Art, Science and Place: Location-based Art Practice

Art, Science and Place: Location-based Art Practice

Dr Cathy Franzi

This paper examines the trend toward ceramic artists connecting with experts in other fields, particularly the sciences, to express, reflect on and communicate ideas about a specific environment or place. Location-based research is essential in the natural sciences so as to measure and monitor natural systems and species over time. When artists become involved it has benefits to both parties. This interdisciplinary approach to practice enriches the conceptual framework for the artist and is increasingly recognised as valuable for the collaborator, as a way to see their research in new ways and to engage with a wider audience. The natural sciences offer fertile ground for such partnerships, where science researchers struggle to communicate their findings to policy makers and the public, and where artists often find inspiration. But it goes further than artists merely sourcing ideas. Collaborations open up new ways for artists to work in the studio offering new perspectives on process and materials. My talk will examine this trend, the structures enabling such interactions, the benefits to studio practice and examples of artists including myself who work in this way.