Materials Research Kitchen: food workshops as transdisciplinary materials research method.

Keywords: materials, making, food, cooking, arts-based-action-research, extended cognition, co-production, transdisciplinarity, embodiment, metaphor, empathy

Food and its transformation is the central method and metaphor that sustains the art research practice from which this thesis is formed. Through cooking and eating together, I propose an original way to conduct research about the ecological relationships between humans and materials.

The primary aims of the thesis are to demonstrate how using food as a method and metaphor can deepen embodied knowledge into human-material intra-action. It also aims to broaden research culture to include more voices, perspectives, and knowledge practices. This collaborative practice involves listening to materials, encouraging gut feelings, empathy, and care for other matter.

Through this, I hope to build a network for cross-disciplinary research through food.

Supervisors:

Kieren Reed (Slade)

Sharon Morris (Slade)

Mark Miodownik (Institute of Making, Engineering)

Lilah Fowler (Slade)

The work takes place at the Slade School of Fine Art and Institute of Making, UCL, and at various London community gardens and food growing projects. It is funded through a collaborative award with home appliance company BEKO PLC, with whom I have worked closely towards our collaborative aims.