PhD in Focus: Louisa Magrics
PhD in Focus is a FASTLab Blog Series aimed at engaging the wider community with SOCI PhD Projects and their talented creators.
LOUISA MAGRICS
Which FASTLab projects are you working on right now?
I am a PhD Candidate in Fine Arts. My project is ‘Visualising Rhythm’ — Exploring the connection between music & crochet.
What is innovative about your research?
Crochet is an under-recognised medium for exploring mathematic & scientific concepts. The field is relatively new, with contemporary research establishing this space of inquiry only in the last 30 yrs (approx.). My research contributes to this field by exploring the relationship between crochet, maths & music. Outcomes extend into spaces of design, architecture, engineering and large-scale public art projects.
What are the big issues you face in your research?
Many challenges were faced in the course of this research, however the most pervasive is stereotypes around what crochet is, how it is used and by whom. This research encourages a broader understanding of this mode of creative expression, as one that is proven to have strong, relevant connections to the traditionally male spheres of maths and science.
Can you apply the findings of this research to your teaching practices in the School of Creative Industries?
Yes! Outcomes of my PhD research explore design in the context of site-specificity and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Creative Industries is filled with specialised skills. When we work together we can achieve far more than we can working in isolation. I encourage my students to value their specialised skills and unique perspectives, and encourage them to develop an appreciation for the unique skill sets and perspectives of their peers. My intention is to encourage interdisciplinary appreciation as a foundational concept in the context of Creative Industries.
What do you think are your most significant research accomplishments in your career so far?
Hyperweb at Vivid Sydney, 2018. https://www.vividsydney.com/event/light/hyperweb7.
Who/what has been the biggest influence on your research practice?
15+ years as a live music performer, specialising in percussion, has been foundational in the development of a unique approach to this space of research. Specialised training at the Rhythm Hut in Gosford was a core part of that artistic development. I’d also like to acknowledge Braddon Snape as a key mentor. He was my honours supervisor, and encouraged me to explore space, scale and materiality. These concepts have come to underpin my approach to practice based research.
If you had unlimited resources for research and development, what project would you most like to pursue?
In sharing outcomes of this research, I’d like to:Write & publish a book. Possible a few, exploring concepts & different design sets. Translate 5+ years of obsessive documentation into a film. Design a course of study, intended to further establish this field, in the context of educational settings. Develop a series of short tutorial videos, illustrating the process and discussing design approaches. Produce a podcast. Publish my patterns. Launch my line of crochet fashion, with accompanying patterns. (this could also be content for a book / video tutorial series). Develop & launch an online, interactive archive sharing research outcomes & methodological approach. Develop AR & VR interpretations/adaptations of the research. Further develop relationships with mathematicians and scientists to extend understanding of outcomes & possible implications for the research.
What advice for you have to SOCI students looking to pursue a career in research and development?
Obsession is a great asset! It’s also good to network, develop relationships with peers and collaborate. These connections can be invaluable as you develop your area of research.
Check out all of Louisa’s work @ www.louisamagrics.com
Instragam: @louisamagrics
Facebook: @StudioLoum
