Some Reflections on the “Life Tapestries: Defining Moments” Workshop at the EATC May 12, 2012 - by Nancy Rankin

The Life Tapestries workshop was born out of a desire to incorporate more creativity into my work of helping others gain clarity around their vocational identity. For many years I had counselled individuals who were striving for authenticity in their work lives, and although I loved the work, something was missing for me. I was wrestling with my own authenticity and needed to bring more creative expression to my work – for my clients as well as myself. Because I had a passion for textiles from an early age, it seemed like a natural fit to have fabrics, yarns, threads, trims, etc. be the media for personal exploration. I couldn’t help but think of the textile-related metaphors in our vernacular – “the patterns in our lives,” “the right fit,” “bursting at the seams,” “frayed nerves,” “the fabric of our lives,” “cut from the same cloth” – to name a few. So I designed a day-long workshop that invited individuals to explore an issue related to their vocation and other themes such as “defining moments” using textiles and a variety of fabric-related supplies. I have been a witness to countless stories and emotions that have found a voice through colors, textures, and patterns. Anger has been transformed, anxiety has been alleviated, and grief has found an outlet.

The creative process never ceases to amaze me and this was no less true at the weekend workshop in Edinburgh two weeks ago. As an outsider on sabbatical this semester, I felt privileged to have the opportunity to share my workshop with a group of art therapists. This was the first time I worked with a group of women who are all familiar with the power of the creative process and for whom it is the cornerstone of their work. Not surprisingly, the creative juices began to flow immediately, and the level of engagement was a sight to behold. Everyone worked individually, but the collective energy permeated the space and seemed to provide a container for that which was spoken as well as unspoken. Interestingly, some common images emerged. Stories were shared and questions for further discernment were posed. There is something very powerful about being vulnerable within the intimacy of a group, and I have tremendous respect for the willingness to open oneself to the process and see what emerges.

The workshop was a wonderful way for me to bring some closure to my time in Scotland and I am very grateful to Jane Burns, Margaret Hills de Zarate, Claudine Albert, and Laura Heraty for their part in making it happen. The experience is another richly-textured piece to add to my own life tapestry. Thank you.


- Nancy Rankin

Facilitator, and visiting Professor from the University of New England