“We believe that life is an art form and that our Zentangle Method is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life.” - Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas
What is it?
Zentangle® is a meditative drawing method developed by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts. It’s used to create beautiful images in a structured way by drawing repetitive patterns. From Zentangle.com: “It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages. We believe that life is an art form and that our Zentangle Method is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life.”
There is something like a ceremony to a traditional Zentangle. There are eight steps to complete. The steps bring a formality to the process and guide you as move through the process of completing a ‘tile’ (traditionally, a 3.5” square piece of paper).
What if you don't think of yourself as artistic or creative?
If you can write your name, you will be able to create Zentangle artwork. Most people who try it are surprised by the beautiful images they are able to create.
Process is more important than product.
I always tell folks who are just starting with Zentangle that if they aren’t pleased with their final product right away, try again. Do your best to focus on the process not the final product. Relax. Take each step slowly. Breathe. Immerse yourself in the process...A line at a time.
Benefits of Zentangle
Zentangle is sometimes used in art therapy. It has been shown to be helpful with PTSD, pain management, anxiety, depression. The following are links to articles and studies about Zentangle, Mindfulness, Creativity, etc.:
http://www.uuworld.org/spirit/articles/297039.shtml
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/25/health/brain-crafting-benefits/
http://www.themindfulword.org/2014/making-marks-open-imaginations-floodgates-stream-drawing/
http://online.wsj.com/articles/the-power-of-the-doodle-improve-your-focus-and-memory-1406675744
http://www.onbeing.org/program/ellen-langer-science-of-mindlessness-and-mindfulness/6332
http://tanglepatterns.com/zentangles/what-is-a-zentangle
http://artchoo.com/20-drawing-ideas-kids/
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi/10.1371/journal.pone.0101035#s1
http://masscouncil.blogspot.com/2012/05/using-zentangles-in-recovery.html