Zentangle

… is a meditative art form. Patterns are developed and drawn with simple strokes within areas bordered on a “tile.” Since the tiles are small, the tools simple, and the patterns easy to recall, a work of art can be completed within minutes. Zentangle was developed by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Getting comfortable, breathing easy, and concentrating on the pattern allows one to get into a state of “flow.”

From Wikipedia: “flow, also known as the zone, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does.”

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has further defined flow in his works.

I first found Zentangle when I was looking for geometric art patterns. I am a big fan of M.C. Escher’s works. I am also fond of geometric art and geometry in general, which I regard as “visual mathematics.” Op Art and visual illusions that trick the eye are favorites also. Some of the “tangles” of Zentangle do appear three-dimensional when completed, which usually comes as a delightful surprise.

In doing research for my current workshop, I came across a set of four tiles that I had done back in 2010. I remember leaving Zentangle for lack of time and demands of other jobs, known as “life.” However, I re-discovered Zentangle again when I received an email regarding a training seminar for Certified Zentangle Teachers, known as “CZTs.” Needing a vacation, I signed up for a four-day course in June of 2014 in Providence, Rhode Island. The course was an immersion in the Zentangle method, tools, and philosophy. The overall theme was to teach Zentangle to those needing it or who may be interested in it. I joined a Zentangle group in Connecticut which has meetings and short workshops every two months. I have been participating in Zentangle, but from the student side of the desk.

With the help of Jill Susice, I had the opportunity to finally bring Zentangle to Paul Smith’s College. The workshop offered here is my attempt at spreading the word and it would not be possible without her help and support. Zentangle is calming and meditative, and is therefore a welcome break from perhaps a stressful environment. It requires no more than a pencil, pen, and piece of paper. A “tile of tangles” can be completed in one sitting, or can be completed whenever you wish.

Zentangle’s motto is: “Anything is possible … one stroke at a time!”