Carmel-Based Digital Artist Corinne Whitaker
Corinne Whitaker, an artist with a lifelong passion for art, has always been ahead of her time. She had the foresight to purchase the domain giraffe.com before anyone else, including giraffes themselves, even considered it. In retrospect, Whitaker believes that her choice of the giraffe as a symbol was not accidental. Giraffes, known for their height and ability to see far into the distance, embody qualities of peace and vegetarianism.
The Digital Giraffe studio, where Whitaker works, is a compact yet spacious area. She is dressed in a sparkling sweater paired with playful pants. The studio is adorned with numerous illuminated artworks displayed on digital screens. Since 2014, Whitaker has specialized in creating digital art with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
According to Whitaker, AI has opened up a whole new world for humanity. The creatures she brings to life through her art are a fusion of humans, vegetables, dragons, and trees. She believes that there are magnificent landscapes waiting to be explored, but also acknowledges the potential dangers that lie ahead. Through AI, we are able to witness worlds that were previously unimaginable.
Whitaker established Digital Giraffe in 1994, utilizing giraffe.com as a platform to share her monthly art journal, which also takes the form of a newsletter. She has been consistently posting her work since then. As a resident of Carmel for 16 years, Whitaker is a pioneer in the field of digital imaging, with 45 years of experience. She has received two Golden Web Awards and has authored 33 books on digital imaging and poetry.
Although Whitaker initially began her artistic journey with black-and-white photography, she now incorporates vibrant colors into her pieces. Her artwork features purple heads, creatures with multiple eyes, dragons, and humanoids. Sometimes, Whitaker even uses herself as a model, starting with a selfie and allowing the art to guide her. She has experimented with various AI programs, engaging in endless play without a specific end goal in mind. Additionally, Whitaker brings her digital sculptures to life by printing them as 3D models. She never reproduces her artwork, ensuring that each piece remains unique.
Describing her art as “barking in the dark,” Whitaker acknowledges that sometimes her creations evoke a response from someone or something else. Her artistic journey is a testament to her innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of art.
Whitaker has resided in her present establishment for more than two years, having relocated from a site on Dolores Street, and regards Carmel as her home. Her inquisitiveness knows no bounds, and presently, one of the primary inquiries she ponders is, “how can individuals be so exceptionally intelligent, yet still entangled in conflicts?” In the year 2022, her digital artworks and sculptures were showcased at the Monterey Museum of Art in an exhibition titled Corinne Whitaker: Digital Mindscapes. Furthermore, she has participated in over 350 international exhibitions.