Meet Faedriel!
Introducing Faedriel (IG: @faedriel), a licensed clinical psychologist, research scientist and digital artist based in Colorado. With a decade of experience in academia and private practice, he specializes in empowering transgender and gender non-conforming young adults. Faedriel's artistic journey weaves a tapestry of ethereal, pastel representations of women and the queer community, drawing inspiration from visionaries like Grimes and Claire Silver. His work delves into the realms of mystery and myth, with a particular focus on the faes, creating a unique and fantastical narrative. As an advocate for mental health and AI-driven educational equity, Faedriel is passionate about fostering environments where technology catalyzes empowerment and transformation.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got interested in AI art?
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and research scientist committed to leveraging AI as a transformative tool for democratization in education, healthcare, and the arts. Over the past decade, my journey has taken me through the halls of academia and private practice, providing psychotherapy to a diverse array of students, focusing on women and LGBTQ+ individuals, at institutions such as Yale, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), and the University of Colorado Boulder. My specialization in private practice focuses on empowering transgender and gender non-conforming young adults, guiding them through their identity exploration with compassion and understanding.
My journey into AI art in 2019 marked the beginning of a profound exploration into the potential of technology to break down barriers in creativity and access. However, my vision extends beyond the arts. As a researcher, I am deeply engaged in investigating how AI can revolutionize education for marginalized learners, such as those with ADHD and learning disabilities. My work aims to unveil innovative strategies that harness AI's capabilities to create inclusive, equitable learning environments, enabling every student to unlock their full potential.
This dual focus on mental health and AI-driven educational equity drives my passion for fostering environments where technology catalyzes empowerment, inclusivity, and transformation across all facets of society.
Who or what are your artistic inspirations, and how do they influence your work?
My artistic journey is deeply inspired by visionaries who integrate creativity with technology, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in art. Grimes, Claire Silver, and Sam Altman stand out as major inspirations for their pioneering work. Grimes embodies the essence of innovation and DIY ethos that resonates profoundly with me. Since discovering her work in 2009, when I was 18, I've been captivated by her innovative approach to creativity.
Grimes's fearless experimentation with AI and her visionary use of digital platforms have revolutionized how we perceive the intersection of technology and art. Her work showcases the power of artistic autonomy and the potential of AI as a medium for creative expression, themes that are deeply embedded in my own practice. The way she leverages technology to amplify her creative vision, while maintaining a distinct personal style, has significantly influenced my approach to AI art.
If allowed to collaborate with any artist, Grimes would be at the top of my list. Her role as an incredible innovator of our time makes her the ideal collaborator for pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve in democratizing and revolutionizing the arts.
How do you approach the creative process when working with AI?
Transitioning from traditional art mediums (e.g. illustration, modeling, photography) to AI has revolutionized my approach to overcoming creative blocks. Where once such hurdles might have stalled my creative output, AI now serves as both muse and collaborator. It's a dynamic partnership where AI's infinite possibilities ignite my creativity, allowing me to explore previously unimaginable territories. This paradigm shift has effectively dissolved the creative blocks that once loomed over my practice.
With AI, I find myself in a collaborative dance, where the technology not only responds to my inputs but also challenges me to reinterpret and expand my creative vision. This interactive process is markedly different from the more solitary reflections that characterize traditional art-making. AI has become a conduit through which my imagination is amplified, pushing me to explore the endless landscapes of creativity without the constraints that once bound my artistic expression. Midjourney AI holds a special place in my arsenal, resonating with my vision for creating art that ventures into the fantastical and avant-garde.
Can you share a specific artwork or moment that transformed your perspective on AI art?
"Ethereal Echo" holds a special place in my portfolio, not only for the recognition it received as the winner of the HUG Visionary Award but for the personal artistic journey it encapsulates. In creating "Ethereal Echo," I delved into the realm of the 'fae,' ethereal beings that, in folklore, often signal change and transition. They became the perfect metaphor for the current AI renaissance, representing the duality of upheaval and liberation that accompanies the integration of AI in creative practices. The fae in this artwork symbolize the new horizons that AI is unlocking for artists everywhere—an era where the constraints of traditional media are being dissolved, and the barriers to entry into the arts are significantly lowered.
The process behind "Ethereal Echo" was both technical and introspective. Using Midjourney AI as a starting point, I fed the system prompts that were evocative of the fae's mystique and my queer artistic influence, iterating on the visual output until it resonated with the concept I envisioned. The result was a piece that did not simply replicate the styles of the past but instead brought forth something novel and unexpected—much like the unpredictability and wonder associated with the fae themselves.
How do you balance your work in AI art with other professional or personal pursuits?
During my tenure as a therapist at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), I observed a common oversight among artists: the underestimation of the importance of self-care in sustaining their creativity. There's a prevalent mythos around the 'tortured artist'—one who forsakes all for their craft, often to the detriment of their well-being. However, my experience has shown that this is far from a sustainable model. Instead, those who integrate self-care into their routines tend to have more to give to their art in the long run.
