Visual Knowledges Conference

This paper deals with locating art practice within a specific social context (within genetics). Art practice is understood as a process of transactions- a shared process of ‘making meaning’. The methodology is based on visual dialogue between myself and a group of clinical consultant geneticists. Here I make artwork which is developmental, not finalised and which was based, or inspired by DNA. The purpose of this work was to stimulate thinking leading to new artwork and new thinking. The dialogues in and around the artwork gives myself and the geneticists ideas and insights, we reflect on the experience, meet again and the artwork is developed further. This work is part of a practice-led PhD study in visual art. Background Currently I’m doing PhD research into visual art practice through practice (September 2001-2004). This studentship is attached to a larger research project called ‘On the Edge ’ which is looking at the value of visual art from the socio economic and artistic perspectives in order to give a richer picture of art’s cultural worth. (To find out more about this AHRB funded project you can visit our website: ontheedgeresearch.org) For most of my professional life I have worked as a designer – a graphic designer. Three years ago I decided to study and practice art in order to ‘move on ’ creatively after working in the design and publishing industry fo