To make a long story short, during the class, I fell in love with the Zentangle method and its developers, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. During my time in Massachusetts, I met many amazing people from all over the world and had the opportunity to visit Rick and Maria’s home, studio, and gallery. It was an incredibly inspiring experience. Upon returning home, my love for Zentangle did not dim. I drew tangle tiles every night and shared the Zentangle method with my family and friends.
Many people asked me to teach them the Zentangle method, but I just didn’t have time for every request. Soon, I realized that a small book on the subject would be very helpful. With the blessing of Rick and Maria, I gathered up my sample tiles, samples from my sketchbook journal, and original tangles and published a small booklet. Soon, Zentangle Basics was ready for readers to enjoy. I followed the first Zentangle booklet with a new one every six months, and then, the opportunity to create this book arose.
Fox Chapel Publishing and I have continued to produce Zentangle books together, but recently we discussed enthusiasm for a book that would feature tangled art from individuals around the world. The book would be an inspiration piece for anyone and everyone, from people who had never heard of the Zentangle method to those who had been practicing it for years. Being part of the Zentangle community is a wonderful experience. I knew there were amazing Zentangle artists out there and that they were producing fabulous art. This book seemed like the perfect way to share their talents.
Fellow CZT Cindy Shepard and I began contacting tanglers and CZTs around the world about this exciting opportunity. The response was immediate and overwhelming. Every day was like Christmas, with emails flying in and packages of beautiful artwork arriving in the mail. And the art was more fabulous than we could have imagined. It was so exciting (and just a little hectic!) to talk with tanglers across the globe and to see their stunning creations. Now that it is all in one place, I hope you enjoy viewing this art as much as we enjoyed gathering it for you.
Growth by Virginia Dejewska Slawson, CZT
Loopy Tangles by Jella Verelst, CZT
Fancy Shoe by Judy Lehman, CZT
United States of America—Map of the Contiguous States by Jennifer Perruzzi, CZT
The artwork in The Beauty of Zentangle enraptures the mind, engages attention, and fires up creativity. This amazing collection of Zentangle-inspired art encompasses a universal range of styles. Included are stunning works from CZTs and breakthrough artists, as well as inventive tangles that are at the forefront of a new wave of creative expression and personal freedom.
This collection of art was created by artists and CZTs who love the Zentangle method and have felt its impact in their lives. They are from around the world, representing places such as Africa, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Taiwan, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. The book contains website and blog information for many of these individuals, and I encourage you to visit these sites so you can learn more about their experience with the Zentangle method. Many of these CZTs also teach classes.
More important, while I encourage you to reach out to the artists in this book, I also encourage you to try the Zentangle method for yourself. The Beauty of Zentangle celebrates the simple, elegant design of Zentangle art. The exquisite nature of the pieces in this collection may initially lead you to conclude that Zentangle is an elite art form for trained artists and CZTs only. This is not the case at all. Anyone who can hold a pen can learn to tangle and create stunning art, just like the art found on these pages. I hope that once you start tangling, you’ll not only create beautiful art, but will feel the impact of the Zentangle method in your life.
What is Zentangle?
Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas developed the Zentangle method of mindful pattern drawing to make art accessible to everyone. As they say, “Anything is possible, one stroke at a time,” and this is the experience you will have each time you sit down to tangle.
Often thought of as only a drawing technique, the Zentangle method is actually so much more. The process is relaxing, calming, mindful, and intended to spur creativity. The ritual can help anyone experience a meditative calm, solve problems, and turn perceived mistakes into positives. Most people feel such a sense of accomplishment once they start tangling that they don’t want to stop. Drawing simple tangles is a wonderful way to release the artist within, to explore your own creativity, and to build self-confidence.
Sharon Lynn Payne, CZT, with her high-top tangled boots.
In less than a decade, the Zentangle method has become a worldwide phenomenon, attracting individuals of all ages and from all walks of life. There are many beauties in the Zentangle process:
The Zentangle method is for everyone.You don’t have to be a trained artist to practice the Zentangle method; you don’t even need to be able to draw. Similar to handwriting, it is a process that can be learned with practice. And similar to handwriting, each person’s will be a little different and have its own signature look.
The Zentangle method provides the benefits of meditation.Whether you are working on a tile or just one tangle, the benefits of a slower heart rate, improved breathing, and a relaxed state of being can be accomplished. Furthermore, you can create beautiful art and obtain these benefits in an evening.
You can tangle on anything.You don’t need expensive tools for this art form. Zentangle art only requires paper, pen, and pencil. But you also don’t have to limit yourself to these items. If it stands still long enough, tangle on it! Almost any surface can be tangled to add distinctive design and express your creativity. Think purses, hats, shoes, shirts, sunglasses, and even cell phone cases. There’s a world of surfaces waiting to become a canvas for Zentangle art. Just go for it and enjoy the compliments and rave reviews your art receives.
The Zentangle method builds friendship and family connections.The Zentangle method offers a beautiful way to connect with other people who share a passion for creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced tangler, there is nothing more energizing than sitting at a table with other passionate Zentangle enthusiasts. Friendships form, ideas are shared, and minds are opened to new possibilities. Beyond that, it’s always more fun to create art with a friend—and the more the merrier. Sharing the Zentangle experience in a group amplifies the creative energy, expands ideas, and multiplies the fun.
I personally like to make tangling a family affair. Because it can be done by individuals of all ages, tangling is a wonderful way to engage in some quality mother/daughter, or grandfather/granddaughter time. My grandchildren enjoy sitting together at the kitchen table as they tangle on T-shirts. My sister and I look forward to getting together to make tangled greeting cards, and even though Grandma’s hand is a little shaky, her eyes light up when we tangle together.
Sharon Lynn Payne, CZT, Carol Knight, CZT, Angie Vangalis, CZT, and Shawn Hayden, CZT, enjoy time together as they work to complete a floor cloth with Roc-lon Multi-Purpose cloth and large black Sakura Permapaque markers.