Alex Julyan is a visual artist who has worked in design, production, performance, film and writing. Everything she makes is part of a fluid conversation between ideas, processes, places and people.

For her Creative Fellowship she has been working with researchers at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH) based on our Truro campus and members from the Health and Environment Public Engagement group (HEPE)in Cornwall. Together they have been exploring the human experience of water-based environments and its relationship to data.

We caught up with her to find out how the process of her Creative Fellowship had developed so far and discover more behind her 'Conversation Cards'.

1. Can you describe your process?

I usually think and problem-solve through making. This project requires a different approach that involves long periods of listening, observation and reflection.

2. How has the process connected to your broader creative and interdisciplinary practice?

I have a very broad practice that encompasses sculpture, performance , writing and film. I often collaborate with other professionals and the public - facilitating or bridging conversations. My role on this project is a more fluid one, which requires an ability to inhabit the space between research and public interest.

__3. What has been the most engaging element of the project so far? __

Meeting members of the public who have aligned themselves with long-term research and are passionate about their environment. They see the value of their local knowledge and experiences in an international context.

4. Can you tell us more about the 'Conversation Cards' you have developed for HEPE to use?

The principle behind the cards is for the HEPE group to use them to open up conversations and responses that are nuanced, to make connections between a range of thoughts and responses and to explore different kinds of discourse. They are open-ended and invite experiment.

The majority of the images have nothing directly to do with water, in fact they may be at odds with it, this is deliberate - a way of creating juxtapositions of thought.

5. Describe your thoughts/ feelings about the process so far in just three words.

Layered, complex and fluid.