Action research - boundaries and focus

• Action research - a combination of scientific methodology and brainstorming, and much closer to what I/we(?) do?
• Boundaries are set at the outset of a project.
• These are broad parameters, and at this point a variety of different outcomes are possible.  In the creative arts, this is a positive thing, allowing for new ideas to be considered within the overall aims.
• As a project progresses, research activities within it inform decisions about where it will go to next.
• At every stage of the project, decisions are made and boundaries set.  This works towards refining the focus.
• Throughout the project, an organic process of action, observation and reflection takes place, constantly revealing new possibilities.  These are evaluated against the original aims and rejected or incorporated into the research.
• Planning occurs at every level and re-focuses the research back onto the original question.

Textile artists Norma Starszakowna and Liz Nilsson both deal with the concept of memory and text.  The outcome of their work is very different, even though their starting points are similar.  Starszakowna's ethereal, layered, translucent hangings contrast with the more geometric, structured pieces of Liz Nilsson.  Each made a different set of decisions and boundaries, and refined their focus in the process of making the work.