When you conduct research, try this cyclical process:
Think about what interests you about site-specific, public, and/or installation art. It can be related to art or ideas you're already familiar with, or something new that sparks your curiosity and fascination. At this stage, you don't need to limit yourself to a single idea; let your mind wander broadly.
Ask questions to focus your thinking. What exactly is this thing that interests you? What do you already know about it, and what do you want to know more about? It can help to actually write these questions out.
Find information that answers your questions. In the beginning stages of your research this can be a simple Google search, but as you learn the basics you should move on to scholarly published works and richer sources of visual information. Often this stage will send you back to Asking more sophisticated questions, which will lead you to more and better information. (note: librarians can be very helpful at this stage!)
Read what you find. Often during the initial Find stage you're skimming information for relevancy; now it's time to dive in and grapple with unfamiliar concepts and new ideas.
Repeat this process. These steps do not have to be linear-- you'll most likely be thinking and asking as you find and read, which can lead to new approaches to finding and a sharper understanding when you read.
As you progress, your ideas will begin to coalesce.
You should never start with an idea, develop a thesis, and then scramble to find information that supports it.
Research is a process; you must learn about a topic before you can make an informed, intelligent argument. Remember that you are taking part in a scholarly conversation-- just as in a "regular" conversation, you can't successfully participate unless you're listening to what other people have to say.
Please feel free to get in touch with a librarian at any stage of your research process. Stop by the library (located on the third floor of the B side of the Fenway building), or get in touch directly with:
Ashley Peterson
Darin Murphy
Circulation Desk (evening and weekend contact)