User:MRBremner/sandbox

ZENTANGLE

Zentangle is a method for creating beautiful images using repetitive patterns. It’s easy to learn, easy to do and is enjoyed by a wide range of ages and skill levels. For some it’s an art form, for some meditation, for others a way to destress. It offers artistic satisfaction and provides a fun and light-hearted way to relax. As an artistic meditation it supports focus, inspiration and a sense of well-being. Many find it a wonderful daily ritual.

At first glance, zentangle looks intricate and complicated, but when you see how it is done, you realize how simple it is. A common thing to hear in Zentangle is that “Anything is possible, one stroke at a time.” When seeing some finished zentangle ‘tiles’ many may think that they could never do anything like it. Not so. One line, one small circle, one dot, one stroke at a time, and anyone can create a beautiful Zentangle.

For those who are convinced they can't draw, Zentangle's method removes the intimidation of facing a blank canvas or sheet of paper. Zentangle's small scale is encouraging for both artists and non-artists. The simple, accessible method allows creativity to flow yet there is sufficient structure to enjoy and benefit from an activity that otherwise might be considered whimsical.

Those who don’t regularly do art may find it an unusual approach because when starting a Zentangle one has no idea what the result will be. The drawing is not restricted by expectations. A zentangle has no predetermined up or down. It is not intended to be a picture of anything. There is no planning or sketching ahead of time. Ideas and patterns develop as one draws.

History
Zentangle was developed by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas in the United States. Roberts had spent many years in a meditational monastic community while Thomas is a reknowned calligrapher. (LINKS, REFERENCES) They began working on the Zentangle concept in 2003 and it was launched on 12 July 2004 to approximately 100 calligraphers at the International Association of Master Penmen and Teachers of Handwriting: (IAMPETH). Thomas said, “Everyone loved it and we knew we were off on a real adventure.” They believe that life is an art form and that the Zentangle method is an ideal metaphor for deliberate artistry in life.

PHILOSOPHY
Roberts’ and Thomas’ aim was to develop a simple method whereby others could easily access a meditative state. With this in mind, they determined a number of requirements:
 * It should be small and portable.
 * It should be low-tech.
 * It should not require a large commitment of time.
 * It should not require a large commitment of money.
 * It should be black and white. (Not only is black and white a striking combination but, also, if color were involved it would require some understanding of color principles.)
 * It should not be a picture of anything. (It can be quite discouraging when the image in your head in no way matches what you’ve put on the paper!)
 * It should have no pre-determined up or down. Once finished, you can look at it from various angles and decide which way you like it.

Zentangle encourages making each stroke considered and deliberate. In this way we can come to understand how the seemingly small and insignificant "strokes" (thoughts, words, actions) of daily life contribute to life's patterns. Making the deliberate pen strokes in a Zentangle pattern focuses the attention in a way similar to meditation; athletes refer to being "in the zone”. As the eye follows the pen, attention shifts to a state that allows fresh thoughts, new perspectives, and creative insights to flow unhindered by anxiety or effort.

VOCABULARY
As with any specialized activity, Zentangle also has some terminology that has particular meaning to those involved. The basic terms are: Tile – the 9 cm (3.5”) square of fine art paper. So called because of its size and shape. Border – the pencil line just inside the edge of the paper String – the random pencil line within the border. It provides sections in which to work. Tangles – the patterns. Some are very simple, other require a higher level of concentration.

TEACHERS AND TRAINING
It is recommended that anyone wanting to learn Zentangle take a class from a certified teacher. Certified Zentangle Teachers are listed on the Zentangle website

Zentangle offers training for those who wish to become Certified Zentangle Teachers. During the few days of the training seminar, students learn the history and philosophy of Zentangle, learn and experiment with numerous ‘tangles’ (patterns) and how they are constructed, hunt for patterns in the seminar's environs and learn to deconstruct a pattern to make it simple to reproduce. Currently these training seminars are held two or three a year in New Engand in the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHOD
Zentangle consists of a series of simple steps. The materials are low-tech and inexpensive, requiring only a soft lead pencil, a good quality (archival) fine-tip black pen (Sakura Micron 01 recommended), and a 9 cm. (3.5”) square of white or off white good quality art paper. Zentangle encourages the use of good quality materials for two reasons: it just feels good to use quality materials, and it honors your creativity and your creation. There is no eraser. Just as there is no eraser in life, there is no eraser in Zentangle. However, in Zentangle - and in life - one discovers that what seems to be a mistake, or something unexpected, can be developed in exciting new directions.

Zentangle begins with a simple, lightly drawn, pencil border on the tile. Next a lightly drawn pencil string is added. The fact that these first two steps are in pencil is an important aspect of Zentangle. Then, the tangles are added in ink. Finally, pencil shading is added – another important aspect of Zentangle. Then the drawing is viewed from various angles to decide which orientation is preferred. The artwork is signed, usually with initials.

DEVELOPMENTS
Many of those who become afficianados of Zentangle – regardless of their appreciation of the classic method and size – want to take it further. They like to work larger, bring in color, and so on. Many have used Zentangle methods and tangles in quilting, beading and other craft work. In 2010 the term “Zentangle-inspired Art” (ZIA for short) was coined by XXX. The term comprises the various things people have done with Zentangle and keeps these separate from the original, simple form.

LINKS
Zentangle website Zentangle blog: http://zentangle.blogspot.com/ One-page article PDF at the Sakura of America web site On the Letraset web site: http://letrasetblog.com/craft/adding-colour-to-zentangle%C2%AE/ On the DIY Planner web site: http://diyplanner.com/node/6015 On the Intention web site: http://www.intention.com/zentangle/about-zentangle/ “Zentangle: Pattern-Drawing as Meditation” (brainpickings.org, 05 January 2011) by Maria Popova “Busy Hands; Still Minds” (Atlanta Journal/Constitution (Atlanta GA USA)on February 8, 2011) by Michelle Hiskey “Zentangles on Glass” (Metal Clay magazine, p.12, Jan 2010 Vol 1 Issue 2; Tes Shea, editor) by patsy monk “Zentangle: Drawing toward inner peace” (Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster PA) by Joan Kern

Refernces
''The Zentangle® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. "Zentangle", "Anything is possible one stroke at a time", and the "square logo" (red square) are registered trademarks of Zentangle, Inc.. ''