Paper short abstract:

Can an Artist in Residence working with perceptual observations, contribute to Archaeological research? Concentrating on human activity, sketchbook drawing, pleinair painting, and sound recordings, are used to reveal the everyday process of archaeology, and transient dialectical images of the past.

Paper long abstract:

An artist working with archaeology is engaged with their own artist's research, often working freely to draw perceptions rather than attempt accurate documentation. Through constant perceptual observations, it is possible to present the anthropological nature of a dig, and be open to any fleeting occurrence of Benjamin's dialectical images, which bring the past directly into the present.

In 2016 I joined the dig on the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney as Artist in Residence. My aim was to see if perceptual drawing could contribute to archaeological research. My interest is in the human activity on site and the everyday process of excavation. Using sketchbook drawing, pleinair painting, and sound recordings, I collected sufficient material to take back to my studio and begin constructing a film, hoping to evoke a sense of being on the site.

At the end of my four week stay, the Director asked me to return in 2017 and continue my residency for the foreseeable future. Clearly something is working in my relationship with the archaeology, although I am unable yet to articulate why. The opportunity to make this a long term project over the next few years, makes it possible to spend time investigating my role on site and the elusive nature of connections with the Neolithic past.

This paper will present work to date including material collected and film edits, and discuss the ongoing process of my research in two areas: the relationship between artist and archaeologist, and the alterity of the dialectical image.