Ideas taking form ...

I just returned from the International Association of Facilitators annual conference where I participated in the visual meetings track.

Being an experienced meeting facilitator with an art/design background, graphic facilitation is a natural fit. During the 4 day conference I got to jam with 6 leading graphic facilitators.

Our job as graphic recorders is to make meeting processes visible. Our work is often messy because participatory decision making is messy. We are creating the visuals that allow people to see ideas flow in real time.

Markers and big paper (4' x 8') are the tools of our trade. We're not there to create pretty charts & graphics, although that may happen.

It's the process that's important. As graphic recorders, we're there to listen carefully, to accurately record what the group is saying and the decisions that are emerging from the process.

Messy and beautiful. Ideas taking form.

I'm excited!

End of an era ...

The end came in early October, 2010 when I closed the doors on my studio at the Stutz. I spent 5 exhilarating years at the Stutz, but it was time to move on.

During those 5 years I learned many things, not the least of which was the fact that the life of a full-time artist wasn't for me. I really admire artists whose sole focus is their art: artists who spend hours alone each day, honing their craft and making art. Alas, that's not me.

With the closing of my studio at the Stutz, I redirected my energy back to a field that I have loved for more than 30 years: making meetings work as a facilitator leading participatory group processes.

I will always be an artist. I now have a smaller home studio and opportunities to exhibit my work in the Carmel Arts District. I am also one of 20 Indianapolis artists who are creating art for the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra's Notable Arts Collection in the spring of 2011.

Life is good!