Art Research Methodologies: Section 3: Kevin Petrie

< Section 3

Outline of Section 3:
Preface
Definitions
Kevin Petrie's PhD
References
Summary

.

These are lecture notes from a series of of speakers who have recently completed art PhDs. Each was asked to speak abpout their research process and methodology.

The lecture took place in Mowbray Villas, University of Sunderland, Wed 5 July.
These notes are Kevin's notes from his presentation.

^ to top

from Kevin Petrie's
Meat Dishes series

Kevin Petrie: Discusses his PhD "Water-based ceramic transfer printing: The development and creative use of a new on-glaze printing system" at University of the West of England, Bristol.

Practice Based Research: Some Definitions, An Example, and the Making of Something Nice!

What is Research?

In simple terms, research is finding out something one does not know.

However, this is too simplistic for us.

Types of research:

• Personal
• Professional

Fundamental aspects of Professional research: All successful research will:

• Define a relevant problem or question within a cultural need.
  A researcher is problem definer as well as a problem solver.
• Create an adequate solution.
  It may only be possible to make a small step towards a solution and but this is still valid.
• Communicate both as useful related set.
  A generic aspect of the PhD is that it should generate new knowledge. Research cannot count as research or new knowledge unless it can be clearly communicated to others.

Artistic practice and Artistic research. What's the difference?

To help to define this it may be useful to try to answer two question in relation to your research:

• Is the research problem or question of relevance beyond yourself?
• Will the work genuinely lead to results which other people accept as useful, attractive and not seen before?

If the answer to both questions is YES, then you may be in the realm of research.

What is a Ph.D?

The Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy) is an academic training in the research methods of a particular disapline. A generic aspects of all Ph.Ds is that they must contribute some original knowledge to the research field.

The standard elements of the Ph.D and of all research will require you to:

• Describe your field of study.
• Identify a relevant question, problem, or area of concern within this field.
• Solve or illuminate the problems in a convincing manner.
• Give an account of the process which is helpful or impressive to others.
• Convince the sector involved that the whole range of activities within this research process is relevant beyond personal involvement or gain.

^ to top

Kevin Petrie's PhD:

Basic details

Title: Water-based ceramic transfer printing: The development and creative use of a new on-glaze screenprinting system.

Duration: Start Date Oct 1995. Submission Date Sept 1999. Examination date Dec 1999.

Funding: Bursary (UWE) £6000 per annum for full time study + approx £1200 for technical demonstration.

Supervisory team: Director of Studies Professor Paul van der Lem PhD FCSD, Dean, Faculty of Art, Media, and Design, University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol. Second supervisors: Steve Hoskins MA(RCA), Director, Centre for Fine Print Research, UWE. Dr Annabelle Hodson BSc, PhD, MRSC, CChem, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UWE.

Examination team: External examiner Dr Julian Malins, The Robert Gray University, Aberdeen. Internal examiner Dr Paul Gough, Associate Dean, Faculty of Art, Media, and Design, UWE. Also present Steve Hoskins, Second supervisor.

The field of study

Prints have been applied to Ceramics for the past two hundred years as a way of adding meaning in the form of patterns, picture, and text.

On-glaze screenprinted transfers, which are the focus of this research, are one of the prime methods of decorating industrial ceramics.

The UK accounts for 14% of the global production with an annual value of around £31 Million.

Ceramic transfer printing has also been used as a means of individual creative expression by artists. Exemplified by Hot off the Press - Ceramics and print at the Crafts Council in London. 69 out 150 artists used screenprinted transfers.

The problem

Solvents used in the process are affected by legislation:

• The Health and Safety at work act
• Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)
• The Environmental Protection act

This has led to a decrease in the use of transfer printing both in industry and in art schools. There are also the additional problems of slow production times, wasted factory space, and blocking.

Possible solutions include:

• Water-based transfer printing
• Alternative print processes
• Solvent abatement technology
• UV Curing

This project focused on water-based transfer printing.

Aims and Objectives

Aims

1. To identify a possible route to develop a new water-based screenprinting system, to produce on-glaze ceramic transfers, which will alleviate many of the problems associated with solvent-based transfer printing.

2. To produce a body of transfer printed artwork, using the new system, which enables the demonstration and assessment of the possible creative potential of reduced solvent ceramic transfer printing, both for the individual artist and industry.

Objectives

1. To identify a possible route to develop a reduced solvent on-glaze ceramic transfer screenprinting system.

2. To produce a body of transfer printed artwork which develops and demonstrates the creative potential of a new system for the individual artist and industry.

3. To create a reference point for the positioning of the work within the range of transfer printing processes.

Approaches to the research (Methodology)

Research approached for the perspective of an individual artist working with ceramic and print.

Research approach focused on a synergy of three aspects:

• Practice
• Study of relevant Literature
• Study of examples of transfer printed Ceramics

No one aspect would have been useful on its own.

Practice:

• Initial tests on tiles
• Production of artwork
• Industrial Trials

The use of literature and examples of transfer printed ceramics in order to aid the assessment and articulation of the validity of the new system as a workable process.

• A chronological overview of the history of ceramic transfer printing c1760-present.
• The understanding of the practical processes involved. Literature & practice.
• The aesthetic possibilities of these processes. Literature & visual study of examples.

This enabled a contextual overview of the methods and resultant aesthetics of the range of transfer printing processes to be produced. It was against this overview that the new process was judged.

Contribution to the body of knowledge

Prior to this research project no viable reduced solvent on-glaze ceramic transfer screenprinting system was available for the small scale user or industry.

Following this research, there now exists an alternative to solvent-based transfer printing to produce on-glaze ceramic transfers.

The new system provides the following benefits:

• Conforms with Health, Safety, and Environmental legislation
• Quick drying, therefore faster production times.
• Can produce a broad range of aesthetic possibilities which are comparable to solvent based.

Some areas for further research

• The need to develop a more flexible covercoat layer.
• The possibility for the development of a reduced solvent covercoat.
• The difficulties of achieving reds.
• Using the system for alternative surfaces ie glass, enamels
• Development of a theoretical reflection or description of the range of transfer printed ceramics.
  

^ to top

Summary:

Why should you do a Ph.D?

• To improve your career prospects
• To prepare for a life of scholarship
• To study an area which interests you in depth
• To contribute to your subject area
• To make something nice!

^ to top

Petrie, Kevin (1999) Water-based ceramic transfer printing. The development and creative use of a new on-glaze screenprinting system. Unpub. PhD thesis, University of the West of England, Bristol.

last updated 12.11.01. Beryl Graham