Set Reading #1: Gilliam & McGilp (2007)

Gilliam & McGilp’s (2007) approach to recording the creative process: practice-integrated research points out the importance and efficiency of recording (archiving/documenting) and researching while we are making the process. The practice-integrated research is an evidence for development and evolution of work. However, not only the outcome or process of work but the development of artist’s ability and creativeness can also be seen through the practice research. Artist (researcher) passes through a process of evolution at the same time with research. As experiments, researches increase our skills, characteristic features, perspectives in art attune and progress along with the practice. A similar notion I figured out from Gilliam & McGilp (2007) and Prof Nancy de Freitas (2002) supports this data. I am pleased to match this notion with my practice-integrated researches; from the first day of MA Printmaking module I constantly recorded, archived my practices and process of print works in very detailed way. A difference, change in my processes of making can clearly be seen through my sketchbooks, I formed with my primary practice researches. I perceived the concept, purpose of practice research. Research in general is timeless; the more artist connects with environment, activities and knowledge, the more natural creativeness of art appears. Thus, a visual journal becomes a most realistic and important approach to keep a record of any practice research. Visual journal is a reflection, a transparent evidence of artists’ journey of art-making. The constancy and detailing of documenting in visual journal plays a key role for professionalism. Being on a postgraduate education level, I adopted the importance of both written academic data and visual practice however it is a fact that visually recorded practice researches are much effective, beneficial and a fundamental factor than academically written data. The reason for this is that visual journal improves self-awareness and self-critical. It does not only represent the final stage but the hidden process of result. Evidences of experiments, investigations, sketches, designs, information from books/texts, comments, connecting with others and environment are turning points, cases not to be underestimated.

Visual practice research divides in itself into two documentation styles: studio and active. The studio documentation is a common practice where you learn the basics and stand on the same level as others. However, active documentation is a primary, self-practice research where main improvement, real process of yourself and work occurs which leads you to set higher standards from others. The observation, exploration, engagement and right-wrong process in active documentation builds up self-analysis and new perspectives in art. Therefore, active documentation is a distinctive research in postgraduate education. By virtue of active documentation, when I go through my documentation I noticed a minor changes and evolvements in myself. The visual data from my journal and sketchbooks help to observe, remind and encourage me to use my ability and creativeness to a maximum level. Shortly, this is the goal I have in my education life, I desired to achieve and visually see my development in printmaking. Hence, the support of practice-integrated research in the process of making became a step, motivation towards PhD degree I am planning to study.

Bibliography

Article & Journals:

Gilliam, B. & McGilp, H. (2007). Recording the Creative Process: An Empirical Basis for Practice-Integrated Research in the Arts. Available online: http://mdx.mrooms.net/pluginfile.php/977388/course/section/202082/Gilliam%20and%20McGilp%20%282007%29.pdf

Freitas, N. Prof. (2002). Towards a definition of studio documentation: working tool and transparent record. Available online: https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/12305/WPIAAD_vol2_freitas.pdf

McNiff, S. (2007). Art-Based Research. Available online: https://www.moz.ac.at/files/pdf/fofoe/ff_abr.pdf

Book:

Nutt C. P. & Wilson C. D. (2010). Handbook of Decision Making. London: John Wiley & Sons