Zentangle: BoomerYearbook.com
The art of Zentangle was developed by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts. At a glance, Zentangle images appear to be a complicated interwoven mass of lines and curves. On closer inspection it becomes clear that Zentangles are carefully drawn doodles; images of passing fancy that are created from simple beginnings.
Zentangles are ‘built’ line upon line, with embellishments added at will by the artist. The images are compelling, probably because most people can look upon the sections of a Zentangle and think, ‘Well I could do that’. And they do!
One of the many attractions of Zentangles is that they are accessible for anyone who can put pen to paper: children;baby boomers; tired executives… There is no necessity for artistic talent, although a creative side is invariably exposed with practice. They can be as simple or as intricate as you wish and for some they have replaced crosswords and Sudoku as a commuter’s companion! They are calming, pleasing stress removers that are slightly addictive so be warned!
Zentangling artists tend to range in age from around four to ninety four – the beauty of the Zentangle is that it requires no expensive equipment, simply pen or pencil or both and some good quality paper. Beginners are usually delighted with even a first attempt, which is likely why a second and third effort follow quickly after!
Baby boomers find that Zentangles can be used to decorate and embellish and can be incorporated in other work such as scrap booking, journals, invitation designs and they have even been drawn onto trainers to personalize someone’s daily workouts!
One of the more interesting benefits of Zentangle for baby boomers is the effect of reducing stress. The process of absorbing the mind brings tranquility. Time runs away as the artist slips further into his or her creation, producing lines, blocks and circles that are fascinating, interwoven pockets, drawing the eye and calming the soul. Its therapeutic effects have been known to help deal with addiction; anger; stress; recuperation from illness and work related distress and even a first experience of putting pen to paper to create a Zentangle teaches why this is so. In simple terms it is an exercise in hand eye co-ordination that requires very little natural artistic talent. The result, however, is artistic in the extreme and it is possible for five year olds to turn out a piece of work that is every bit as impressive as something a professional artist might produce. How neat is that…! The process of producing a Zentangle utilizes just about every area of the brain and requires the creator to be totally absorbed, making it a valuable tool to combat stress.
The finished work boosts confidence and fills the artist with enthusiasm to try again. There are certain skills which may be learned, such as pattern techniques and shading but on the whole, a raw novice can enjoy Zentangling from the outset and build an impressive gallery within a week or so. Zentangles may also provide a satisfying pastime for someone who is armchair bound or even bed bound. Baby boomers who are recovering from illness could find Zentangling deeply therapeutic.The Psychological Article on The Beautiful World of Zentangles is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of baby boomers psychological coaching tips and how to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.
Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!
Zentangle Wacky Picture Cleaned: BoomerYearbook.com
Zentangles traditionally are created on small squares of paper (making them pocket friendly) although some, like the one in our illustration, expand to become more ambitious and larger pieces. The patterns are inspired by nature; architecture and people and there are no limitations to what a Zentangle might depict. Some are themed; some are not; a totally free media of expression and a way for the mind to celebrate its artistic side as well as exercise its ability to problem solve; direct ideas and freely portray unconstrained thoughts on paper.
Beverly Godfrey is a passionate Zentangle artist with a fine collection of Zentangle projects in her portfolio. A beginner’s guide is available on her Squidoo lens at http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-zentangle
See Maria Thomas’ Zentangles at http://www.zentangle.com/index.php
Tags: baby boomer generation, baby boomers, Elderly Problems, Psychological Articles