Hello Everyone,

What a wild ride this year has been. Seriously, it had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster at an amusement park. And no, I’m not just talking about the stock market, although that’s been quite the rollercoaster too!

Let’s talk about the real deal: artificial intelligence. This year has been nothing short of a breakthrough for AI. But hey, while mainstream AI was making waves, I had my own whirlwind of a year, and I’m here to spill the beans.

March – A Planned Leap of Faith 🤒

Let’s rewind a bit to the end of last year, around Christmas time. While many were decorating trees and opening presents, I was making a significant decision. I chose to undergo a tracheostomy, a procedure that would be carried out in March. It was a planned leap of faith, a carefully considered step towards a better quality of life. With this decision, I embarked on a journey of resilience and adaptation that would shape the rest of my year. 🌟

April – The Birth of AI Art 🖌️

Just a month after my tracheostomy, I ventured into the world of AI art. Armed with determination and a creative spirit, I created my very first AI artwork. It was a thrilling experience that opened up new possibilities and avenues for self-expression.

May – The Treeway Collection Opening act 🎬

Fast forward to May, and I was all set to reveal my inaugural Treeway collection to the world. It felt like those red drapes were opening on stage, and I couldn’t help but wonder: How would the audience respond? Well, I’m thrilled to report that it was heralded with a thunderous round of applause! 👏 see it here

June – Auctioning AI Art for a Cause 💰

June 21st marked World ALS Day, and what better way to celebrate than by auctioning my AI art? It was heartening to see the community come together to support ALS. The funds raised went towards an incredible cause, and I couldn’t be happier. Read all about it

July – AI Study Time 🤓

August was all about hitting the books, or more like the screens. I applied my helicopter method and dived deep into studying and e-learning about AI models. Think of it as preparing for the AI Olympics. The realm of artificial intelligence is ever-evolving, and I was eager to learn and grow within it.

August – Training My First Model 🎨

Training my very first AI model in August was a significant milestone. It marked the culmination of weeks of dedication and learning. The possibilities of AI were becoming more tangible and exciting with each passing day. This achievement coincided with my 55th birthday. For someone battling a deadly disease, every birthday is a celebration adorned with garlands of hope and resilience. 🎈

September – My Website’s Grand Debut 🚀

September saw the grand launch of my new website and webshop. It was like opening a fancy art gallery, but online. You could call it a digital masterpiece. It’s not just a virtual space; it’s a place where my art and ideas come to life. Your visits and support have been heartening.

October – Lights, Camera, AI Art 📸

October brought my very first solo exhibition. Move over, Van Gogh! It was a chance for me to showcase my AI creations to the world, and it was nothing short of amazing. It was a momentous occasion where my creations were shared with the world. The positive feedback and encouragement were truly humbling.

November – Upgrading My Arsenal 💻

As the year progressed, so did my tools. In November, I installed a new computer with a powerful GPU, enabling me to create art with even greater precision and depth. It’s like getting a magic wand upgrade for a wizard. ✨

December – A Year-End Bang 💥

And here we are, closing the year with a bang – the publication of my biography! Yep, you heard that right. It’s like writing a best-seller, but with my own life as the plot. I finished first in Dutch, but English version coming in January! And let’s not forget the cherry on top – the fantastic result of 3FM Serious Request. It’s like the universe saying, “You did good this year!”

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who made this remarkable year possible. To my customers, friends, and family, your support and belief in my journey mean the world to me.

As we step into a new year, I wish you all the best. May it be filled with health, happiness, and endless opportunities. Here’s to new adventures, more AI art, and whatever plot twists life has in store for the future.

Best wishes to all 🚀🎉

Maestro Bernardus

#EyeSpeakArtListens

Hello dear readers,

Summer, traditionally a season of rest and relaxation, proved to be a whirlwind of activity for me this year. I embarked on several projects, both professional and personal, For me it was a summer of creation and learning. And I am excited to share the journey with you.

A Digital Revamp: My New Website

After months of dedication, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my revamped website. It boasts a new webshop, an integration of eight different languages, and introduces Arti  – your personal art curator. Have questions about my art or art in general? Arti is there to guide you. A completely rejuvenated news section is now brimming with the latest AI art updates, which I highly recommend checking out. Since the website launch last Thursday, my sights are set on amplifying web traffic and enhancing engagement.

Desert Illusions: Surrealism Meets Minimalism

While I was redesigning my digital space, my creative juices flowed into a brand-new collection: ‘Desert Illusions‘. This series captures a dreamlike fusion, where the subtleties of minimalistic landscapes meet the ethereal charm of surrealism. Each piece is a vibrant dance of colors and emotions, with the play of light and shadows narrating tales of enigmatic beauty. Whether it’s the gentle curve of a dune or the juxtaposition of reality with fantasy, this collection is an invitation to a world where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary.

For those who wish to bring a piece of this dreamy realm into their daily lives, I’m thrilled to announce the ‘Desert Illusions’ 2024 calendar, presented in a sleek A3 size. It’s now available for just €45 on my webshop. Embrace the year ahead with art that inspires wonder and contemplation every day.

Diving Deeper into AI

This summer, I ventured into the intricate maze of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, enrolling in courses that expanded my horizon online via Coursera and Deeplearning.ai. I’ll confess; it wasn’t always smooth sailing, especially with my last math class being a distant memory from 35 years ago! However, the experience invigorated my passion. Presently, I’m in the throes of experimenting with my own coding models. A special shoutout to OpenAI’s decoder for making this eye-coding journey less arduous. As they say, 90% of coding is debugging – I’ve come to realize how true that statement is.

AI Portraits: A New Service on the Horizon

Building on my newfound knowledge, I’ve begun training and fine-tuning image models, specializing in AI-generated portraits. With just 20-30 pictures of the subject, the results are mesmerizing. I aim to provide a touch of exclusivity combined with unparalleled quality, which is why I’ve opted for premium prints for these portraits.

Life’s Personal Touches

On a more personal note, August was a month of celebration as I turned 55! Surrounded by family and the warmth of their love, it was a special time. Despite the daily rigours of living with ALS, every day is a blessing. Opting for a tracheostomy was a life-changing decision that brought with it an unexpected zest for life.

First Exposition: A Dream Come True

And now, an announcement that has me tingling with anticipation: my very first exposition! Located just a stone’s throw from my home, the old church venue is close to my heart, allowing me to personally attend and engage with fellow art enthusiasts. Mark your calendars for September 30, October 1, and the weekend of October 7-8, from 12 to 18h at Landpoortstraat 34, Willemstad. I’d be delighted to see you there.

Until then, keep the spirit of art alive and thriving.

Greetz,

Bernard
#EyeSpeakArtListens