Sunday 22 September 2013

Destination Doctorate


I have now completed (and passed) my Masters in Fine Art.  I now go on to to study for a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).  I have been awarded an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) studentship which will support me over the course of three years study at Birmingham City University (BCU).  The research is collaborative and I will be working closely with the Wye Valley AONB.  I will be considering the pre-existing iconography found in the area and exploring its relevance to todays visitors.  My previous research in practice will inform my approach to these enquiries; I aim to immerse myself in the geological locality, explore my/our emotional responses to this unique place and seek a better understanding of the creative responses of William Gilpin, JMW Turner and William Wordsworth.

PhD Descriptions
The value of protected landscapes to contemporary society - readings, responses, associated meanings and the iconography of the Wye Valley area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB)

Feeling for Space – a personal and empirical investigation in to the historical materiality and geo-emotional personality of the Wye Valley area of outstanding natural beauty.