‘A picture paints a thousand words’
Tyndall Early Career Researchers’ Network (TEC-Net), a network that provides support and advice to early-career researchers at Tyndall, recently launched a workshop focusing on drawing methodologies and observational drawing exercises. The workshop was delivered by Dr Helen Farrell, Lecturer at MTU Crawford College of Art and Design and Co-founder of Drawbridge, the Drawing Research Hub in MTU CCAD.
This was the first time that a workshop of this nature was held at Tyndall, and its aim was to support participants in developing a creative research practice through interdisciplinary collaboration. This creative practice is not just limited to the Fine Arts discipline but benefits researchers in any field.
The workshop was open to all staff and students at Tyndall and the key goals were to:
- Increase participants’ awareness of the world around them
- Demonstrate the capabilities of drawing to give form to thought
- Develop a drawing practice to enhance communication of complex research topics.
Throughout this dynamic workshop, participants were given various drawing exercises and challenges. Participants discovered how creativity can help them communicate and explain their research through the medium of drawing. This method helps bridge the gap between complex concepts and creativity.
During the workshop, Dr Farrell explained that drawing is a universal language that everyone can relate to, and that the drawings do not need to be accurate or ‘perfect’ in order to express human experience which, in turn, can assist researchers overcome communication challenges.
Speaking about her experience of participating in the workshop, Sofia Rodrigues Teixeira, Senior Researcher at Tyndall, and Chair of TEC-Net said: "The workshop was inspiring and challenged us to stop and focus on the everyday science of sounds, colours, and emotions. It was interesting to see everyone’s interpretation of our surroundings through drawing"
Sofia continued: “I found it helpful to discover that we sometimes just need to take time to pause and listen, and let our emotions guide us in communicating our ideas and research”
Due to the success of this initial workshop, and interest from others to participate, TEC-Net are in the process of organising another workshop for Tyndall staff and students. The workshop is a fantastic opportunity to enhance awareness and creativity skills for all, regardless of drawing ability.