Random Acts of Zentangle

Awhile back I discovered a great side-kick of Zentangle – a group of tanglers devoted to leaving Random Acts of Zentangle around the world for the surprise and delight of strangers who find them.  Earlier this week I was so excited to leave my first RAZ in a little coffee shop on Capitol Hill in Seattle.  I hope whoever finds it enjoys their little treasure!

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If you are wondering what to do with some of your creations – make someone’s day and hide it for them to find.  If you are a Facebook user, you can follow other RAZ’s on their Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/RandomActsOfZentangle/.

Happy Tangling!

 

It is a good day to relax a bit and enjoy.

Zentangle’s little mascot Bijou stopped by my tangling journal to remind me to relax a little this week and enjoy the the process of the holidays. Despite the mad rush, and feeling that there is always more to be done, the ritual of the holidays is part of the journey we choose, and I was glad to have a little reminder. I put aside the list of things that must be done, and enjoyed a very relaxed day with a friend exploring old favorites and discovering new treasures along the way.

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One dot at a time…

Stippling is a really fun form of pen and ink artwork, and can add interest and depth to any work you are doing – whether the Zentangle method, sketching or even working with your kids in a coloring book. Wikipedia defines Stippling as the creation of a pattern simulating varying degrees of solidity or shading by using small dots. Such a pattern may occur in nature and these effects are frequently emulated by artists.

I still have some sea life drawings I did for science in high school, where I decided I really liked my ultra fine sharpie, and used stippling to create all the details.  I didn’t get a full grade on it because it lacked color per the requirements, but it remains one of my favorite projects, and I love to run across it when I organize my closet.

Check out this artist, who created a video of making a stippling portrait – one dot at a time. A single dot looks so insignificant, but put it with 3.2 million friends, and you have something pretty amazing!

Hero by Miguel Endara

 

What is a CZT?

Certified Zentangle Teachers (CZTs) have attended the Zentangle Teachers Training with Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts the founders of Zentangle, Inc. In the training, we learned first hand the philosophies and techniques of Zentangle, and how to share those with our students to enhance their art.  We trained along with other teachers and artists who want to share the Zentangle method to build confidence, reduce stress, inspire creativity, practice mindfulness or even just because it is enjoyable.

Similar to if you want to enhance your skills in any other area of life – you might take a cooking class, or a writing class from an author, or have a marathon runner help you with your cadence – a CZT can introduce you to, or help enhance your experience with pen and ink in the Zentangle method.

I immediately became smitten with the Zentangle method, and how it helped me find focus and invigorate my creativity, and I am so excited to have completed the CZT course so that I can share this tool with others.

I love to draw and doodle, how is Zentangle different?

At a cursory glance, many people assume Zentangle is like doodling.  In that both use a pen and paper this is true, however to participate in the practice of Zentangle is completely different from a doodle on a note pad, telephone book or sneaker.  It is like a morning stretch compared with practicing yoga.

For people out of practice in creating art in their daily lives, taking pen to paper can be daunting, especially if you believe you need to made something representational or every stroke should be pre-planned.  There can be pressure and fear in getting it right.

With the Zentangle method, strokes are not meant to be representational, each line and curve only represents a moment in time, and comes together to create a beautiful pattern. Each mark is made with deliberate intention. By focusing on each stroke, you are freeing your thoughts to relax and unwind and not worry about the end result. And the end result will surprise you, it will be beautiful.

 

Zentangle CZT Seminar

After spending much time this past year practicing the Zentangle method, I was so excited to travel to Rhode Island and participate in the 2104 Certified Zentangle Teacher training.  We spent days immersed in the Zentangle method and sharing ideas, hearing stories about the positive impact this meditative art form has had on people from all walks of life.

The upcoming CZTs came from all over the world to learn directly from Maria and Rick the founders of Zentangle Inc.  It was incredible to meet so many people excited about how this art form has helped them, and hear about how they planned to share this training with their communities.

Many soon to be Zentangle teachers were already using art in their areas working with recovery, stress reduction, troubled youth, struggling families, seniors and children. We came from all areas of experience, IT, designers in textiles, artists, retired teachers and a handful of nuns.

Many people see art as an important way to stay grounded, and something that is rapidly being lost in the increasingly technological world.  Creating with your hands, feeling the ink on paper or mixing the paint in your pot can’t be replaced with even the best tablet.  I am very excited to continue learning, creating and finding balance for myself, and sharing this idea with my family and friends.

 

 

What is SoundTangle

SoundTangle provides instruction using the Zentagle Art Method in the Puget Sound Seattle/Eastside area.

“The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages.

We believe that life is an art form and that our Zentangle Method is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life.”  Zentangle.com