October Issue 108
by Pat Timmermans, Hope Bridges Society
The most relaxing art class
you’ll ever take
(Pat
Timmermans)
It began as
a quest for a creative, relaxing way to enjoy an evening out. Then, last fall, a
leaflet at Hope Bridges studio caught my eye. It featured the art of
‘Zentangle’ and the best part – it claimed to be a relaxing way to spend an
evening. The artwork in the leaflet looked intricate and complex, resembling extreme
doodling. My first thought was, ‘this is the type of art only done by the super
artistic!’ My second thought was, ‘this would take me years!’ Yet they promised
that anyone could do it – I was so skeptical that I signed up!
The
facilitator was a certified Zentangle instructor and the workshop was beginner
level, what could go wrong? At the very least I’d meet a few new people sharing
a common skepticism in our extreme doodling abilities, and at best I’d find new
friendships through our shared interest in this new art form, people as hopeful
about their potential as I was. We all secretly hoped that the teacher was
brave!
Well, the
teacher was not without hope, she promised that each of us would leave the
workshop with a beautiful piece of art - and she was quite confident in her
promise! She showed us how to create and repeat each pattern step by step while
watching a beautiful design unfold. Each person in the group ended up with a very
cool looking piece, and when we looked at our collective artwork, we were intrigued
that although we all used identical materials and learned the techniques
together, each piece was unique!
It was
confirmed – everyone at the table actually did share a small twinge of doubt in
their artistic flair, but after spending the evening together, we were easily
convinced to take the workshops to follow.
A little about Zentangle
The patterns
of Zentangle are easy to learn and while creating them, a person begins to
unwind from the stresses of the day. Nearly anyone can learn to do it, and even
individuals that live with conditions of the muscles or joints can feel
relaxed. Each pattern can become a starting point or launch-pad for the
imagination and artists soon start creating their own patterns. Participants in
their first class usually discover that they’re more creative than they had imagined!
What Zentangle feels like
In the
first workshop, the facilitator stresses that as we begin a piece, not to have
a preconceived idea of an end result. Just refer back to the design cards from
the workshop, relax and draw. With our hectic lives, it’s important to take the
time to sit down and unwind, the bonus is making something beautiful while
doing so! Personally, looking at a blank page no longer causes feelings of
anxiety or my palms to grow cold. I apply what I’ve learned and as I relax and
draw, my inner artist emerges.
I now look
forward to reconnecting, and even meeting some new Zentangle enthusiasts in the
coming months. By the end of an evening of extreme doodling we’re sure to have a
collection of beautiful and unique pieces of art.
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