Steve Gleason, a former NFL player and ALS activist, has found a new way to express his creativity despite the limitations imposed by his disease. Gleason, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011, has lost the ability to move his limbs due to the progressive neurodegenerative disorder. However, with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, he has been able to create a series of vibrant and symbolic digital artworks.
Overcoming Limitations with AI
ALS causes the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain, leading to the loss of muscle function and control. This made it impossible for Gleason to continue his previous artistic pursuits, such as black-and-white graphite drawings. However, by using AI image generators like Adobe’s Firefly, Gleason has found a new medium to express himself creatively.
The process involves Gleason inputting text prompts via an eye-level “keyboard” attached to his wheelchair. The AI system then generates images based on these prompts, allowing Gleason to create art despite his physical limitations. Adobe granted Gleason early access to Firefly, which includes a feature that allows the AI to learn from his pre-diagnosis artwork, creating a more personalized artistic style.
Resilient Spirit: Gleason’s AI-Generated Art
Gleason’s latest series, titled “Resilient Spirit,” showcases his AI-generated artworks. The collection features vibrant and symbolic digital images that evoke emotion and depth. One piece, titled “No Tree Can Grow to Heaven, Unless its Roots Reach to Hell,” depicts a tree’s roots extending deep into the Earth’s fiery magma, while a soft, dreamlike sky silhouettes its trunk and crown. Another image, “Reaching Out to Catch the Sun Rays,” shows a figure standing beside the sun in a richly saturated landscape, surrounded by swirling colors reminiscent of a Van Gogh painting.
Inspiring Others with ALS
Gleason’s use of AI technology to create art has been met with enthusiasm and inspiration. The collaboration between Adobe and Team Gleason, a nonprofit founded by Gleason and his wife Michel, aims to encourage others with ALS to access their creativity. The “Resilient Spirit” exhibit premiered at a private event hosted by the Nieux Society creative collective in New Orleans, where Gleason’s works will remain on display until the end of April 2024.
Gleason’s memoir, “A Life Impossible: Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within A Fragile Existence,” co-authored with New Orleans Times-Picayune sports columnist Jeff Duncan, further explores his journey with ALS and the role of creativity in his life.
Conclusion
Steve Gleason’s use of AI technology to create art despite his ALS diagnosis is a testament to the power of creativity and the potential of AI to unlock new possibilities for those living with disabilities. By embracing this innovative approach, Gleason has not only found a way to express himself artistically but also to inspire others facing similar challenges. His “Resilient Spirit” collection serves as a reminder that creativity can transcend physical limitations and provide a source of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.