Material Rendering of Imagery of 'Divine' and 'Faith' among Practicing Christian Adults with Artistic Skills

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Aim of the Project

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I am researching how Christian adults express their beliefs in tangible forms such as art, symbols, rituals, and language. Despite the prevalence of abstract concepts in theological discourse, I want to explore the rich imagery associated with the 'divine' and 'faith' in Christian communities.

Research Questions

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My project addresses questions such as:

• How does religious/spiritual imagery shape one's religious and spiritual experiences?

• What are the influences on the creative process, including artist agency and research participation?

• To what extent do personal and cultural influences impact the construction of religious imagery?

• What is the role of artistic choices in the creative process, and how do they develop?

• What is the dynamic of the creative process, and how do theological and aesthetic principles influence it?

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Project Activities

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I will collaborate with ten visual artists based in the UK, employing a case studies approach that includes qualitative interviews, self-observation, content analysis, and artistic analysis of symbols and artefacts. Through this interdisciplinary approach, I will explore the complex processes behind creating and expressing religious imagery.

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Outputs

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My project will produce ten artworks that will be publicly displayed in an art exhibition, accompanied by a brochure introducing the presented artworks (case studies). I will also present my findings at a relevant academic conference or symposium, disseminating my insights through a research paper, poster, lecture, or workshop.

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Anticipated Outcomes

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I anticipate several outcomes from my project, including:

• Enhanced interdisciplinary scholarship through collaboration between artists, theologians, and cognitive scientists.

• An enriched theological discourse that expands the visual vocabulary of theology.

• Improved understanding of religious cognition and its implications for psychology and cognitive science.

• Enhanced religious education practices that resonate more deeply with congregations.

• Increased awareness of cultural and aesthetic influences on religious imagery.

• Meaningful dialogue across academic and non-academic audiences.

• A lasting impact on visual theology, inspiring future research and creative endeavours.