Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit is asking you questions around approaches to the creative process. What strategies do you begin to use as a systematic attitude to making art and how does process affect methodology? You should consider the nature of making art that is lead by process; thinking through process, and the relationship of ideas to method.

Many artists explore the visual realm through a defined set of ideas or actions; this is informed by their utilisation and experience of materials and process. Materials and methods carry meaning that nourish and extend your visual language. Communication occurs when material and process come together in a synthesis and synergy. Alternatively you may borrow approaches from other contexts and disciplines: this could be the appropriation of a technique or process, or specific working model, for example that of, a cabinet-maker, or a scientist.

Outline Syllabus
Workshops run throughout this unit to support a growing skills base and promote thinking through a wider understanding of process. Workshops will include Painting, Photography and Stitch. Consideration will be given to the relationship between process, media and outcome, aiming for a meaningful synthesis of ideas and practice.

The syllabus will include: 

• Analysis of the Fine Art context in which your work is made. 
• Critical discussion with tutors opening up understanding. 
• Tutorials scheduled to support learning.

Method of Delivery
Demonstrations, practical studio and darkroom sessions and critiques. Research and independent study.

Aims

A1 A broader understanding of the skills and contemporary concerns including Photography, Painting and Stitch.
A2 The encouragement to "think" through process.
A3 A growing awareness of your practice within the Fine Art context and the production and presentation of ideas.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

L01 Demonstrate knowledge and practical skills in the creation of work through a personal understanding of process.
L02 Demonstrate a creative awareness of the visual issues relating to the use of process.
L03 Demonstrate the ability to identify and use the conceptual potential of processes for creative expression.
L04 Demonstrate awareness of criteria for evaluating processes in creative making.

Reference Material

Key
CH, Butler. (1999) Afterimage: Draw Through Process. MIT Press
(2004) Material Thinking: The Theory and Practice of Creative Research. Melbourne University Press

Recommended
Adamson, Glenn. (2007) Thinking through Craft. Berg Publishers
Ades, Dawn. (1980). Experimental Photography. London: Arts Council Reproduction, in Illuminations. London: Pimlico
Barthes, Roland. (1993). Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography. London: Vintage
Bell, Catherine. (1998) Ritual: Perspectives and Dimensions. OUP Carter, Paul.
Clarke, G. (1997) The Photograph. London: Oxford University Press
Collings, Matthew. (2001) British Abstract Painting. Momentum
Gablik, Suzi. (1998) Conversations Before the End of Time. Thames & Hudson
Hung, Shu. and Magliaro, Joseph. (2006) By Hand: The Use of Craft in Contemporary Art Princeton Architectural Press
Jacob, M.J. (1998) Conversations at the Castle: Changing Audiences and Contemporary Art. MIT Press
Langford, Michael. (1986). Basic Photography. 5th Ed. Oxford: Focal Press
Lovejoy, Margot (1997). Postmodern Currents: Art & Artists in the Age of Electronic Media. New Jersey: Prentice (2nd ed)
M. Buskirk, (2005) The Contingent Object of Contemporary Art MIT Press; New edition
Mealing, Stuart (ed). (1997). Computers and Art. Oxford: Intellect Books