*Vol.1, Ch.II, Methodology: 3. "Reflection"

The process of my work often begins with “Reflection” as oppose to “Planning”. Therefore, although the “Spiral method of Planning, Making & Reflection” (Trimingham 2000), is still in place but it is not necessarily always begin with planning, hence some ambiguity may occur. In order to navigate others, therefore, I need to travel backwards in time and consciously try to find the trace of my process, clearly landmark and highlight them. This method, however, due to its spiral format, soon begins to work orderly and it works towards the refinement of the essence of the theme.

After each stage of making, there is yet again another period of reflection, during which new questions and challenges are bragged about and valued. To me in fact, the emergence of new questions and challenges could be the sign of the success of a project. Because new questions usually provoke further creativity along the way of the planning stage whereas the answers would conclude the progress of our activities. Perhaps Rumi is referring to the same issue when he says:

آب کم جوی، تشنگی آور بدست

“Do not search for water, but for thirst”

(Rumi 1976)

The reflections include my personal analyses as well as the feedbacks that I receive from the academics and the onlookers who visit my exhibitions or my website www.latelierpapillon.co.uk . On the bases of these reflections, adjustments and further planning for further development is launched.

My PhD project is an ongoing academic study in a form of multimedia artwork, recognising no barriers in choosing media, as and when they are recognised as the best format for expression. That includes; visual media such as design, calligraphy, photography, video making, painting, sculpture, installation on one hand and performance, dance, music, poetry and expressive writing on the other. The visual images are, mostly, purposefully produced and used alongside with the texts which consist of commentaries, debates, expressive writings and poetry. The outcome of each section of work is presented in form of DVD, written texts or publication, although they may alter and/or expand, and new chapters be added, while practice as research continues into my PhD. The spiral process of planning, making and reflection remains the fundamental framework of methodology to reach a desirable result.