Graphic Tapestries & Facilitation

The soul never thinks without an image. Aristotle

When working with groups, I often create a set of drawings or a single “tapestry” during the presentations and discussions. Marking pens and pastels are used to record the conversation. Many times the graphic recording is directly linked to a facilitation, change, or design process the group is undertaking. 

Graphic recording has been called by many names.  Knowledge-cartography is a favorite.  The group with the graphic facilitator are creating a consensual-hunch-about-reality-unfolding.

Above: CPM International Conference in San Francisco (with a focus on clinical transformation)            

Seeds of Compassion, "Compassionate Philanthropy" session (400 participants)          

Launching a multicenter MRSA prevention grant @ Indiana University        

Mural detail from a Positive Deviance workshop in Boston (50 participants)         

Scaling up innovations in Toronto.        

The tapestries create a record of what understanding or insight is unfolding in-the-moment, often amplifying and deepening meaning for participants. People enjoy seeing the drawing emerge before their eyes. The tapestries provide a visual synthesis of movement forward in complex situations.

Design-In-Progress created with leaders from across Latin America and the US.        

There are many applications for graphic recording. I have graphically recorded board meetings, visionary planning retreats, workshop sessions, academic classes, design parties, community meetings and 1000 person conferences. I enjoy tailoring an approach that fits specific situations and needs.

Health system leadership conference (300 leaders)         

The murals can be created anywhere there is ample wall space. I bring all the gear (big paper, pens, pastels, drafting tape). I need a relatively smooth surface (an uninterrupted wall is best) that I can tape on and draw on. A day’s worth of conversations or sessions can usually fill from 20 to 30 feet of paper (the paper is 48 inches tall).

Capturing the images with a good digital camera is recommended. They can be used during and after the event to amplify meaningful themes. It helps me to interview the event organizers or leaders prior to the event so we can begin to develop ideas for visual images that might fit the conversations and ongoing work-in-progress.

Clients have used the murals: in classrooms for instruction; to launch marketing efforts; for knowledge management web sites; and, for decorative purposes.

I have the most fun when conducting "how to" sessions.  In 45 minutes or less, participants learn how to create drawings with pens/pastels and draw out meaningful themes in their work.  See below...

Above, newly minted graphic facilitators are talking about their very first drawings.  During an Open Space Technology segment, four participants in a Relationship Centered Care Conference learned "how to."  They were surprised by the depth of meaning that "emerged" in their murals!  Insights that words alone do not capture. 

 Above: full-length mural from a two-day workshop on Positive Deviance. 25' of serious fun.

Keith with Positive Deviance workshop leaders, Monique and Jerry Sternin. 

Above: full mural from the Smart Networks conference.

A work-in-progress as the conference unfolds.  Yes, this is seriously fun work!

While I am working I am not conscious of what I am

putting on the canvas. Pablo Picasso

When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.

Ideas actually begin to grow within us and come to life. Brenda Ueland

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