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Sara
Heppner-Waldston
Introducing
one of our members from Montreal this month: Sara
Heppner-Waldston. Read about her unique path to work
in graphic recording. You would think she was groomed for
the work! From graphic design to murals, she seemed destined
to do the amazing work she does, in English and French!
Learn more about her jump into the work and the passion
she has discovered there.
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Featured
Member Interview
Scroll down to read or click on a link to
jump to the question and answer
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What was your path to becoming a Visual Practitioner?
I graduated with a BA in Graphic Design
eons ago, and worked for a couple of companies before venturing
out on my own for about ten years - I guess I really am an entrepreneur
at heart! Since computers were just beginning to emerge, all my
training was hand-done, which prepared me incredibly well for
where I am today. When the graphics world entered the computer
age, I changed creative hats in a bid to nurture my stunted creativity
and painted murals while my children were growing up. Working
big, with lots of color was liberating. It was a time of growth
as an artist. But creating pretty pictures wasn't enough and I
began looking for something that would use my full potential as
a human being.
As I was
projecting change into the universe, a facilitator friend sent
me a link to a couple of graphic recorders. The first time I laid
eyes on a chart was a "eureka moment" and my life has
never been the same since! One month later, I was at the IFVP
Conference in Lake Tahoe, confident that I had discovered my calling.
With the incredible support of IFVP mentors, family and an innate
understanding of the work, I jumped into this world with a passion
I hadn't felt in a long time. I have never allowed fear get in
the way of moving forward on this exciting journey of growth and
discovery.
How long
have you been in practice?
Forty eight years of growth
- four years on a really steep learning curve as graphic recorder.
What is your greatest strength as Visual
Practitioner?
Listening
has always been one of my assets. As a kid, I used to ask my Mom
why everyone always came to me with their problems! I'm good at
getting to the meat of issues and I have the gift of making all
that clear and visually pleasing.
What makes your style unique?
I
think my understanding of visuals, as an artist, allows me to
create charts that are inspiring. My clients are always thrilled
with the balance of text, art, clarity and energy that are reflected
in my work.
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Tell
us about one of your favorite projects.
I'm so fortunate
to work in a field where I am constantly learning, growing
and sharing with like-minded people. I would have to say
my favorite jobs have been those with extra meaning, where
I'm helping organizations make a difference in this funny
world we live in. Working with Margaret Wheatley at her
Women's Leadership Revival was outstanding! Her work is
admirable, her passion contagious and the energy she creates
in a room is palpable.
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What do you see in the future for yourself
as a visual practitioner?
The more experienced
I become, the more I engage in the whole process of a session
rather than be "the person at the wall". I look forward
to being an integral part of the group dynamic so that the recording
and the energy I bring is not just an additional tool, but a necessity
to the whole.
I would also
LOVE to bring this visual way into education. Since so many of
us are visual learners, and so many students suffer from limited
methods of teaching and learning, I think the advantages of integrating
this method into the systems would be invaluable. When I came
home from a job one day to find my daughter "at the wall"
with a whole term of history grouped by colours and symbols, I
was blown away! I had never seen her so excited about anything
to do with history! We stood in front of this 10 ft long story
discussing the whole picture, how one thing related to another…this
from a kid who hates history! She was involved in the learning
process in a completely different way. If we could bring this
to mainstream education, imagine the possibilities!
For
the Visual Practitioner community?
In
this very visual world we live in, I see our field exploding into
every realm of dialogue. Our need to maintain the humanity in
our day-to-day relationships and processes will support the growth
of graphic recording and facilitation, enhancing our technological
advances with the incomparable value of the human touch.
Who are you inspired by?
Although
I find inspiration in the smallest daily things, the last time
I was truly charged was at Cirque du Soleil last week. The creativity
has no boundaries, the genius is incredible and the excellence
on every level is outstanding.
What books are you currently reading?
The
Witch of Portobello by Paolo Coelho - wonderful!
Artful Leadership by Michael Jones
Share with us two of your favorite websites.
Ok…I'm
a dinosaur! I don't spend my free time surfing the web or chatting
online! I spend enough time on the computer for work that I try
to be with people, my dog, a book or my piano rather than screens
when I have nothing else to do. So, no favorite website!
What is one best practice you would like to share?
Not
over-thinking the work, just going into "the zone" and
letting it happen.
Any final thoughts?
Graphic
recording has been a gift for me, allowing me to live in the moment,
let go of my perfectionist tendencies and connect with people
on another level. The beauty is in capturing the energy…that
is the perfection. I'm so grateful to be in this place. What's
next?!
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