Waters, Melissa (2009) Transitions: not the destination but the journey. Masters (Research) thesis, James Cook University.

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Abstract

Transitions: not the destination but the journey is derived not only from a personal interest in journeys but from a research imperative to explore the pivotal role of journeys. Through the various corporeal and cognitive evolutionary phases, do journeys determine the ways in which these states stimulate the artist’s creative processes? For the orientation of the research my priority is a personal exploration from an artist’s encounter with place rather than tourism.

The research probes personal pivotal journeys made by the artist over a three-year period. When in transit, what influences does this state exert on mental processes and subsequent creative outcomes? These journeys and consequent transitions, together with the movement and space between departure and arrival, constitute the areas of study. The artist seeks to probe the inspirational qualities of and correlation between journeys and art by portraying the perspectives, motivations and phases contained within mental and physical stages of journeys.

Areas of enquiry source material from the literature of art, artists, travel and philosophy. The research materials derived from the journeys include; diaries, sketches, photographs, as well as books, articles and other written material. These materials are the basis for the art production in which paper and paper-based products are the chosen material for the exhibition.

While there are many reasons for travel, artists’ perspectives and books to read, confining this research to journeys, artists and literature relevant to the theme of transitions, became the focus of this project.

The research has clarified the potential and actual roles played by personal perceptions in determining our responses to environments. Perceptions are coloured by our culture while travel and movement allow the opportunity to examine and reappraise long held and often unquestioned views.

The artist’s responses to the subject of travel and movement are linear while the research process is perceived as circular, as its feedback loop has brought the artist back to where she started, albeit now questioning the validity of her perceptions. How she sees the world is reflected back to personal questioning, relating to how she sees herself within the world and how others perceive her and her art.

The exhibition responses were the outcomes of the research, for art requires viewer’s reactions to complete the dialogue. Whether it is a positive or negative response, the response has encouraged viewers to think about themselves, the art and the stages of journeys and their reactions to these.

Examining journeys, rather than destinations, assisted in gaining knowledge and experience about the journeys influential impact on artists. Further directions in art are planned to explore the range of paper products, processes and mark making. With all art, it is the relationship between the art and the viewer that completes the cycle.

Item ID:	11627
Item Type:	Thesis (Masters (Research))
Keywords:	travels, art, journeys, creativity, transitions, journeying, perceptions
Date Deposited:	08 Jul 2010 02:46
FoR Codes:	19 STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 1905 Visual Arts and Crafts > 190504 Performance and Installation Art @ 50% 19 STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 1905 Visual Arts and Crafts > 190502 Fine Arts (incl Sculpture and Painting) @ 50%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9501 Arts and Leisure > 950104 The Creative Arts (incl. Graphics and Craft) @ 100%
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