Harmonious Duality: Violet P Jones’s Dance of Human and Artificial Intelligence in Art

Violet Jones is a multi-disciplinary artist whose creative journey spans fashion, film, and fine arts. With a degree in linguistics, Violet began her career as a teacher before pursuing her artistic aspirations professionally. Inspired by renowned artists such as Zdzislaw Beksinski, Paula Rego, and Alphonse Mucha, Violet has developed a unique artistic style that focuses on human figures, portraiture, and emotion-evoking compositions. You can see all of her art by heading to her linktree here.

In her latest work, Violet has embraced the world of NFTs and AI, masterfully combining traditional oil painting techniques with cutting-edge artificial intelligence. She uses AI-generated compositions as a starting point and brings them to life on canvas, creating a captivating fusion of traditional and digital art. Violet’s innovative approach has earned her a growing reputation in the NFT art space, and her upcoming projects and collaborations continue to push the boundaries of creativity.

In this interview, we delve into the world of the talented NFT artist Violet, who takes us through her artistic journey, creative process, and the innovative use of artificial intelligence in her work. With a background in fashion, film, and fine arts, Violet’s artistic style is heavily influenced by her diverse experiences and her fascination with the human figure and portraiture.

Violet’s latest collection, “MURAKA Me Myself and AI,” is inspired by Murakami flowers and the vibrant colors of spring in New York. This collection combines AI technology with traditional oil painting techniques, resulting in a unique fusion of the two mediums. She uses the StarryAI app to create compositions that preserve her artistic essence while pushing the boundaries of creativity. You can see her work during NFT NYC 2023 at The Crypt Gallery.

The show aims to inspire viewers and demonstrate the importance of building on the work of past artists while incorporating modern tools. With augmented reality and sound enhancing the sensory experience, Violet’s work creates an interactive and immersive atmosphere for the audience.

I used modern tools to generate unique and interesting combinations of colors, shapes, and textures by reinterpreting my former painting with prompts referring to the style of Murakami flowers and the feeling of the spring season in NYC. – Violet P Jones

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got interested in art?

I have always been creative, however it was not until my 20s that I decided to explore my artistic side in a more professional manner. My very first art steps were actually in fashion. After I got my degree in linguistics I got a teaching job and could afford to put myself through a fashion school. Further on, my jobs in fashion introduced me to a film world which I fell in love with. I have always painted and sculpted on the side but never explored it seriously. I participated in a few collective shows here and there but never thought I would end up being a fine artist. After I moved to Scotland I started pursuing it. The life in film was not as successful as I wished it to be. I could not live off it and always had to teach to make a living. Hence, when I met my husband I knew it was the right time to focus my energy entirely on painting. I took a few painting and drawing courses at the school he was teaching at and showed in a proper art gallery. Then I decided to attend an atelier of fine arts and become a full time artist. I feel my whole creative journey was very organic and all the steps I took made me the artist I am today.

How would you describe your artistic style and what inspires your work?

I am a painter working predominantly in oil paint. I feel the things that make the artwork mine are in the palette I choose, the stories I tell and the feeling I convey through my art. I am fascinated by the human figure and portraiture. I love cross disciplinary art and I am intrigued by the use of technology in combination with my paintings. I love creating art that evokes emotions and exudes femininity. I am inspired by many artists that came before me. I take the feelings and thoughts I get when looking at their art and reinterpret those into brush strokes in my own way. The artists that have the biggest influence on me are Zdzislaw Beksinski, Paula Rego, Otto Dix, Alphonse Mucha, MC Escher, Georgia O’Keeffe, Barbara Rae, Niki de Saint Phalle and many more. 

Can you walk us through your creative process for “MURAKA Me Myself and AI”? How did you incorporate AI technology into the traditional oil painting techniques?

The “MURAKA Me Myself and AI” art show is a collection of six oil paintings, each measuring 24″ by 18″, inspired by Murakami flowers and the vibrant colors of spring in New York.

