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- Title of Abstract:
Towards the Embrace: A case study of an emergent, interwoven research methodology in sculptural ceramics (Ref #199)
- Date:
- 26-10-2006 11:18:49
- Status:
-
Accepted with revisions
- Rating:
- 7
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Details:
- This paper will present the methodological research model developed within a PhD by Practice in ceramics. The objective of the project is to more fully engage the body?s sense of touch within sculptural ceramics, in an experience of sensual groundedness. The outcomes include a series of textured ceramic forms that can be encountered through a progressive bodily experience, seeing -- touching -- grasping -- lifting -- holding -- embracing, and a written thesis of differing styles as best express each segment.
The project moves away from scientific method towards a more emergent and open-ended model, amalgamating material from many fields through the application of specific information (e.g., understanding how the body perceives), research techniques (e.g., Grounded Theory), and general understanding (e.g., phallogocularcentrism). These fields include neurophysiology, anthropology, philosophy/cultural studies, feminist criticism, and the study of Japanese Tea Ceremony and ceramics.
The methodology has evolved from within the research itself. An interweaving of theory and practice developed as issues from theory led to questions that were addressed within practice, followed by issues arising within that practice being addressed theoretically. The resulting methodology is iterative, in that each research question reflects and revisits the work that went before, and emergent, in that the results are not calculated or fully anticipated. This allows for both systematic and serendipitous development.
The ceramic objects produced in the practical investigations throughout the project are not intended as illustrations of theory, just as the theory is not intended to serve as explanations of the practice. There has been an attempt within art-based PhDs to ?avoid using such dichotomies as theory and practice? [1]. Although this sits well in a post-modern world, within this project, articulating the interdependent relationship of theory and practice, and deliberately intertwining the two threads of enquiry, gave rise to the research strategy itself and is the driving force that propels the project forward. Another methodological model drawing on many sources was espoused by Ryan and uses the Deleuze/Guattari rhizome metaphor [2]. However, I believe that a concatenated model, where each theoretical and practical strand is both grounded in the previous investigation and also leads to the next, is a more dynamic model.
Ultimately, the aim is that the understanding developed within the theoretical research be embedded within the results of the practical work, and that resolutions arising from that practical work be manifest within the theoretical writing. Thus, I hope to theorize practice and practice theory.
Endnotes:
[1] University of Helsinki. ?Frequently Asked Questions about Dissertations? http://www.uiah.fi/page.asp?path=1866,1917,2728,14387 (accessed August 13, 2006)
[2] Ryan, Alyssa. ?Connecting Two Research Strategies: A hybrid model?, TEXT Vol 9 No 1, http://www.gu.edu.au/school/art/text/april05/ryan.htm
Reviewer Comments: