In this video, I share my recent experience attending an event where I was frequently asked the question:

"What are the Gene Keys?"

Most people I encountered were unfamiliar with them, which made for some fascinating conversations.

Over the course of the weekend, I noticed there were generally three different ways I explained the Gene Keys, depending on the level of depth and curiosity in the conversation:

1. An introductory exploration for those new to the concept,
2. An inspirational response…

The above title may provoke some controversial feelings within people and rightfully so.

When I express ‘Painting vs AI Art’, I don’t really mean in a competitive sense, but more to open space for me to share my philosophy and experience of being both a manual oil painter, as well as a creator whose creative life has been greatly embellished by the technological advancements through AI art software such as Midjourney or Leonardo, the two I have personally utilised.

I will also love real paint…

Within the mythic storyline that weaves through my Gene Keys Quest Book, the characters have unique, exotic names that might catch your attention. These names aren’t just random, they’re actually inspired by paintings I created years ago.

One of the characters, Azakia, has a name that came to me while I was painting a portrait based on a photograph by Steve McCurry. As I connected with the essence of the figure I was painting, the name 'Azakia' emerged from within me.

To honour Azakia’s role i…