CG (Computer Graphics) and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) have been around for decades but a computer has its limitations. On its own, it lacks the expression and sophistication of our human nature and the soul God has provided us.

Without proper guidance CG and CAD lack the aesthetic beauty found in traditional (“man-made”) craftsmanship. This is especially true in the world of jewelry CAD. Many CAD models are stiff, blocky, mechanical, and lacking human expression.

In direct contrast, the Art Nouveau movement, from the 1890’s to World War 1, focused to create an organic feel with free-flowing lines, sinuous forms, and harmonious compositions.

Artists the likes of Alphonse Maria Mucha (graphic arts) and René Lalique (jewelry design) created masterful works of art that would change the direction of their respective industries forever.

Today’s artists and jewelers strive to emulate the qualities found in both the Art Nouveau (nature-inspired forms) and Art Deco (focusing less on nature and more on geometry) movements. Humans are naturally drawn to the aesthetic beauty and artistic expression resulting from both of these monumental art movements.

Yet artists and designers also strive to move forward and advance ideas. As Lalique did, we strive to “create something that has never been seen before.” So we look to expand our scope, understanding, and skillset. We look to use new materials, tools, and ideas that come from the technological advancements of society as a whole.

We look to combine contrasting ideas that may, at first, seem to contradict, yet just may be stronger together and lead us down new avenues.

Many artisans think of computers and AI (Artificial Intelligence) as  contradictions to their artistic expression. They may feel excited, scared, and overwhelmed at the possibilities of incorporating computers into their workflow. Some may even feel hostile to the thought.

Garbage in, garbage out

It is both common and convenient to maintain an adversarial approach toward something that stands in contrast to our perception of quality. Because there are aesthetically poor CAD designs out there, we can wrongly associate the entire process as “bad”. However the computer is a tool that must be guided by the user. Many let the computer do the guiding instead and the results are not very pleasing.

Yet if one wants to move their craft forward, computers are an extremely useful tool. Used correctly, they help designers create complex ideas very quickly. Artists today should look to blend the aesthetic beauty found in traditional approaches with the computational efficiency of CAD. That would be the best of both worlds.

“But how is this accomplished?” you may ask. My lessons are specifically designed to teach you how to control the medium, rather than letting it control you.