We were lucky to catch up with Rebecca Engle recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rebecca, appreciate you joining us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
My work has indeed been misinterpreted. Much of my poetry delves into themes of sadness, emotional struggles, and overcoming challenges. Because of this focus, some readers have perceived my work as boasting about my hardships, rather than understanding it as an attempt to offer solace and understanding to others who might be experiencing similar difficulties. This misinterpretation stems from how personal and raw poetry can be; what one sees in a poem can often reflect their own experiences and emotional state.
The experience taught me the importance of clear communication in my writing while also highlighting the subjective nature of poetry. Each reader brings their context to what they read, which can color their interpretation differently. This has encouraged me to approach my writing with both clarity and sensitivity, aiming to connect deeply with my audience while respecting the myriad ways they might interpret my words.
This situation has also led me to explore various ways to engage with my audience more directly, to better understand their perspectives and to address any misinterpretations. For instance, I’ve started including brief explanations or reflections about my poems when I share them publicly, whether in readings or on social media. These introductions help set the context and invite readers into my thought process, making it clear that my goal is to share experiences and foster empathy, not to glorify my own struggles.
Moreover, these experiences have made me more attentive to the broader impact of my work. I’ve learned to appreciate the power of words not just to express but also to connect and heal. Understanding that my poems could be read in ways I hadn’t intended has pushed me to think more deeply about the language and imagery I use, striving to ensure they convey hope and solidarity rather than isolation or self-congratulation. Lastly, this journey has underscored the importance of feedback. By engaging in conversations with my audience and seeking out their interpretations, I’ve gained invaluable insights that have shaped my approach to writing. It has been a reminder that art is a dialogue—not just a monologue—and that embracing this can enrich not only the art itself but also its ability to touch others’ lives.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Growing up, I always felt like an outsider. School, which should have been a vibrant hub of learning and friendship, was instead a landscape dotted with harsh words and loneliness. I was different, and that difference made me a target for bullying. This relentless exclusion and ridicule cast a shadow over my childhood, but amidst this darkness, I discovered two shining lights: loom knitting and poetry. These were not just hobbies; they became my sanctuary, a way to escape the emotional turmoil of my daily life.
My journey into the world of loom knitting began somewhat serendipitously. My mother, noticing how withdrawn I had become, gifted me a knitting loom. It was intended to be a simple diversion, but it quickly grew into something much more significant. The loom became my constant companion, a tool through which I could channel my frustrations and anxieties into something beautiful and tangible. With each piece of yarn, I crafted not just physical items but a shield against the pain. The rhythmic clicking of the loom and the feel of the yarn sliding through my fingers provided a comforting consistency that was often lacking in my interactions at school.
Parallel to my journey with loom knitting was my exploration of poetry. Unlike the collaborative projects or group activities at school where I felt so conspicuously out of place, poetry was a solitary refuge. It began with a simple notebook—a private place where I could pour out my feelings without fear of judgment. Each poem I wrote was a small act of reclaiming the voice that bullying had tried to silence. These poems chronicled my inner battles and victories, each line a step towards healing and understanding myself better.
As the years passed, these two forms of expression intertwined, each informing and enriching the other. My poems began to echo the textures and patterns of my knitting, while the repetitive motion of looping yarn helped my thoughts organize into verses, each one a small patch in the quilt of my recovery from those painful school days.
The global pandemic that began in 2020 marked a critical turning point in my life. Graduating from high school into a world gripped by isolation and uncertainty, I faced a new kind of solitude. Yet, this time, the solitude was not imposed by bullies but by a global crisis. It was during this period that I truly turned my crafts into more than just personal therapy. With hospitals and charities unable to accept physical donations, I started selling my knitted items online. The response was overwhelming. Each item sold not only helped me financially but also strengthened the feeling that I was contributing something valuable to others—even in isolation.
