Strength in numbers - life outside the studio.

Abstract

Historically visual art disciplines and practices have been learned through studio-based teaching. As the 21st century emerges, so does the interest and importance of wider perimeters of visual learning, experience and achievement. The nature of the 'studio' too has shifted⎯in many cases it now takes the form of a digital camera, computer or other more portable device to ooze creativity through. Once the prominent issue surrounding 'studio' space centred on just that⎯physical space. Space now can be the office or room that portable multi-media equipment is plopped in. The physical space is temporal. Creativity is not fixed by location or architecture. The infinite amount and availability of creative information services have opened doors that one never imagined possible 30 years ago. The availability and (appreciation) for industry expertise has also shifted⎯visual artists can create and then commission a select or even total of their outcomes to be manufactured by industry. Thus one's expenses are no longer wrapped up in the physicality of space or equipment, but expounded through other means, including the ever-present internet.

This paper, Strength in numbers⎯ life outside the studio, is by the authorial team of Andrew Forsyth, BA Fine Arts Honours candidate and Debra Porch, Senior Lecturer, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, Brisbane. The paper is presented as a conversation between the two authors to discus the nature and importance of practice-based learning in visual art. The authors are focusing on the collaborative project Papyrus, completed in September 2006 by seven sculpture/intermedia students from Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.