In pursuit of motion: developing a methodological framework for illustrating moments of movement in birds and fish

Natural history illustration incorporates a range of visual recording techniques, illustration mediums, and communication styles for the purpose of communicating aspects of the natural world. Whilst quite a unique and specific discipline, it is broad in its application ranging from informative scientific illustrations to more aesthetically orientated artworks. Like many creative practices natural history illustration has only recently come to the playing field of formalised academic research, even though throughout history it has enjoined a significant role in both exploration and scientific investigation. Within my research I have developed a methodological framework for illustrating moments of movement in birds and fish. These frameworks that provide a structure for the development of the knowledge necessary to achieve desired outcomes of practice pertaining to positions of bird flight. Such frameworks help define methods of practice-based research, and thus describe how new knowledge is developed and created in practice. Because of the eclectic nature of information gathering required, and the need to synthesize field, studio and literature studies together into a moment of flight, I designed and created a tangible species-specific articulating bird model. The model proved to be highly significant in both developing and elucidating tacit knowledge in the practitioner, and became a core component of the methodological framework.