Program of Research and Focus of Original Creative Activity
My research and original creative work progress along two separate but frequently overlapping paths: 1) the analysis of and instruction in hand sketching skills through the cognitive framework of expertise theory relative to the idea of thinking through drawing, and 2) drawing as a means to access memory and confirm moment; the attempt to recover the ephemeral visual links of a past connected to the soul of a place once occupied. Research with colleagues involves design thinking based upon empathy in combination with emotional intelligence as a measuring device to determine stronger emotional investments in the act of drawing and the drawings (representing creative ideation) themselves. Previous research explored the perceptions, motivations, and expertise of why some architects choose to practice interior design.
My research and original creative work progress along two separate but frequently overlapping paths: 1) the analysis of and instruction in hand sketching skills through the cognitive framework of expertise theory relative to the idea of thinking through drawing, and 2) drawing as a means to access memory and confirm moment; the attempt to recover the ephemeral visual links of a past connected to the soul of a place once occupied. Research with colleagues involves design thinking based upon empathy in combination with emotional intelligence as a measuring device to determine stronger emotional investments in the act of drawing and the drawings (representing creative ideation) themselves. Previous research explored the perceptions, motivations, and expertise of why some architects choose to practice interior design.
Statement on Research
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Research
Abbreviated List of Work
Abbreviated List of Work
Invited Journal Articles
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Refereed Journal Articles
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Refereed Papers at Conferences
Refereed Presentations
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Proceedings
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Creative Activity
Selected Work
Selected Work
Juried Exhibitions
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Click images to enlarge
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Click images to enlarge
Installations
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This work explored the opportunity to link athletes with artists and artisans on a university campus via the design, fabrication and installation of glass artwork for a women's basketball team's lounge. This work was commissioned by Florida State University's women’s collegiate basketball program for the team’s lounge space. The team’s coach, Sue Semrau, intended to create a piece that spoke to her team’s strength, unity, and diversity. Wayne Spinks with FSU's Master Craftsman Studio (MCS), the glass artisan, was adept at glass fabrication and installation but decided to look for artistic design expertise outside of their shop. They were also keenly interested in expanding their glass forming by creating larger, more complex sculptures involving deeper kilns and overlapping glass joinery. Having worked with MCS in the past, I joined the team early on spending several weeks sketching and brainstorming ideas with Coach Sue. My earliest sketches centered on representing the explosive nature of the team’s athletic energy and the coach’s notion of the team as family – individually unique but group strong. Additionally, I wanted to explore the notion of femininity against an athletic background through glass that, although perceived as delicate or fragile, could be shaped, formed and ordered to evidence the grace and beauty of a woman while providing the strength and versatility of athletic prowess.
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Contracts and Grants
Funded
Funded
- Dawkins, J., & Ransdell, M. (2013–2013). The Acquisition of 3-Dimensional High-Resolution Printing Technology Equipment to Supplement and Enhance Design Visualization, Component Detailing, and Professional Model-making. Funded by FSU Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee and the IT Governance Council. Total award $2,920.
- Dawkins, J., & Ransdell, M. (2011–2011). Rapid Prototyping Technology to Enhance Visualization and Spatial Design. Funded by FSU Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee and the IT Governance Council. Total award $12,575.
- Dawkins, J. (May 2010–May 2012). Architects Practicing as Interior Designers: An Analysis of Motivations, Expertise and Perceptions. Funded by The Florida State University Council on Research & Creativity. Total award $17,000.