The Beauty of Zentangle

I have been a doodler since childhood and still meditate to this day.  When one is presented with the ability to combine both, it is an empowering experience. 

Individuals of all ages are capable of drawing Zentangles.  One can begin with a simple spiral and complete the section by repeating the spiral design, similar to the fractal repetition of a sunflower, and then go on by adding repetitious curves, lines, shading, etc.  In other words, the skies the limit. 

Design Originals has published a bevy of wonderful books covering the subject “Zentangles.”  This art form and method was created by Rick Roberts & Maria Thomas.  The “Zen” is defined as a meditative state.  Maria began by drawing background patterns on a manuscript.  She stated that during the process, she experienced a tremendous sense of well being and ability to focus her energy to the task at hand.  She shared this powerful sensation with Rick and thus “Zentangle” was created. 

As I viewed many of the patterns so beautifully presented in “The Beauty of Zentangle,” I thought of the wonderful illustrated manuscripts created by the monks hundreds of centuries ago.  I’m sure they experienced an exceptional feeling of self-discovery upon the execution and completion of their work.

I marveled at the beauty of the forms and the serenity it must have provided each of the artisans whose work was presented in this book.  Design Originals, an Imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing provides us all with a myriad of books on this subject so one can begin a wonderful new journey of creativity and meditation.