Geophysics: creativity and the archaeological imagination

This paper explores archaeology as a creative practice by engaging specifically with the processes and visuals of geophysics. An area of archaeology considered highly scientific, a different way of looking reveals geophysics to be a poetic form of landscape study. The processes used to collect, alter, interpret and visualize the data are creative acts that have parallels with more easily recognizable arts practices such as painting, drawing or photography. The paper explores the ideas behind ways of seeing, the archaeological imagination, technologies and process. It the explores different elements of work and ways of seeing and thinking they inspire. The paper will showcase how other arts practices can give alternative perspectives on geophysics and how these can in turn influence fine art.

Rose Ferraby , University of Exeter