Drawing as a method of exploring and interpreting ordinary verbal interaction: an investigation through contemporary practice
thesis
posted on 2007-05-24, 15:07authored byJ. Saorsa
The primary research question for this project: whether drawing practice could be
used as a method with which to explore and interpret ordinary verbal interaction, was
derived from a philosophical concern as to the nature of the relation between our
meaningful engagement with the art object, and our inherent predicament as human
beings in a social world. The research was carried out in the manner of a reflexive
exploration through drawing practice.
Adhering to the principles of Grounded Theory, the research strategy was considered
hermeneutic in that it was rooted in interpretative understanding. Series of drawings
generated by the author were developed, as an integral part of the research process,
from an initially creative and intuitive response to primary and secondary data:
original conversations, audio recordings and written transcriptions respectively. The
analysis constituted a continuous development of initial sketches, through tracings
and overlayerings, to large-scale works. Linguistically orientated methodological
approaches, derived primarily from the social sciences and including Content,
Linguistic-Syntactic and Conversation analyses, were used continuously with the
drawings in a comparative analysis procedure that explored equivalences between
verbal and visual ‘texts’. The research culminated in a Pragmatic analysis of viewers’
responses to defined sets of drawings, demonstrating that far from being an isolated
and subjective phenomenon, the experience of art could be understood in
hermeneutic terms as a profound dialogical achievement, relative to the achievement
that is definitive of a casual conversation. In accordance with the hermeneutic
character of the process as a whole, reflexive content in the research was considered
a crucial factor throughout the analysis and conclusions focussed on emotion,
meaning and interpretation more than on cognitive research issues of artistry or
perception.
In terms of new knowledge, this project demonstrates a self-reflexive enquiry by
means of drawing practice and its analysis as an original form of research. The
potential for further work is consequently based on the development of the
methodological approach in fields other that the fine arts, so that drawing practice, as
well as fulfilling aesthetic ambitions and/or intentions, can also be considered a
useful research tool.
History
School
The Arts, English and Drama
Department
Arts
Publication date
2004
Notes
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of
Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.
Illustrations are available on direct contact with the author: jacsoarsa@hotmail.com.