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

Charity Number!

We are VERY happy to announce we have now received our official Charity status! Watch this space for info on our official launch, coming soon...

Art, Trauma and Social Memory Lecture

This looks like an interesting event, this Sunday: 

Art, Trauma and Social Memory: The Cultural Theories of Aby Warburg (1866-1929)

Professor Matthew Rampley invited by Dominic Paterson 

Sunday 20 May, 3pm

Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, National Galleries of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL

Professor Rampley, Barber Institute, University of Birmingham will introduce the pioneering work of art historian Aby Warburg (1866-1929), whose wide-ranging interests encompassed field research into Hopi Indian snake rituals alongside the study of Renaissance art. The scope of these interests is encapsulated in the eclectic library of the Warburg Institute (which he founded) and in his unfinished 'Mnemosyne' project, an "art history without a text" as Warburg put it, in which he made constantly changing arrangements of reproductions of artworks attached to large panels. Warburg has become increasingly important to the study of visual culture, and the Mnemosyne Atlas has recently been described as "one of the most fascinating and enigmatic objects in contemporary art" (Philippe-Alain Michaud).

For more event info, and to reserve free tickets, click here to visit the event page.

Art Therapist Vacancy, Scottish Borders

ART THERAPIST, INTEGRATED CHILDREN'S SERVICES, SCOTTISH BORDERS COUNCIL

Salary Range:                     £30,581.64 - £34,931.44 pro rata

Hours:                                 15 hours per week (School Term time only)

Location:                             Various Locations

Contract Duration:              Permanent

Scottish Borders Council’s Integrated Children’s Services (ICS) has adopted a locality model of service delivery to children and young people with additional support needs. A number of specialist teams, including Art Therapy, are managed and based centrally but deliver a service to children and young people who may be referred from anywhere in the Scottish Borders with delivery of services in a range of venues across the authority. We are now seeking to recruit a part time (15 hours per week term time only) art therapist to join our team. Days worked can be flexible but will include Monday mornings 9.00 - 12.00 to attend a weekly team meeting.

As a member of the Art Therapy team, you will provide a high quality, specialist therapeutic service to vulnerable young people who may be experiencing a range of additional support needs. As a state registered practitioner, your duties will comply with the ethical and conduct codes and principles of professional practice of both the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) and the Health Professions Council. You will carry out your duties in accordance with ICS policies and practice guidelines.

It is essential that you have post qualifying experience of working with children and young people and are registered with the HPC. Membership of BAAT is also desirable.

The post holder will assist with the delivery and development of therapeutic programmes which may be offered on an individual or group work basis to children from nursery through to school-leaving age.

Full details of this post including details of how to apply can be found on www.myjobscotland.gov.uk.

Informal enquiries may be made in the first instance to Moira Buckle, SEBN Team Leader either by telephone (01450 378644) or email mbuckle2@scotborders.gov.uk

Closing date:  Monday, 14 May 2012.

Please note Interviews are likely to take place on Friday 15th June 2012

Life Tapestries: Defining Moments - Workshop

Explore defining moments in your life and their influence on

perceptions of self and life choices through the medium of textiles and other materials.

Patterns…Textures…Common Threads…These are the language of the seamstress, the weaver, the tailor. Yet they are also used to describe the richness and complexity of our lives. Through the medium of textiles, this day-long experiential workshop provides an opportunity to explore significant turning points and their impact on your life. You will be invited to create your own “tapestry” as a means of reflecting on these important moments.

Fabrics, threads, and other materials such as yarn, buttons, beads, fabric paints, and glues will be supplied. However, you are encouraged to bring personal items such as fabric scraps or shells that you may want to incorporate into your tapestry. Please note that experience in or knowledge of sewing is not a prerequisite.

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Workshop Details:

When: Saturday, May 12 Time: 10:30 - 16:00

Where: The Myerside Suite, Eric Liddell Centre, 15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh

What to bring: A pair of scissors and any special fabrics or items you may want to use. Optional: If you have your own sewing basket and prefer to use your own pins and needles, etc., please bring it.

Cost: £35 which includes refreshments and a light lunch. To reserve a place contact Claudine at edinburgharttherapycentre@gmail.com Numbers are restricted so be sure to book early!

Workshop Facilitator

Nancy Rankin, M.Ed., LPC, has over 30 years of experience as a counselor and educator helping individuals find ways to create meaningful work and balance in their lives. Currently on sabbatical from her position as a Senior Lecturer in the Psychology Department at the University of New England (Maine, USA), she is particularly committed to helping others find authentic ways to express their talents and gain clarity about their unique identity. She has had a lifelong passion for fabrics and textiles.

Art Therapy Vacancy

Health in Mind are recruiting a full-time Art Therapist for the Orchard Centre Services, Bonnyrigg.

Temporary Full time (36.25 hours) - initially for 6 months

Starting salary: £21,894 p.a.

In this role, you will require a post-graduate diploma in Art Therapy with at least two years post-qualifying experience, alongside experience of working with vulnerable adults and delivering both one to one and group therapies.    

Click here for more info and the info and application download packs:

http://www.health-in-mind.org.uk/recruitment/art-therapist.html

Living with Labels - Film Screening

This looks like a great event, and one we def plan on going to! Book your free tickets by emailing Donna: donna@capsadvocacy.org