for hours, and it might not provide the same inspiration as interacting with AI. I appreciate the immediate and malleable results AI offers. It's the flexibility and exchange of ideas between myself and the technology that make the creative process with AI so interesting and appealing to me.
Can you share a specific moment that transformed your perspective on AI art?
Currently, I am really proud of my series "The Kids of Wakita". Initially, I was going to create a show called "Polly's Place" about a little girl named Polly and her weird friends and adventures, but I felt it was limiting and had the idea sitting for a long time. I wanted to explore a world where kids could explore their hobbies, be weird and awkward, and just explore. That's when I shifted gears and focused on not just one girl's world, but the world of children in general. The first video in that series is called "Hello. Goodbye.", and the little girl is named Polly still, in honor of the initial idea. The beauty of this project is that it's like a time capsule for my children's lives as well. They do the voices for the project, and many of the stories are inspired by them.
How do you balance your work in AI art with other professional or personal pursuits?
If I'm being honest, time management is not my strongest skill. I often worry about how I allocate my time. That being said, I've always had to wear many hats. Until recently, I was working from home while taking care of my children. This requires some planning and foresight to figure out what I can work on to complete my to-do list without having twenty projects open at the same time. Sometimes, I do end up with that many projects, but that's just the reality of things. When that happens, I try to refocus on the project that is closest to being finished. This way, I can eventually start wrapping projects up.
How has working with AI in art influenced your mental and emotional wellbeing?
AI has positively impacted my mental and emotional well-being. Before AI, I was deeply frustrated by all the ideas floating around in my head that I couldn't bring to life due to time constraints. Honestly, my kids would often grab my paintbrushes and ruin the paintings while I was busy with adult tasks around the house. It was a never-ending cycle: start painting, then stop for a diaper change, only to come back and find my other son had drawn on the walls. AI has given me back my individual voice, and then some. I can pause a project and come back on my schedule. Nothing is at risk of getting trashed and the paint won't dry out while life happens. That is a beautiful thing as a mother of little ones.
How do you engage with the broader AI and digital artist community?
I really enjoy the friendships I have formed in this community. I interact with others online constantly over their art and creations. Collaborating with other artists, especially AI artists, is something I love, as they are like-minded and understand the possibilities and limitations of the tools. These collaborations have taught me a lot, whether it has been a peek into their prompting techniques or editing processes. It's all really interesting to see how others use the tool. AI is so thought-driven and based on personal experiences, making it eye-opening to see how someone else may approach using the tool. AI has made my world bigger. Sometimes, I was so focused on what was happening in my home on a daily basis that I would forget life existed outside those walls. Now, I feel like I have formed really strong friendships, something I never would have imagined at the start of this journey a year ago.
For more of Ethereal Gwirl’s incredible work, make sure to visit her Instagram account: @ethereal_gwirl