Response to my initial email to Shane:
For example;
I am investigating the physicality of rhythm, emotion, and energy in image-making, exploring temporal elements of the creative process and its relationship with enduring artistic footprints through alternative analogue photography, abstraction and printmaking.
This is a process, a way of working and something an artist would do as part of a creative investigation - the OUTCOMES of this would be of benefit to you, but does not go towards addressing a problem within an identified field of research.
My research extends to neuroscience and the brains interpretation of rhythm and energy and how that manifests through emotion and the creative process.
This is more interesting, as it links into existing areas of knowledge and research. There is something within this that could be framed as a potential finding our outcome.
There is much research from a science perspective, but there does not seem to be a great deal from the perspective of visual artists, particularly in photography.
You would have to be able to support this ... Bau Lotto is a good place to start. You would also need to be able to identify specific aspects of visual art and photography where this knowledge is missing, or where it can be further developed.
We should also be clear about what a PhD is and is not;
IS - A rigorous and scholarly investigation into a specific field of knowledge through which new ideas, or the validation of existing ideas, can be explored. There is a clear investigation, with a proposed methodology and ultimately a series of findings that is evidenced through the creative practice.
IS - of benefit to a community, an existing area of knowledge or field of enquiry.
IS NOT - a creative process or the making of a body of artwork or photographs related to a theme or topic (because that would simply be your ongoing practice).
IS NOT - about you learning something about yourself, or exploring your interests.
Have another go at the proposal, perhaps simply a one pager of text, with some clear headings to help;
INTRO - what is the project aiming to research
QUESTIONS - 2 specific research questions that you are seeking to answer. Should really include How or Why.
METHODOLOGY - How are you planning to undertake the research?
FIELD OF INQUIRY - Where is the research placed? How do you know it has not been done before?
RATIONALE - Why is this research needed? What problems or issues will it address or solve?
They that and send it back to me. Not about volume, more about shifting your thinking.
Thanks Zo.
Regards
Shane