The Research Studio

The place where we talk to current doctoral students involved in practice-based, practice-led, or practice-informed research in the arts. We discuss their projects, methodologies, and the place of practice within an academic framework. Presented by artist and academic Dr Mark Wilsher, Norwich University of the Arts.

Episodes

Jun 12, 2026

51 min

Visual scores of group critiques and other pedagogic events were the starting point for Ben McDonnell’s (Goldsmiths) research into the “suprasegmental” sounds of people working together. In this interview we discuss the nature of a collaborative event, playing music together, practice-led research and meaning-making within post-structuralism.
The musicians featured on 'One Note for Four Breaths' and 'Pick a Texture' are Chris Kemsley, Deborah Carew, Emma-Kate Matthews, Finn Catling, Ilona Krawczyk, and Ben McDonnell. 
Presented by Dr Mark Wilsher Norwich University of the Arts
Music is "The Husk" by Gamesharkoff, available from the Free Music Archive (CC BY)

Mar 11, 2026

40 min

The Neo-Classical architecture of Glasgow, and in particular the ancient origin of stone columns as representations of tree trunks and vegetation, are the basis for Maria Howard’s (Glasgow School of Art) practice of site-writing and sculpture. In this episode’s interview we discuss the practice of site-writing, colonialism, Empire and the climate crisis.
Mariahoward.org
Presented by Dr Mark Wilsher Norwich University of the Arts
Music is "The Husk" by Gamesharkoff, available from the Free Music Archive (CC BY)

Jan 14, 2026

47 min

How can expanded reality technologies be used to focus inwards on the body? Clémentine Bedos (Goldsmiths) explores mind, body and consciousness through tantra and collaborative ways of knowing. In this conversation we discuss a family history of tantra, the influence of spirituality on the tech industry, and creating spaces for different kinds of knowing.
www.clementinebedos.com
Presented by Dr Mark Wilsher Norwich University of the Arts
Music is "The Husk" by Gamesharkoff, available from the Free Music Archive (CC BY)

Nov 19, 2025

39 min

Virtual reality, animation and post-human embodiment are brought together in the idea of digital puppetry by Joseph Whitmore (Creative Computing Institute at the University of the Arts London). In this interview he talks about his roots in live animation, collaborations with performers, and using a sourdough starter named Richard as a research methodology. Recorded in his studio on a very rainy day in South Bermondsey.
Studioubl.com
Presented by Dr Mark Wilsher Norwich University of the Arts
Music is "The Husk" by Gamesharkoff, available from the Free Music Archive (CC BY)

Jul 10, 2025

44 min

The San Juan River that forms a border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica is the subject of Adriana Arroyo’s PhD research at Goldsmiths (University of London). We discuss the challenges of bringing indigenous and academic knowledges together, collaboration, the role of art practice, and what you can learn from a landscape.
www.adrianaarroyo.net
Presented by Dr Mark Wilsher Norwich University of the Arts
Music is "The Husk" by Gamesharkoff, available from the Free Music Archive (CC BY)

May 20, 2025

48 min

Interview with Christian Petersen on what it means to take visual communication out of the studio, including case studies on the explorations of Joan Didion in El Salvador and photographer Paul Hymann in Morocco.
Presented by Dr Mark Wilsher Norwich University of the Arts
Music is "The Husk" by Gamesharkoff, available from the Free Music Archive (CC BY)

Mar 3, 2025

47 min

An interview with the Singaporean curator Kimberly Shen, Chelsea College of Art (UAL). We discuss the art scene in Singapore, her experiences co-running the residency programme at dblspce, and her ambition to create a platform to consolidate and promote feminist practices in the region as part of her PhD thesis. www.kimberlyshen.com
With Dr Mark Wilsher, Norwich University of the Arts

Dec 7, 2024

47 min

Interview with Noemi Gunea on her research into the pedagogy of post-dramatic theatre at Wimbledon College of Arts. We talk about the nature and politics of post-dramatic theatre, details of her recent piece "Zen and Zeroes", inclusivity, personal values, and what it’s like to undertake a pre-determined research studentship. noemigunea.com
Thanks to Rumble Post for use of their studios. rumblepost.co.uk
Presented by Dr Mark Wilsher Norwich University of the Arts

Episode 2 Tom Hull

Oct 31, 2024

Oct 31, 2024

49 min

Interview with Tom Hull about his eco-acoustic based PhD research at Falmouth University. Includes discussion of biophony, the work of Bernie Krause and Wild Sanctuary, modes of deep listening and the environment.
Includes three field recordings recorded by Tom Hull – Missing Wolf Sound Specialists.
Presented by Dr Mark Wilsher Norwich University of the Arts
Music is "The Husk" by Gamesharkoff, available from the Free Music Archive (CC BY)

Oct 4, 2024

45 min

Interview with Amanda Geitner about her research on the work and teaching of British artist Roger Ackling. Includes discussion of research methods, the nature of practice based research, and the curating of the touring exhibition 'Sunlight'.
 
Presented by Dr Mark Wilsher Norwich University of the Arts
Music is "The Husk" by Gamesharkoff, available from the Free Music Archive (CC BY)

Hosted by Dr Mark Wilsher

Hey there - you found me! I am an artist and academic involved in doctoral supervision at Norwich University of the Arts in the UK. On each episode I will be talking to a current research student from a variety of institutions  about their practice-based project. We will go into the details of their particular interest, talk a bit about practice methodologies, and consider the role of practice within a university research environment.

You can get in touch with me at m.wilsher@norwichuni.ac.uk

 

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