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FINALPAPER_7-21-15.pdf (2.28 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Digital Animation as a Method of Inquiry

Spicer, Malory E.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0566-6261
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1437499872

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Fine Arts, Ohio State University, Design.
The potential for artistic practice-led research opening up new “realms of possibility” has been embraced by the academy, and it is the time now for animators to reveal how their practice is a method for the generation of new knowledge, exploration, and connection of ideas as well as for communication (as it is most commonly conceived of). Traditional views of research writing do not serve the wealth of knowledge to be found in the making process of animation. My goal is to illuminate the notion that the self-reflective creative practice of digital animation used as a method of inquiry contributes to both the field as well as the academy overall. Animation as a method of inquiry can be seen at the heart of many experimental and independent creations throughout the art form’s history, as well as in the present. I frame my discussion by highlighting inquiry in the works of animators both historical and contemporary to bring to light how these methodologies are functioning in the medium. Inspired by the concept of `practice as research’ in arts education discourse - I present a case-study analysis of my digital animation practice and reflections on my experience as an animator, a designer, and a researcher in animation. I claim that animation as inquiry requires the artist-researcher to engage in a reflection throughout their making process. From retrospection and contemplation of my own creative practices, I describe how writing has become an integral part of my animation process – but I also argue that writing is not a requirement for animation as a method of inquiry. The process of making animation captures our ways of knowing in a way that is unique but just as valuable as writing, as long as the researcher can articulate it. Valuing the `messy texts’ that are generated as by-products of the creative process is one of several practices I suggest to highlight the discovery process involved in the making of animation. I expand upon the anthropological term `messy text’ to include both visual and words generated during the thinking and making processes. With writing being the privileged medium in academia, my research begins a conversation on the ways in which reflective thinking and writing are incorporated into Animation, Art, or Design programs. Animation as a method of inquiry will help to make our world visible through representation and interpretation, and if animators consciously reflect and contextualize their work, we can gain a better understanding of some of the infinite perspectives that construct our collective reality.
Maria Palazzi (Advisor)
Candace Stout (Committee Member)
Janet Parrott (Committee Member)
114 p.
Art Education; Design
digital animation; animation; computer animation; design research; practice as research; practice-led research; art education; messy text;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Spicer, M. E. (2015). Digital Animation as a Method of Inquiry [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1437499872

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Spicer, Malory. Digital Animation as a Method of Inquiry. 2015. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1437499872.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Spicer, Malory. "Digital Animation as a Method of Inquiry." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1437499872

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1437499872
14,010
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.