Zentangle is...

The Zentangle® Method, created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, is an easy to learn, fun and relaxing way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Diva's Weekly Challenge #250: The elegance of limits

Laura, the Diva CZT, brought us back to the basics this week. She related how she can feel overwhelmed by all the choices now available to us enthusiasts--colored papers, colored pens, colored pencils, gems! She asked us to step back and return to our roots, our CEREMONY. A white tile, a pencil, a black pen, breath, gratitude, focus. What Rick Roberts,the co-founder calls, "the elegance of limits." How refreshing this was to me! While I enjoy experimenting and seeing where our creativity leads us, I have found such JOY in the method. I'm not formally trained in visual art, and I don't really enjoy drawing in the traditional sense. But I thrive in the ceremony, in stepping back from plans, from self-criticism, from expectations, and in letting go.
Yes, the elegance of limits. I find that I return more and more to the patterns that Rick and Maria created. I enjoy seeing the new patterns that come out, but I rarely make note of them now. Personally, I also love old movies and literature from the early 20th century. I tend to freak out when I go into a library or video store--too many choices! Even the cereal aisle at the grocery store--help! But I digress!!!
As I was doing this tile, using a Zentangle® tile, I took note of how the pen interacts with paper. When I use my sketchbook, the white paper is much less restful for the eyes and the ink isn't as readily absorbed. This was just a lovely experience.
The elegance of limits. What limits create a sense of elegance for you?


Thank you, as always, for visiting. I look forward to seeing your comments and your work.

7 comments:

  1. Beautiful tile, dear Jennifer!
    I called this week`s challenge similar to you: the beauty of simplicity.
    I am deeply impressed about all the contributions this week.
    Many greetings from Germany! Simone

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  2. I enjoyed reading your thoughts and I too find myself using original Zentangle® tangles. I find a lot of the new ones a bit 'same-y', though of course now and again a new one sticks out.

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  3. I love your tile and words. Like you I notice that I'm using original tangles more and more. And, also like you, sometimes I'm looking around in a supermarket and wonder why we need all that choices.

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