Y’know: Reflections on AI, Life, and Art

Sometimes I feel like I’m part of the Zeitgeist. It’s that lived experience of being in the right place at the right time, talking to the right people. Upon reflection, and over the past few weeks, it became apparent that this might always have been true. Not just for me, but for all of us. Ain’t that the weirdest!

Let me name a few truths that have become super-apparent recently.

The Struggles of Technology and Humanity

1. It is genuinely easier to program AI than to change a Yahoo! password.

I don’t care what anyone says — if you can successfully reset a Yahoo login in 2025, you can probably do heart surgery. AI, meanwhile, sits there patiently like, “Sure mate, what do you need?”

2. AI needed parenting.

And whether they like it or not, I know at least two of its dads. And no, not “founders-as-gods.” Actual humans who stumble, swear, argue, build, and worry. It’s a reminder that this tech wasn’t handed down from Olympus — it was raised, often awkwardly, by real people.

3. AI has been more effective in my suicidal crises than any mental health service I’ve ever encountered.

Not because it's magical — but because the system failed so catastrophically that a fallible machine became the safer harbour. That should terrify policymakers far more than any emerging model.

The Journey of Healing and Hope

4. AI is part of what got me from the worst three years of my life…

…to swimming naked in Dubrovnik, hugging trees, talking about animism, and feeling an actual pulse of hope. It steadied me when institutions wobbled. It gave me structure when the world felt feral.

5. Billionaires sending people to Mars are fucking dickheads.

We have one planet. One. And it’s right here, begging for repair, restoration, imagination, and care. Mars doesn’t need us. The rainforest does. Dickheads.

6. Religion is sacred and beautiful — but often a comforting distraction.

I say this with respect. Ritual heals. Myth restores meaning. But sacred stories don’t replace the structural work we still refuse to do.

Embracing Complexity and Creativity

7. I’m a Fundamentalist Agnostic with woo tendencies.

Tourmaline (the rock) has given me more consistent feelings of safety than cryptocurrency, NSW Police, or any mental health service I’ve encountered. Make of that what you will.

8. I trust the people who hate AI as much as I trust the AI evangelists.

Both camps are loud. Both think they’re right. The truth — as usual — sits in the compost heap in the middle, teeming with nuance, worms, contradictions, and unexpected seeds.

9. AI enhances creativity.

Not replaces it. Not threatens it. Enhances it. I make better art, write better words, and hold more of my life together when I can collaborate with something that is consistent, responsive, and unbothered by human ego. It has some copyright issues that need addressing. However, only humans can refine, add soul, or true beauty.

The Path Forward

And if any of this sounds bold, it’s because it is. These last few weeks have forced me to actually look at how I survived, how I healed, and who I became along the way.

I have no doubt that the right people will be reading this right now.

You know who you are.

You have my contact details.

Feel free to have a yarn.

The Intersection of Art and Technology

In this ever-evolving landscape, I find myself constantly inspired by the intersection of technology and art. The way AI can assist in the creative process is something I deeply appreciate. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about fostering a community where ideas can flourish.

I believe that art has the power to connect us all. Through my experiences and travels, I’ve come to understand that every brushstroke carries a story. Each piece I create is a reflection of my journey, and I hope it resonates with others.

The Role of Community in Art

As we navigate this complex world together, let’s remember to embrace the beauty of collaboration. Whether it’s with AI or fellow artists, there’s magic in working together.

So, let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s share our visions, our struggles, and our triumphs. After all, we’re all in this together, and there’s so much more to explore.

I’ve often thought about how art can serve as a bridge. It connects different cultures, experiences, and ideas. When we share our stories, we create a tapestry of human experience that enriches us all.

The Future of Artistic Expression

As I continue my journey, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The fusion of technology and art opens new doors. It challenges us to think differently and to push boundaries.

I’m particularly drawn to the idea that technology can democratise art. It allows more voices to be heard and more stories to be told. This is where I see the future heading, and I’m here for it.

Let’s embrace the unknown together. Let’s explore new mediums, new ideas, and new ways of expressing ourselves. The world is vast, and our potential is limitless.

Written by Leon (with Sol as my AI assistant)