2023 was a monumental year as I graduated from college and decided to finally share my poetry with the world. The response was something I had never anticipated. People from all walks of life reached out to tell me how much my words resonated with them. What had started as a private coping mechanism evolved into a profound means of connecting with others who had faced their own trials. As the years have unfolded, the dual threads of loom knitting and poetry that I picked up in my youth have continued to evolve and shape my life in profound ways. After turning my crafts into more than just personal therapy and entering the world of online sales and publishing, I found new avenues to connect with and impact others. This journey, which began in the solitude of my childhood room, has stretched far beyond those four walls, influencing not only my identity but also my professional pursuits.
Post-college, as I ventured further into adulthood, my commitment to my crafts deepened. The success of selling my knitted items online inspired me to expand my offerings. I began designing custom pieces, collaborating with customers to create something uniquely tailored to their needs or the needs of their loved ones. This aspect of my work brought a new level of engagement and satisfaction. It wasn’t just about the act of knitting anymore; it was about the joy of creating something that held special meaning for someone else, a physical manifestation of connection and care.
My poetry, too, found new horizons. Encouraged by the initial positive reception, I started submitting my work to more literary magazines and online platforms. Each publication added to my confidence and helped establish my voice in the broader literary community. I also began attending and participating in poetry readings and workshops, which allowed me to meet other writers and enthusiasts who shared similar passions and struggles. These interactions were invigorating, offering me fresh perspectives and inspiring new themes and explorations in my work.
As I balanced my creative pursuits, I also embraced opportunities to give back to the community that had supported me. I teach loom knitting to kids and adults alike. Sharing the craft that had offered me so much solace and joy was incredibly rewarding. Similarly, I led poetry sessions, focusing on how writing can serve as a therapeutic tool, especially for those who have experienced bullying or isolation. Through these workshops, I aimed to empower others with the tools that had helped me navigate my own challenges.
Now, in my personal life, the integration of my passions has brought a sense of fulfillment and balance. My room is a small studio filled with skeins of yarn, looms, and notebooks brimming with drafts and completed poems. Each evening, after a day’s work, I sit by my window, often knitting while coffee steams beside me. This quiet time allows me to reflect on my day and sometimes inspires a poem or two.
Today, I view my role as both a loom knitter and a poet as integral to who I am. Through my crafts, I strive to offer the same comfort and escape that they provided me. Each knitted scarf and each published poem feels like sending out a message in a bottle, hoping it will reach someone who needs that same solace. This journey from a lonely child to a creator of warmth and words has taught me the power of turning adversity into creativity. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to find their paths of expression and healing, reminding them that even in the darkest times, we can weave our light.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
To best support artists and foster a thriving creative ecosystem, society should ensure that schools offer a diverse range of artistic disciplines beyond traditional music and visual arts, such as digital media, creative writing, and fiber arts. Providing robust financial support through grants and funding, creating affordable community spaces for showcasing work, and assisting with marketing, legal protections, and business management can empower artists to flourish both creatively and commercially. By integrating comprehensive arts education from an early age and cultivating public appreciation through engaging policies and community projects, society can enrich its cultural landscape, promote diverse artistic expressions, and encourage a vibrant, sustainable artistic community.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As an artist or creative, the most rewarding aspect for me is the deep connection my work creates with others. When I write, there’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing my words have resonated with someone, whether they found comfort, inspiration, or a new perspective in what I’ve penned. In knitting, the satisfaction is similarly personal but more tangible. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone wearing and enjoying something I’ve made by hand. Each stitch not only represents a piece of my creative spirit but also my wish to bring warmth and joy to others. These connections, whether through shared emotions from my writings or the physical warmth of my knitted creations, affirm the value of my work and fuel my passion to keep creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/beccaspeaking/home
- Instagram: https://Crafts.Rebe
- Facebook: Rebe Crafts
- Linkedin: Rebecca Engle B.A.
Image Credits
Mandy Rose Kadura – Infinite Photography SA