Dear George,
Finally somebody has the guts to speak up. Why not compile a drawing
dictionary consisting of the language of drawing, people in history who have
advanced the practice, researchers who have made an impact on the field of
drawing, and many more. Just a suggestion. To answer some of your questions,
I think that you've made some very good points, and I can't say I disagree
with most of them. It's time to step up to the plate and set a forum for
people to seriously study drawing. Without the language of drawing, what
other form of medium would we use to create buildings, airplanes,
appliances, sculpture, etc. Formal research wouldn't interfere, but what is
the end result of these studies, to plot human brain activity? My example
would be human polygraph machines. Drawing is relevant to modern society,
why hasn't it been given the proper attention that it needs?
Marvin Jordana
> ----------
> From: George Whale[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2003 7:52 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: discussion [adr]
>
> Dear Colleagues
>
> It is interesting that in the publicity surrounding a number of recent
> drawing events, there has been little or no reference to research. Given
> the current upsurge of research activity, one might have imagined that
> research would occupy a central position in academic conferences and
> symposia yet, contrarily, discussion of the subject appears almost to have
> been sidelined. I don't understand why this should be so. Could it be
> that:
>
> a. There is still much disagreement concerning the nature of research in
> our field. Consequently, debates are difficult, sometimes heated, and make
> us uncomfortable.
>
> b. The current shift of emphasis towards research undermines the status
> and
> authority of practitioners occupying academic positions. They,
> understandably, seek to avoid any discussion which might expose their
> weaknesses in this area.
>
> c. Much of the most influential drawing research in the last 50 years has
> been done by experts in other fields, for example psychologists. But the
> historical separation of art schools from mainstream academia has made us
> loath to engage with, or be challenged by, ideas from other disciplines.
>
> d. Artists are uncomfortable about the possible demystification of their
> activities, which might further undermine their 'special' status.
>
> e. 'Making' is the important thing, the primary activity. Formal research
> is an unwelcome and time consuming distraction.
>
> I would be very interested to hear what others think.
>
> George Whale.
>
>
> http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ac/ad/htmlpages/staff/gwhale.html
>
> George Whale
> Research Associate
> Loughborough University School of Art & Design (LUSAD)
> Loughborough
> Leicestershire
> LE11 3TU
> UK
>
> Tel: +44 (0)1509 228967
> Mobile: 07944 751088
> Fax: +44 (0)1509 228902
>
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