Abstract
The experience and material of light – metaphysical thoughts and intimate encounters
By Derek Ventling, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
This paper discusses the author’s practice-led research, and how he negotiated an evolving experiential pathway through sensate engagement. Drawing medieval theory into contemporary artistic practice, he considered his relationship with metaphorical light and its potential influence on creative consciousness and endeavour. Embodied within experimentally assembled material arrangements, moments of emotive resonance were sought. These were documented photographically, and used to create an authentic mode of visual expression. The research question was distilled along a progressing trajectory, which advanced from material experimentation to animated sequences projected within designed installations. Along with other presentation methods, the installations facilitated sharing and feedback. A final immersive installation invited viewers to contemplate perception and consciousness, and consider their own embodied relationship with light. The research design of the project employed a heuristic framework. This provided valuable support through several existential aspects: It developed the practitioner’s self-awareness, connecting perception and tacit understanding. It facilitated the discovery of new meaning from and through artistic experiences. Finally, it fostered exchange, building interpersonal learning. As this case study demonstrates, heuristics can be recognised as a flexible empirical framework for experiential artistic enquiries into certain phenomena, offering the practice-led researcher a catalytic means to generate fresh perspectives and new thinking.
Author keywords
practice-led research, experience, metaphysical light, embodiment, photography, installation, heuristics, consciousness