My friend Mary is a CZT (certified Zentangle teacher) and I have been grateful ever since the day she introduced me to this art form. Like all techniques, it does take a while to feel comfortable and if I haven't done any in a while, it takes a bit to get back into it. There are no mistakes in Zentangle, but I do tend to pick up speed as I go and sometimes my pen goes somewhere I didn't intend. I'm a messy Zentangler and that's ok.
My main pattern is called Huggins; it's sort of a ribbon 'over and under' pattern. I believe it was named for Maria's daughter, whose last name is Huggins. The founders of Zentangle, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, began by selling Maria's botanical illustrations at art fairs. Maria was especially gifted at calligraphy and many customers exclaimed how they wished they could do that. However, those same customers always had reasons why they couldn't. Rick had studied meditation and, one day, as Maria was working on a project and he interrupted her, she told him that up until that interruption, she was experiencing timelessness, selflessness and effortlessness. Rick told her 'that's meditation' and Zentangle was born.
Whether you call it Zentangle, doodling, tangling, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that you try...you only need paper and Micron pens to start with and you never need anything else if you choose. There is plenty online so you never need to buy a book. I still grip my pen too hard, go too fast, am not careful enough but in the end, it's always good because one looks at the whole thing and not the tiny details. I would say it has helped me through some tough times and I couldn't be happier about that.
Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2020 GMT Views: 421
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Registered: July 4, 2014 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5993
Tue, Nov 24, 2020 @ 5:32 PM
I immediately saw the Huggins layout and thought what a great framework for a lovely sampler of designs! It takes on the look of a stained glass window. Closer looking reveals the old friends-Poke Leaf, Verdigogh, and so many more. I, too, have been out of practice and had a hard time remembering the path. Thanks for the lovely, heart-felt story. I hope your enthusiasm encourages others.
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Registered: November 7, 2006 Location: Willamette Valley Oregon Posts: 32255
Wed, Nov 25, 2020 @ 12:08 AM
I am fortunate to have some of your tangles...this is so lovely, bfnm. Silly me, I thought one had to use a black pen. Your cobalt blue and royal purple is so comforting. Thank you for encouraging us to step out of our box.
No time today, but there is always a new day...
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Registered: January 13, 2010 Location: in a constant state of confusion. Posts: 2816
Wed, Nov 25, 2020 @ 4:46 AM
Beautiful colours used. I thought Zentangle was always done in black. Clearly I don’t know enough about this art form. Thanks for sharing some of what you know.
Registered: January 20, 2016 Location: Freetown, Massachusetts Posts: 27170
Thu, Nov 26, 2020 @ 4:34 AM
What a very cool pattern and thanks for the history lesson of zentangle! It looks like a magical quilt and does definitely bring a peaceful feeling. So lovely!
Registered: March 13, 2011 Location: Langley, B.C. Canada Posts: 23336
Fri, Nov 27, 2020 @ 1:02 PM
Jean this is so cool looking! Always love reading your write ups and once again this is no exception. So interesting! Now back to your card. Ha, I only think in black and white, so I am loving seeing your colors. Just gorgeous!
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Registered: April 11, 2016 Location: Fairyland Posts: 21597
Sat, Nov 28, 2020 @ 10:49 PM
Wow Jean this is amazing work. I love the challenge Sonja set but the timing for me to try isn’t right as I have other creations calling. I did read a little in the site about zentangle and it’s fascinating and would like to try it one day. I’m a doodler and not a very good one but I think I may find this form therapeutic. Yours looks as though you’ve weaved it. Who would have thought entangling had so many different names. TFS. Happy day and hugs
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