Visualising the Invisible.
PhD Research
Principal Researcher: Kim Percy
Supervisors: Dr Jill Orr + Dr Julie Reed Henderson
Reference: 2022-078
WHO I AM AND WHAT THIS STUDY IS ABOUT?
My name is Kim Percy and I am currently undertaking a PhD research at Federation University, Australia, investigating the relationship between visual art and dyslexia.
I am a contemporary visual artist primarily working in photography and digital media. I have exhibited in BOAA Biennale of Australian Art, Ballarat International Foto Biennale, Head On Photo Festival and had solo exhibitions in New York City and Australia. This research will culminate in an art exhibition of my digital photo-based work alongside a written exegesis of my processes and outcomes. Initially social media posts about the research will link to a short anonymous questionnaire. The questions are related to the artists’ career path, their art practice, and their relationship to different dyslexic traits[1]. By drawing from first-hand accounts of the participant’s art experiences, I aim to include a range of diverse perspectives and complexities in my research.
[1] definition of ‘dyslexic thinking’ www.dictionary.com
WHY HAVE I CHOSEN THIS TOPIC?
Visualising the Invisible, aims to evolve the way dyslexia is understood, both personally and socially, and its effect on creativity and creative art.
Research suggests that people with dyslexia may have improved spatial awareness, pattern recognition and critical thinking, traits that are often associated with artistic practice. If these claims are substantiated, my research will focus on questions such as: What is the nature of the relationship between visual art practice and dyslexia?
HOW ARE THE ANSWERS TO THIS QUESTIONNAIRE BE USED?
The research outcomes will be an art installation or exhibition and a written exegesis which will discuss my processes, creative methods and outcomes. Your answers may inspire and inform a body of artworks. I may use video, sculptures and photos to interpret my ideas as shapes or digital forms.
A pivotal question I am asking is:How can I distil the creative process into a visual form connecting ideas that result in unique photographic and video art?
WHAT WILL TAKING PART INVOLVE?
To participate, you do not need a dyslexic or neurodiversity assessment but may feel that you have traits like:
· challenges reading or spelling,
· problems with maths or numbers
· struggles with time management or organisation skills
· difficulties with keeping task-focused
· strengths in visual or spatial awareness
· excellent capacity in developing complex narratives from multiple perspectives
· strong ability assembling disparate objects, concepts, or forms
· refined pattern recognition skills
DO YOU HAVE TO TAKE PART?
Your choice to participate in the research questionnaire is appreciated. Participation is completely voluntary, and you must be over 18 years. Participants are encouraged to make responses to questions selectively according to personal choice.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF TAKING PART?
There are no evident risks associated with your participation in this study and all responses are strictly confidential and anonymous. As a result of your participation in this questionnaire, it is anticipated that insights will be revealed about dyslexia, the processes involved in creative artistic work, and the relationship between them. It is also anticipated that the artistic work produced will create a forum for open conversation about these relationships. This may contribute to a fuller understanding of neuro-diverse factors that determine how art works are created, and the social and emotional benefits to the visual artists and audiences who view it.
If you experience any adverse effects such as being triggered from past events, please contact your supports including your Doctor, Therapist or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
WILL TAKING PART BE CONFIDENTIAL?
This online questionnaire will adhere to the guidelines of strict confidentiality and anonymity. Your participation will be anonymous, meaning that I will not have access to your name and details. All research findings will adhere to Federation University Australia Ethics Code and Privacy Policy. By completing the questionnaire, it will imply that you consent to your answers being included in the research and all anonymous data may be used to inform future research.
HOW WILL INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE BE RECORDED, STORED AND PROTECTED?
The data will be saved and stored in compliance with Federation Universities guidelines.
WHO SHOULD YOU CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION?
If you are interested in being included in this visual art research, please go to the questionnaire via this link.
If you have any questions, or you would like further information regarding the project titled Visualising the Invisible, please contact the Principal Researcher, Kim Percy of the Institute of Education, Arts and Community:
EMAIL: k.percy@federation.edu.au
PH: 0409 181 236
Should you (i.e. the participant) have any concerns about the ethical conduct of this research project, please contact the Federation University Coordinator Research Ethics, Research Services, Federation University Australia,
P O Box 663 Mt Helen Vic 3353
Telephone: (03) 5327 9765
Email: research.ethics@federation.edu.au
CRICOS Provider Number 00103D