The intensive journal method: advancing insights in creative practice
Mills, Annette Edith (2024) The intensive journal method: advancing insights in creative practice. PhD thesis, University for the Creative Arts.
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This research is concerned with understanding the creative process and how, using the structure of The Intensive Journal (Progoff,1980), a self-supporting and sustainable mode of learning can be engaged to develop creative practice. A gap in knowledge was identified between superficial, short-term approaches, often
presented as ways to develop the creative process, and the findings of academic research incorporating a theoretical framework. A systematic review of the literature and a contextual review of artists’ reflective practice established this knowledge gap and informed the design of this process. The contribution to knowledge lies in developing an autoethnographic methodological framework to address this lacuna. Using the biopsychosocial theoretical framework (Engel,1972) and practice-based research, contemporary basketry was used to develop guidelines and strategies, which were then generalised to include other disciplines. The first case study details how the author identified behaviour patterns and devised personalised strategies to sustain and enhance her practice. This methodology was tested with other practitioners through interviews and comparative case studies. The findings from these case studies underscore the value of a sustained, systematic, reflective process in advancing creative practices.
They also demonstrate how individuals can adapt the strategies to their specific needs. The studies suggest that having access to a facilitator during the initial stages could be beneficial and a potential area for future research.
The author’s practice is self-referencing and evolves as additional information is processed. Artefacts were regarded as manifestations of moments in time, indicating a future potential waiting to be uncovered rather than completed outcomes. Regular exhibitions were an essential part of this process. They provided
iterative testing and an opening to peer review and critique. The pieces displayed contain within them a record of the process, the maker's personal language, and the intangible nature of the craft of basketry. As such, they can be regarded as a form of journaling in their own right.
Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University for the Creative Arts.
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