Research methods and criteria

Following lectures on identification of research methods and establishing sets of criteria I am now embarking on research of my selection of 20+ practitioners. 

My set of criteria consist of:

• space/juxtaposition

• abstract/collage

• type

• period/style/trend

• pre-digital

Having established a set of criteria based on my interests, influences and likely future direction of my work I have been considering practitioners to investigate that meet at least three of the criteria set. What has been interesting is that as I trace back through practitioners of different periods and disciplines (linked to my criteria) I am finding crossovers and links where chosen practitioners influence one another and in particular have taught other practitioners in the list. For example: Josef Albers to Paul Rand to Alan Fletcher. Through this research I am realising similarities of approaches to work that I am interested in. In particular, the organisation of two dimensional space, grids, abstract and graphic elements. Much of the investigation that I have carried out sees trails tracing back to the developments at the end of world War one and the modernist styles originating from the Bauhaus era.

What I now have to do is get my head around the terminology of 'Research methods' and attribute approaches that would have been used by my selected influences in their own work. Having now read through the module reading pack twice; an initial scan through then a more focused read I am beginning to make some sense of it all.... I think!  The initial lectures certainly helped and from notes taken linked to the reading material and practitioner research it seems to be coming together.

The research that I am now involved in is beginning to shape my considerations for future work/practice and following a short tutorial with Rob (Kettell) yesterday I am starting to find some direction.

Reflections on lecture - Research Criteria

 This session was aimed at giving an insight to defining research criteria for our own research by considering the method adopted by the artists/designers that influence our work. Rachel outlined her perception of Research Methods and related this to the work of John Baldessari in her presentation. 

Reseach methods allow you to: 

• articulate process- why and how you are doing things

• document evolving practice 

- how you think through problems

-where you found inspiration

- define, discuss and evaluate current influences

- identify what you are drawn to - own responses

- check against primary and secondary sources

- respond and develop from a wide range of works

- draw out common themes

- develop a rationalle for process - a method because it can be defined, questioned and tested

• self reflect

• sustain debate

We should now consider a wide range of criteria and edit this down to five criteria that our own work/practice could not do without. Using these criteria research over twenty practitioners that we find an influence on our own practice.

It is recommended that research includes viewing live work; reflection can be based on seeing the work then backed up with primary and secondary sources. For my part I get to as many exhibitions and shows of artists work as possible to support my newly developing practice and interests since beginning the course.

This presentation was coupled with a further introduction to methods related terminology. This helped to draw together earlier sessions on Research Methods and link the terminology to the criteria. The group work that followed allowed for some debate on a particular criteria - group 2 'Abstract" followed by defining an opposite to that criteria. The group put forward 'representational' as the opposite. Groups presented findings to the whole group. A useful opportunity to see alternative thought processes and links.

I will post further information about this exhibition, which I visited recently,  as part of my formal review of an event for the module. However, in a nutshell, 'Van Doesburg and the International Avant Garde' at the Tate Modern is a must see for graphic designers/typographers and anyone interested in the links, crossovers and influences associated with the period exhibited including, Cubism,  de Stijl, Dadaism, Constructivism. The exhibition has been curated effectively in a chronological order so that it is easy to pick up on the development of influences that Van Doesburg relates to and involves himself with, from cubism, abstraction, through De Stijl into Dadaism and beyond.

Getting started - new semester

Well, it's taken some time to settle into this semester. My presentation of previous practice and developing current practice has been made. I believe that this went reasonably well. I outlined my career history to date; freelance graphic designer, then some part-time lecturing alongside, full-time lecturing, education management and returning to lecturing for HE. My current practice is related to the first module of this MA (work discussed in previous blogs) and my search for a direction within graphic arts. 

Through the presentation I was able to identify some of the research methods utillised by the influential artists and designers that I acknowledged and considered research methods to be adopted myself alongside my developing practice. I want to consider approaches to work and review trends and styles from the early part of the last century through to current work. I am particularly interested in current trends for work away from the computer; hand drawn typography, collage, printmaking etc. Particularly work that takes influence from the 50's and emphasises collage, 'paste up', juxtposition of type/lettering and other graphic elements. Reid Miles' Blue Note work is a real favourite. Whilst 'away from the computer' starting points are important, I will want to utilise the technology for output where appropriate.

I was disappointed that ony a few the other students in the Research Methods tutor group did not not attempt to consider research methods employed by their 'influential' artists as that would have been a further awareness raising opportunity for me, looking at approaches to other art & design disciplines away from graphics.

I am now beginning further research into a broader range of influences for assignment two.