Exercise: Beginning a Creative Dialogue

Part One

You and your research partner will each create small artworks to introduce yourselves. If you already know each other well, use this exercise to share something about yourself your partner doesn’t know.

Choose any artform you are comfortable with or interested in. If you’re unsure, consider sketching ideas, jotting down words, or journaling to get started. Again, remember the quality of the artwork is not the focus at this stage—the emphasis is on deepening conversation and connection.

Examples of Artforms You Might Use:

Photovoice and photography
Writing and performing plays
Videography
Artwork and exhibitions
Creative writing and poetry
Journaling
Mixed-method collage
Anything goes!

Part Two

Once both artworks are completed, meet in person or online with notebooks and pens at the ready. Share your introductions and take time to absorb your partner’s work—let your eyes wander over their artwork and simply observe.

After a few minutes, jot down the first things that catch your attention. Let your mind drift and note any words, images, or ideas that stand out— without trying to analyse them yet.

Next, focus on emotions. As you look again at the artwork, still not overthinking, write brief descriptions of any feelings it evokes.

Pause and discuss your first impressions and emotions with your partner before returning to your notes to expand your reflections, expressing your emotions in detail. Record any questions that arise in conversation with your partner or your own thoughts.

Respond to your partner’s introduction in real-time. Use your notebook to sketch words or images that stand out to you. Remember, the quality of the art remains secondary—the goal is to communicate in a way that allows each of you to feel seen and understood. Swap sketches when done and discuss what you’ve learned.

Discuss your impressions of the exercise with your partner and how it may work or be challenging when enacted with research participants or another group you are thinking of working with.