...or could it be that such divisive dogma is a self fulfilling
prophesy?
Martin Salisbury
Course Leader, MA Children's Book Illustration APU Cambridge
(Practitioner/Researcher)
On Wed, 26 Feb 2003 15:52:18 +0000 George Whale <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
> 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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