Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Finally getting the hang of it: Zentangles

You may not know, but I went to the Zentangles "Teacher Certification" retreat, and that's another whole story, or three (i.e. why would anyone need to get certified to doodle? Exactly!)
But after practicing on these little puppies for a month, I'm starting to see some improvements.
It's about time, since I'm supposed to start "teaching" it on Friday. (7:00 p.m. Inner Light Center, Salt Lake City). Anyone who is a "real" artist could do this in her/his sleep, but for me this is a stretch....not the teaching part, but the idea that I could possibly offer an art form. I feel like such an impostor.
Well, here's the rest of the story. I was drawn (pun not intended, but enjoyed) to this particular form because of my background in meditation, relaxation and stress-reduction. This little doodle has the potential to lower blood pressure, calm the mind, remove one from the daily stresses, and increase creativity. There is something quite satisfying to see a design start to emerge. This is what real artists must feel when they see something born from their own imagination. Zentangles are making their way into the mainstream. This month's issue of Cloth Paper Scissors has an article in it, and the web abounds with examples, including YouTube instructions. Lori Vliegen has posted another idea on her fabulous blog here.
The official zentangle website is www.zentangle.com where you can find professional examples by the promoters of it. Check out the back issues of newsletters.
Try it out. You'll breathe deeper and slower, and move into your day a little calmer....until you get into your car. (smile)

7 comments:

Kass said...

These could all be on the front of note cards. They are beautiful!

lori vliegen said...

wow, marie.....your zentangles are fab-u-lous!!! and i can't believe the timing of this (or perhaps we're just on the same wave-length!!) because i saw the same clothpaperscissors article and couldn't help myself....i just HAD to start doodling!! of course, mine aren't anything nearly as exquisite as yours....as a matter of fact, i've totally cheated and just started doing some zendoodles in letterforms.....major bending of the "rules" here!! i did a quick blog post today about it. congratulations on your teaching certification....i think that's fantastic!! :))

Terri Stegmiller said...

These are all great!!!

Martha Lever said...

oh wow, look at these beautiful Zentangles!!! Love them! I do get lots done I guess because it do it all day long---I can't stop!!! The Fabriano cards are at Dick Blick. I think there was a link in my blog. They are great although the don't take watercolor that well. hugs!

Kass said...

Marie - I would love to show you how to play around with photoshop. I still haven't figured out how to erase wrinkles....and I could even teach you to weep ala eyeliner and olive oil in a bathtub.

Anonymous said...

Marie these are all fantastic!

baodad said...

Thanks for sharing these! They are really fun to see. Because of your experience with "Zentangles(TM)" (emphasis on the TM), I am trying to think of something better to call these...
Thanks for sharing the link to "word tangles," too. If you even want to send me a letter with my name in "word tangles," feel free!!