The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between the physical space and the creative process of people engaging in artistic practices – namely the art production triad. Moreover, the study sought to elicit what meanings artists and art students attach to the space or environment in which they work. Furthermore, this research explored how the affordance of a space might contribute to the creative process of artists and art students.
The study adopted a qualitative approach. It analysed seven in-depth interviews with artists, as well as informal conversations with, and observation of, a group of art students at secondary level, which spanned over four weeks. In addition, plan drawings obtained from the students were also analysed.
This research has reaffirmed that the art production triad bears complexity and that many different processes are at play simultaneously. Nonetheless, a number of findings have shown that the affordance of space contributes to the creative process of people engaging in art practices. This was particularly observed during the 'doing’ phase of the artistic process. The ‘thinking’ phase seems to draw more on external spaces and locations. Furthermore, understanding the notion of encountering might yield important benefits for the creative process. The art production triad is assumed to comprise an interplay of different elements performing concurrently, such as: materials and tools; the artist’s own performance; tacit knowledge; and the physical aspect of studios. Building on existing literature, this research has located the need for policy makers, school leaders and educators to recognise and better grasp the potential of art rooms and art spaces.
KEY WORDS: space, place, creativity, artistic practice, inspiration, material thinking, affordance, experience.
