Date of Award
Spring 5-22-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Caitlin Black
Second Advisor
Nick Haus Heywood
Abstract
This thesis investigates artist studios and their potential for pedagogical application, focusing specifically on grounding the abstract act of making an inspiring studio in the identification and analysis of tangible creative methods used by artists in their studios. This project combines the thinking of four authors–Eisner (1979); Sullivan (2005); Sjöholm (2014); and Bennett (2010)–into a theoretical framework that characterizes the studio space as an art practice research site that reflects the artist’s values, provides readable evidence of thinking and making processes, and influences the future trajectory of one’s art-making. Treating the studio space like an archaeological dig, this project conducted an online written survey and four in-person interviews held in each artist’s respective studio, leading to the identification of nine guiding themes for how artists build and engage with their studios. Images are integral and plentiful in this project–photographic documentation of each participant’s studio was collected from both in-person and survey participants.
Recommended Citation
Ambros, Julia I., "Studio Archeology: Uncovering Pedagogical Potential in Artist Spaces" (2026). Masters Theses. 1537.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1537
Creative Commons License
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