EST: 1995
1972, I visited Walt Disney World for the first time and I’ve never been the same.
When I left the family plastics business in 1995 to join a friend and start a portal for the plastics industry (PlasticsNet.com), I knew I was in Walt Disney world-building territory.
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I could become an animator, an imagineer — a world builder. Since 1995 I’ve done all these things and more.
Today, I’m mentoring young minds towards the ultimate endeavor: audience building.
Leveraging AI around uniquely human traits, we’re taking audience building to the next level within our community.
The Soul of a Ministry: 5 Minutes of AI-Enhanced, Authentic Storytelling
A groundbreaking 5-minute documentary that transforms raw data into deep emotional resonance. We utilized a custom GPT to distill 4 hours of interviews into a powerful script, which then informed an AI-created score using authentic Native American sounds. The innovative process—including animating still images and mapping the executive director's voice—ensured the final film is not just impactful, but an unprecedentedly authentic portrayal of ministry, led by Native voices and designed to touch hearts.
Be sure to unmute the video
A poetic voice over I narrated to create this ‘Disney’ telling of a roofing project
Joe did all the drone work and edited the entire video himself on Kapwing. No voice over, just a Christian Rock song, to leave the focus on the epic installation.
I felt it a sin :) to not explain a little on how significant this effort was. I used AI to create this new music and to write a “poetic” voice over from a simple explanation:
“This steeple is getting a new foundation but first, we have to remove it using a large crane, we hoist it off …”
This is the result.
My AI Art Show at Waterstreet
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Artist Statement
In May 2023, I displayed my AI artwork at Waterstreet Studios, featuring images from 15 years of bike rides along the Fox River, captured on my iPhone 6. The exhibition aimed to show how AI can empower anyone to become an artist and engage with audiences.
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Windshield
During a congressional hearing, Robert Wilson, founder of Fermilab, argued that the lab's value lies in fostering a culture that respects dignity and creativity, a sentiment reflected in his sculpture "Broken Symmetry," made from an aircraft carrier's steel. This sculpture was captured from my iPhone 6 taken through the windshield of my car.
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Chloe
Capturing dance-themed photographs of my daughter Chloe by the Fox River, I learned how a dancer uses their body as a canvas, creating a profound connection between the art of dance and the natural environment.
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Ōtsuka
T. R. Ōtsuka, a Japanese garden builder who immigrated to the U.S. in 1897, is celebrated through a photograph I took—enhanced by AI to show a fresh perspective—of his notable Japanese-style garden at the Fabyan estate in Geneva, a tribute to his legacy.
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Linnea
The bronze sculpture "From the Water Comes My Bounty," donated by Buzz Miller in memory of his late wife Linnea, symbolizes the life-giving essence of water and their shared passion for the Fox River, embodying a profound tribute to her legacy and their connection.
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Easter
During a morning walk with my daughter, I captured the entire Congregational Church of Batavia adorned with Easter wreaths by positioning my phone on the ground for a unique upward angle, showcasing a perspective often unseen in conventional phone photos.
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Blue Moon
Reflecting on my first meal at what is now Pal Joey's in Batavia 17 years ago, I captured a sunset photo of the restaurant from the Peace Bridge, reminiscing about the Blue Moon beer that marked the beginning of my local journey, intertwined with the vibrant life and laughter of the riverside.