PhD research 2024 - 2028
Illustration as a method for holistic transformational learning within the context of climate engagement, environmental justice and LGBT+ inclusion.
This research is ongoing and will be updated as the project progresses.
About me
Devon uses illustration to build community and effective action, creating opportunities for people to participate, reflect and be involved in the creative process. This varies across forms, from print-making and ceramics to events and workshops. Specialising on the climate crisis, and diverse representation Devon uses a range of techniques to deepen people's relationship to the natural world and reframe the often negative narrative of the climate crisis into a more positive, joyful one. Most recently they have founded Community in Print to better focus this aspect of their creative practice.
They are currently completing a PhD at the University of Plymouth.
Abstract.
The climate crisis requires interdisciplinary, inclusive and collaborative approaches for solutions to be effectively reached that engage all of society with making the necessary changes that sustainable transformation requires. At present LGBTQ+ voices are under-represented which risks limiting both the solutions proposed and society’s consequent engagement in climate issues. This study applies queer theory to queer traditional applications of transformative learning for sustainability by questioning the current emphasis on rational reflection, and instead expands this process to include tactical illustrative approaches. This furthers the applications of illustrative methods to new disciplines, alongside improving the success of transformational learning approaches within civic settings to build a more inclusive climate discussion. This involves four illustrative workshops alongside interviews and co-produced data analysis, in a bricolage methodology that draws heavily upon action research (AR) and participatory action research (PAR) approaches embedded within queer theory and queer approaches to conducting research. Illustration can move beyond artefact production to become an experiential process toward transformative, sustainable change. From such an approach illustration can be an important and useful educational tool for enhanced transformational learning for sustainability in civic contexts, that foregrounds equitable and holistic engagement. This has applications beyond LGBTQ+ inclusion, to apply to a broad range of demographics, especially other marginalised groups such as the global majority or disability demographics.
Key thoughts and findings to date…
Illustration as an experiential process
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Holistic transformational learning
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Tactile embodied learning
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Radical queer ecologies
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Inclusive climate discussions
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Play, creativity and agency
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