What sets this art show apart is the innovative use of artificial intelligence in the initial stages of the creative process. I used modern tools to generate unique and interesting combinations of colors, shapes, and textures by reinterpreting my former painting with prompts referring to the style of Murakami flowers and the feeling of the spring season in NYC. This allowed me to experiment with new ideas and explore different possibilities, while still staying true to the overall aesthetic of the artwork.

Once the initial compositions were complete, I used traditional oil painting techniques to bring them to life on canvas, preserving the AI feel in paint. This process involved both controlled and loose brushstrokes, resulting in a series of paintings that are both vibrant and intricate as well as intended and accidental.

I have been creating paintings using AI for composition for some time now. I find it very helpful and inspiring. – Violet P Jones

How did you come up with the concept for the show, exploring the intersection of technology and traditional art techniques?

I was invited to speak at the NYC NFT conference, and at the same time I was in conversation with the Crypt Gallery about doing something with them during that time. I have never been to NYC before, and I thought it would be a creative challenge to create something born out of my feelings about this first visit to the city. Springtime  is always associated with flowers and blossoms, which led me to research Takashi Murakami’s journey. In 1994 he moved to NY, and his contemporary work blossomed and gained international recognition. I thought I would explore his signature style and typical spring blossoming flowers in NY as inspirations for my own work. 

I have been creating paintings using AI for composition for some time now. I find it very helpful and inspiring. I use the StarryAI app, where I input a starting image, usually one of my former paintings, and word prompts as well as particular art styles. I set maximum AI interference to 50%, sometimes much less, as I want to preserve a lot of me in that process. I also further change and reinterpret the image created by AI once I start painting. As I mentioned before, it is a creative circle, like an AI (artificial intelligence) and HI (human intelligence) dance on canvas.

lThe concept of the show revolves around the idea of the circle of creative life. I was inspired by the style of Murakami, a well-known contemporary artist, and used modern tools to create my own unique interpretation. This demonstrates the importance of building on the work of those who have come before us, while also using modern tools as a traditional artist.

What message or feeling do you hope viewers will take away from the collection of paintings and NFTs in “MURAKA Me Myself and AI”?

I hope they get inspired. I can only explain what went into the creation of this series but I honestly can’t tell how the paintings or animations will make others feel. I think this is the beautiful thing about art. It makes everybody feel differently and sometimes it’s unexpected or opposite to the initial intention.

Can you explain the augmented reality layer and how it adds an interactive element to the show?

Viewers can use the Artivive App to access the AR layer, which provides animation and allows them to see the NFT associated with each piece. I use AR to extend the viewing experience. Moving images and changing colors, textures and shapes with the music evoke very different emotions in the viewer, compared to looking at the painting alone. Takashi’s 2D graphic-design-like style and his fascination with Warhol led me to create swiftly changing animations, including saturated variations of the paintings for a contemporary feel.

How important is sound to the overall sensory experience of the artwork?

The sounds can transport you to a different place. They often bring additional feelings to the surface. They definitely contribute greatly to the whole experience. I focused on sounds that often accompany Manga films or which are similar to the ones you could hear in a video game. Once again I wanted to explore more contemporary aspects in this series.

What are some of your other passions or hobbies outside of art?

I love UFC/MMA. Just recently my lovely husband treated us to our fist live UFC show in London for our 5th wedding anniversary, and it was the most exhilarating live event I have ever experienced. 

What do you see as the future of NFTs in the art world?

I do not know what the future holds, however I have hopes that IRL galleries will take over and NFTs will become a new type of certificate of authenticity. I hope to exhibit more IRL and sell via NFTs.

What’s next for you and your art? Any upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?

At the moment I am working with MetaBrewSociety on a project where my artwork will be a wrap/label on their new tasty drink. 

In June, Arthouse collective, of which I am a proud member, is planning an IRL residency with BLOOM collective members, where we will create together – digital artists with traditional artists. I am very excited about this venture. 

I have something very special for everyone cooking at the NFT Summit in Lisbon, but that will be revealed in May.

And there is a Castle Party 2023 in September, which I am extremely excited about.