Technology Doesn’t Make Us Artists—We Do

In a world of rapidly evolving tools and possibilities, it’s easy to believe that technology can do it all. With AI composing songs, generating artwork, and writing stories, some might ask: Are we losing our creativity? But the truth is far more nuanced. Technology doesn’t make us artists. It’s just a tool—like a paintbrush or a piano. The real power lies in how we use it, control it, and curate the results.

In the same way the electric guitar didn’t replace guitarists or digital cameras didn’t replace photographers, AI and other tools won’t replace artists—unless we stop bringing our own creativity and perspective to the process.


Art Is Always a Dialogue

At its core, art is more than just output. It’s a dialogue between the artist and the audience. Every piece of music, painting, or film tells a story that invites the audience to respond emotionally or intellectually. Without this connection, art becomes meaningless noise, no matter how technically impressive it might be.

When an artist creates, they make countless decisions—what to include, what to leave out, how to frame a story, and how to make it resonate with others. These choices are the essence of creativity, and they cannot be automated. Even if AI helps generate ideas or drafts, it’s still the artist who gives the work its meaning, its voice, and its heart.


Technology as a Creative Partner, Not a Creator

Think of technology as a collaborator—a tool to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Here are some ways to look at it:

  • AI in Music: AI can help compose melodies or suggest harmonies, but it’s the musician who decides what stays, what goes, and how it fits the larger composition.
  • Digital Art Tools: Generative art tools can produce stunning visual concepts, but it’s the artist’s curation, editing, and context that turn them into meaningful works.
  • Writing Assistants: AI can suggest text, but it cannot understand nuance, tone, or emotional depth. Only the writer can craft a story that truly connects.

Creativity Is a Human Connection

If we look back at history, every artistic tool—from the camera to the synthesizer—once caused controversy. People feared they would destroy art as we knew it. But instead, they became part of the creative process, expanding what was possible. The same will happen with AI and other technologies.

The role of the artist will always be to control, curate, and give context to the results. It’s our decisions, our stories, and our visions that will make the difference. Without that, even the most advanced technology will produce something hollow.


Embrace the Dialogue

So, as new tools emerge, the question isn’t whether they will replace us. They won’t. The question is: How will you use them to say something meaningful to your audience?

In the end, technology will never replace the dialogue between artist and audience—it will only give us new ways to speak. The future of creativity is not about machines making art for us; it’s about how we, as artists, continue to shape that conversation.

3D-printed facemask for healthcare

Last week, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to challenge our community, we at POKE’s Digilab received an urgent request from Äänekoski Health Center. They were facing a critical shortage of face shields for their healthcare workers. Recognizing the severity of the situation, our team, including myself and Jukka Seppänen, immediately mobilized to address this need.

Leveraging our 3D printing capabilities, we quickly researched and selected a suitable face shield design. After a few test prints and adjustments, we initiated full-scale production. Over the course of several days, our printers operated around the clock, enabling us to deliver a substantial number of face shields to the health center promptly.

This swift response was made possible by the dedication of our team and the support of the broader community. Local businesses contributed materials, and volunteers assisted in assembly and distribution. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we come together in times of crisis.

We’re proud to have played a role in protecting our frontline healthcare workers and will continue to support our community in any way we can during these challenging times.

https://www.ksml.fi/paikalliset/2353023

Poke Unveils Digilab: A New Dawn in Digital Education

Yesterday marked the official launch of Digilab—a state-of-the-art hub designed to revolutionize learning with the latest digital technologies. This innovative facility, initiated by Poke, is now home to 3D printers, 360° cameras, VR headsets, and more, setting the stage for a transformative educational experience.

A Bold Leap Into the Future

Digilab is not merely a new space; it’s the start of a bold journey into future learning methodologies. The environment is carefully crafted to foster skills in advanced digital techniques such as 360° imaging, gamified learning, and virtual reality. As Pekka Ouli from Pohjoisen Keski-Suomen Learning Center explained, “Digilab is a learning environment where you acquire the skills needed for tomorrow—essential for a range of industries.”

My International EduHeroes

Adding an international dimension to this visionary launch were my eduheroes—international examples of excellence in digital education. European educator Lukasz Gierek from Radom Technical School and Britannica School’s Yanina Sivakova graced the event with their insights and passion.

Lukasz Gierek, reflecting on his own transformative learning experiences, remarked, “It feels like stepping into the future. Back in my school days, education was all about reading, writing, and physical activity—now, we’re exploring a world of endless digital possibilities.”

Yanina Sivakova shared her admiration for the Finnish educational model, highlighting its flexibility, small class sizes, and robust digital funding. “These are the very attributes we aspire to bring into our own system,” she noted. Their contributions as eduheroes have set a high benchmark for innovative teaching and international collaboration.

Engaging Beyond the Classroom

Beyond its cutting-edge equipment, Digilab is a vibrant space for idea exchange and practical application. The launch event featured dynamic demonstrations and interactive sessions where visitors experienced first-hand the potential of digital tools. Looking ahead, next summer a group of Poke’s students will have the opportunity to engage in a city apprenticeship, crafting innovative marketing materials that further extend the impact of this digital revolution.

Embracing a New Era

The start of Digilab signals more than just the opening of a new facility—it heralds the beginning of an exciting era in digital education. By seamlessly integrating advanced technology with progressive teaching methodologies, Poke is not only redefining learning but also setting a new international standard. With my eduheroes, Lukasz Gierek and Yanina Sivakova, leading by example, the journey towards a more innovative, connected, and future-ready educational landscape is already underway.

Welcome to the future of learning—welcome to Digilab!