Method breakdown

 

Authentic communication

 

The first stage of the method is authentic communication.  This is a type of transmitting and receiving from Jamie to the individual/group.that builds trust and compassion which is very important in order for maximum potential to be reached by that individual inside the project and their working relationship with others.

 

Sound

 

Sound is how the Waterghosts project began.  A 16 minute sound piece documenting a fictional ceremony and ritual that took place on a cliffside in Scotland.  Jamie lets every artist involved in the project hear this sound piece to set an overall tone.  Initial reactions then start to form the basis of how that artist works inside the project.  This is an important anchor that ignites inspiration and a feeling of personality of what Waterghosts is and what it represents thematically.  The original sound piece only continues to be worked with until there is enough substance of practice so that it can be removed and what is left is the NEW basis and reference point for an individual artist or practitioner .

 

Workshops and Labs

 

Jamie facilitates a series of Labs and workshops throughout the project at different stages for all participants, to create continuity of experience and vision amongst everyone.  These act as feedback loops which in turn gain presence and momentum the more people understand how they fit into the methodology.  All participants are encouraged to facilitate their own Labs and workshops drawing from their own experience within their specific field of expertise, to all others that are willing to take part.  As the project progresses, confidence will grow in everyone involved and a mutual respect and co operative mentality will create an effective means of communication and inspiration within the project.

 

Resources

 

A resources document is given to all participants.  This document contains information that is crucial to the concept and overall direction of what Waterghosts is and will be.  Descriptions of scheduled Labs and workshops, overview of values and ethos pertinent to being part of Waterghosts and specific information/ research relevant to the area and culture of where Waterghosts is taking place.  The document will be added to and amended accordingly and will be seen as another reference point that everyone can work off or refer to.

 

Collaboration

 

Working together effectively and efficiently is hugely important as all individuals will have some group work to complete within the project, although personal and individual artistic integrity is retained.  Collaboration values sharing and exchanging, in order, to progress individually in the project.  Collaboration is cultivated through the Labs and workshops and how separate groups end up exchanging discoveries and strengthening the overall construct.

 

A Blurring of Lines

 

Everyone enters the project with individual aspirations, identity and title.  Discrimination is not desired and in order to assure this, slowly and gradually a blurring of disciplines and individual assignations will occur, due to there being a sense of acceptance and reception.  This happens by highlighting similarities with practices and individuals, not differences.   

 

Skill set transferral

 

This is the action of analysing a creative practice and splitting it up into measurable parameters and attributes.  For example, a musician's output relies on elements such as unique physiology, learned muscle memory paths and co - ordination.  These three elements can be applied to a Dancer's attributes.  By using this method an individual can realise the similar attributes and work specifically with these in order to form duos, trios, and other small groupings that are working from the same parameter.  This element of the method is always used when it comes to what an individual artist may present and explore in their workshop setting.

 

Continuity

 

An overall structure of continuity is very important for the flow and dynamic growth of trust and expression in the project.  Other, aforementioned elements of the method aid continuity to flourish and discourage disparate, disconnected elements. The sharing and exchange that occurs in the artist workshops feed that continuity by revealing a personality and insight of that individual's current practice.

 

Above are the main facets of the method but there are many others that become activated during the duration and content of the project.  The method is designed to adapt to individual and custom parameters, usually informed by who and what disciplines begin in the project.