Studio Practice as a Base for Effective Academic Research in Creative Arts

If research is the systematic investigation into a subject with a view to discovering facts, establishing the truth about something, revising a theory, or to developing a plan of action based on facts discovered, then the art studio should, as a matter of necessity, form the basis for an effective and analytical research crucible for an academic discourse. Creative works of art are themselves channels of communication as they convey unwritten messages, subject to interpretations by the beholder, irrespective of culture or language. This article attempts to look at studio practice and how it could form the core of research in the visual arts, considering the fact that most studio artists find it difficult to publish what they practice, as well as generate academic discussions for the development of the sector. It examines the artist’s desire to make statements with what he does and how he does it, what inspires him, what message/s he intends to put across, etc. Focus is also on the studio, practice, processes, methods, materials and how all of these can be harnessed for research purposes. Therefore, this paper opines that the dynamics of the creative arts require stage-by-stage documentation of the work process and only then can an effective academic research be created for artistic growth.