Friday, January 21, 2011

Twisty Tangle





Before I begin, I want to draw your attention to the first blog (Dragon's Fire) on the right side of the page.  It belongs to a friend of mine and the current post is a great Zendala you might enjoy. 

I have always liked small things.  One of the reasons I love gray days is that on a gray day your eye is brought down to see what is right in from of you.  You notice the moss on the trees, the shiny trail of a snail, the delicacy of the veins on a leaf.  Sunny days draw you up and out.  Gray days are good for reflection and appreciation of small things.
Because Zentangles are traditionally only 3 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches, they fit right into my comfort zone.  Plus, they have Patterns: modest swirling patterns, formal lined patterns and joyous free form patterns --- even organic, suggesting sorta-real-life-stuff patterns.  I do love patterns, or tangles, as they are called.  (Perhaps that is why I so love traditional Arabic art)
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the term  ‘Zentangle’,  I whole-heartily recommend checking out www.zentangle.com.   Maria & Rick are the originators of tangling as an Art Form.  But it is not really just an art form, it is also a form of meditation, of slowing down long enough to get in touch with yourself.  I am deeply grateful to them and what they have given us.  I would love to someday visit Rick and Maria and take one of their classes.  There is always so much more to learn.

To be a truly zen tangle, a pattern most be repeatable in just a few steps.  They are drawn one line at a time.  For instance,
Begin with drawing the letter “S”.    Then, echo that line on both sides.

Now, draw the letter “S” backwards and echo it.


Voila!  You have a tangle.  And you can fill it in with any number of variations.   I call this one "Twisty".


6 comments:

  1. Wow! I love your descriptions of a gray day. How true. And your clear, short concise explanation of Zentangle. I hope you won't mind if I use it to explain to others. I will meet Rick and Maria at the end of February. Sign up. I'd love to meet you in person too.

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  2. Someday I hope to attend one of their classes, but right now that is just not possible.

    I am honored that you think my words work for you. Please. go ahead and use that explanation. If anyone asks, do give me credit.

    And say Hi to Rick and Maria for me. Thank them for me.

    Enjoy the class.

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  3. I love your tangle AND your tile! Lovely!

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  4. I love the twisty tangle...If it is ok with you may I print it out for my own personal use. I keep journal of tangles as my own inspirations. I would like to add yours if you would give me permission..

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  5. I also like your description of gray days and sunny days. So true!
    --Margaret

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  6. Twisty is fantastic! Thanks for sharing it. :)

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