To maintain this balance, I am meticulous about scheduling. Creative time isn't something that happens by chance; it's a deliberate and protected part of my day, just as critical as any client session or research work. This intentionality ensures that my art doesn't become an afterthought, but rather a priority that coexists with my other roles. By setting clear boundaries and honoring them, I'm able to engage fully with both my profession and my passion, each enriching the other.
How has working with AI in art influenced your mental and emotional wellbeing?
I've been at the forefront of incorporating AI art therapy into my private practice. This innovative approach has been particularly beneficial for transgender women and femmes, offering them a novel way to explore aspects of their gender identity and expression in a setting that is both safe and low stakes. The opportunity for individuals to project their inner experiences into visual forms without the pressure of artistic skill or judgment has been revolutionary.
Moreover, the use of AI art as a therapeutic tool has allowed for the processing of trauma and the exploration of complex emotions in a non-verbal, yet profoundly articulate way. The feedback from my clients has been overwhelmingly positive; many report finding clarity and understanding through the visual language that AI art enables them to develop.
In this sense, the AI art-making process is not just a method of creating something new; it's a means of uncovering and understanding the self, offering a mirror to one's internal world. It's both a healing practice and a source of joy, providing a creative outlet that contributes significantly to emotional resilience and psychological growth.
In your opinion, how does AI redefine the concept of creativity and artistic agency, and how do you see it impacting the future of art?
AI's ascent in the realm of creativity is a pivotal moment in the evolution of art, reshaping our understanding of artistic agency and the role of the artist. Its impact can be likened to historical inflection points, such as the advent of the piano or the camera—each initially met with controversy and skepticism, yet ultimately giving rise to a new echelon of artistic expression and masters like Bach or Ansel Adams. These tools did not replace the artist; instead, they expanded what was possible, democratizing the means of creation and expression.
Art, in its most fundamental sense, is a human birthright—a means of communication and connection that transcends barriers. AI empowers this vision, offering a voice to those who might have been marginalized or silenced, amplifying diverse narratives and perspectives.
For the future, I foresee AI as a catalyst that will continue to democratize the arts, making it more accessible and inclusive. In my own practice, I am committed to harnessing this technology to uplift and support queer communities and women, ensuring their stories are heard and their creativity celebrated. Through AI, we can elevate these voices and foster a more inclusive and equitable artistic landscape.
What role do you think AI art can play in highlighting social issues?
AI art is an exceptionally potent medium for illuminating social issues, offering a platform to visualize and interrogate complex themes that might otherwise be difficult to articulate. It possesses a unique capacity to distill abstract concepts into tangible forms, creating a bridge between critical discourse and public engagement.
In my work, I interweave elements of queer theory, critical theory, and intersectional feminism, using the canvas of AI art to challenge and deconstruct traditional power dynamics. One of the core principles of many feminist theories is the dismantling of inequities between systems and individuals. AI art functions as a lever in this process, granting a voice to narratives that have historically been marginalized.
By leveraging AI, I aim to create works that not only reflect on social issues but also challenge viewers to confront and question their own preconceptions. Whether it’s exploring the fluidity of gender, the spectrum of sexuality, or the societal constructs that govern them, AI art enables me to push these conversations into the foreground.
How do you engage with the broader AI and digital artist community?
Engaging with the broader AI and digital artist community is a cornerstone of both my personal and professional ethos. As a clinical psychologist who has worked extensively in university counseling centers, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of young adults during this formative stage of their lives. They possess a remarkable capacity for innovation, adaptability, and creativity, qualities that are especially vital in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and digital art.
I am particularly drawn to supporting and mentoring young women and queer artists. Their unique perspectives and experiences are essential to the diversity and vibrancy of the AI art community. It's an immensely rewarding experience to see these young creators flourish, pushing the boundaries of what we consider possible in art and technology.
What advice or encouragement would you give to aspiring women who are interested in pursuing AI art?
To all the aspiring women and non-binary individuals venturing into the world of AI art, my message is one of empowerment and urgency: Embrace this medium as your stage, your laboratory, your loudspeaker. AI art is indeed a profound queering of the art world—it's where the conventional boundaries of creation are not just pushed but completely reimagined. Throughout history, art has been a powerful ally to political movements, challenging societal norms and redefining what is deemed 'acceptable' or 'mainstream.' AI art is the latest chapter in this tradition of revolution.
Your engagement in AI art is an inherently political act, a reclamation of space in a field that has been traditionally dominated by singular perspectives. It's an opportunity to inject your unique experiences and truths into a narrative that has been, for too long, monolithic. The tools of AI are your instruments to challenge, disrupt, and diversify the artistic canon.
So, wield these tools with intention. Let the "man" — or any force that seeks to suppress divergent voices — know that your place in the art world is non-negotiable. Your creative process, your exploration through AI, is a radical act of self-expression and societal commentary.
For more of Faedriel’s incredible work, make sure to visit his Instagram account: @faedriel