The title of this project is a play on words, artists may be like stones, rolling to places beyond their original intention, far from the critical buzz afforded by art school crits, first nights, gallery visits and rapid transit systems. The research will seek to identify methodologies  for artists in isolated settings to 'kickstart' their practice in a critical vacuum.

It seems obvious that Art exists in a setting of dialogue. In its viewing, its reception the dialogue exists between the viewer and the artwork and in most cases is beyond the control of its creator. In its inception however, there is a wider conversation between the Artist , the artwork and the context in which the Artist finds herself. This wider conversation may be a rehearsal for a later reception dialogue, to make the artwork fit for purpose, working on the question 'what is the artist trying to say' through the artwork as mouthpiece

This question may not have an easy answer during a great part of the preparation. A figurative work can perhaps be judged in the extent to which it evokes the subject matter. An abstract artwork may be self justified by its adherence to a formal working method but overall a significant factor in addressing the above question is a discussion formed as words and not mark making. No longer representing things, rather making work about ideas must surely necessitate realising some [small] part of the idea as words.

Thus I am arguing that the context, mentioned above is found as words, interior or exterior to the artist. Art is not made in a Silence. Outside of a metropolitan 'bubble' access to a critical context may not be freely available and the purpose of my research is to understand fellow artists' response to this shortfall both in their words and in executed artwork. In particular I should like to reach out to and include practitioners for whom a material art object may not be the objective. 

To thank you for your assistance I shall make a casebound, hardback book of your contributions. The book will feature 20 (approx. ) artists with images and facing text. Each selected participant will receive a free copy and further copies will be made available at cost. The book will have an ISBN, deposited at the British Library and the Legal Deposit Libraries.

Initially, complete the form below, including  an image and an account (200 words) to reflect your work and working method  with a URL for other relevant work. You must confirm that you own copyright in the image and text. With your permission, it could be helpful if I or a fellow researcher might conduct a short telephone interview if we intend to print your contribution.

Keywords : art, book, isolation, participation, publication