Practice-led theology

Abstract

This article explains the development of a practice-led systematic theological enquiry and considers how reflexive studio practice can offer a means of engaging material and embodied knowing in the pursuit of a theological question. It considers the influence of the studio in the art-making process with particular reference to the work of Andy Warhol, Ai Weiwei and Anselm Kiefer. The article explores the agency of the studio in the development of the author’s own practice-led theological enquiry into the nature of healing in the absence of cure. This leads to a discussion about the function of the studio for artists whose contemplative practice resides on the boundaries between art and theology and a conclusion about the role of the studio as a site for theology in the making.

Creative arts-based research methods in practical theology: constructing new theologies of practice

“…An 'emerging shoot' revealing deep roots Creative arts-based research includes a wide range of practices, from visual arts, performance, dance, and music, to creative writing and poetry. As research practices in theology, creative arts-based methods are still emerging, although there are already a wide range of approaches and different artistic practices in the field, including: poetry and poetic writing (Westfield 2001;Slee 2011); life writing and creative non-fiction (Walton 2014(Walton , 2015Couture 2016); performance, drama, and theatre (Reddie 2006;Mesner 2014;Falcone 2018); studio based visual arts (Byrne 2017); mixed media sculpture in theological education (Goto 2016b); narrated photography and photovoice (Cruz 2008;Ward and Dunlop 2011;Dunlop and Ward 2012); and music (Paterson 2017). Additionally, previous BIAPT conferences have included artists and poets in residence who have hosted workshops and created responses to the proceedings.…”