One of my latest addictions on the Internet is Pinterest.com. (If your don’t know or use Pinterest yet here is my review of Pinterest.) Through Pinterest, I discovered a web site called Zentangle.com.
Zen tangle is a web site touting doodling repeating patterns as meditation. What is so nice about this site though is the simple visual diagrams of how to create a variety of repeating patterns found in their newsletter archives. They have a starter kit, books and DVD for sale as well, but I think the real value in this site is the underlying ideas for creation.
Zen Tangle reminded me of how much I used to love drawing abstract art. It reminded me of what a great stress relief doodling can be from the time-consuming computer art endeavors I am often involved in. And with the onset of carpel tunnel in both hands and the serious swelling of the feet I get from sitting too long in front of the computer (being pregnant isn’t easy!) I decided it was well past time that I resurrect an old habit.
[Caution: reminiscing ahead... I used to stop in a bar called the Philosophers Club in San Francisco, CA that was right off the MUNI before trekking the half mile up hill to my small efficiency basement apartment. I would sit there and draw these abstract repeating designed in blue and purple pens, rotating them around to view all four sides as I went. Sometimes I would pass them down the bar to other patrons and ask them what they saw. Then I would pick out or emphasize the creations they described. Here's one of these REALLY old school abstract drawings, Circa 1998!]
One of the things Zen Tangle forgets to discuss in their tutorials (or perhaps its in their starter kit) is the creation of the basic underlying shape for the pattern. On their tiles they use a series of curving overlapping lines to create abstract organic shapes that they them use as holders for the Zen Tangle patterns. But why not use more traditional shapes, or basic cartooned animals, or any other type of contour line drawing? Here’s a semi finalized and very whimsical drawing of sheep on mushrooms that combines a tiny spiraling patterns with a basic technique for cartooning sheep.
A quick pen andn ink sketch of 4 sheep standing on mushrooms.
They also don’t talk much about the incorporation of color in a Zen tangle. I can see why though as keeping track of the pattern becomes harder with the addition of color.
Another idea that they explore in their art gallery section is the idea of using repeating patterns as decorative motifs on interior design objects. It seems to me that the Zen Tangle web site reflects an overall trend emerging.
More and more I am see in intricate detailed pattern gracing up-cycled lamps, folk and retro style animals designs, and in mainstream interior design patterns. Are we reverting to a more Victorian or Arts and Craft like style of ornamentation and intricate pattern as this recession progresses? Is the desire for beauty and ordination intrinsically linked to societies economic status? I don’t know by its and interesting hypothesis.
I checked out the review of Zen Tangle’s books on Amazon and they were mixed. Some complained that the first book was to short, others that the second book had repeats. In one of the last reviews of the fourth book a purchaser compares zentangle to neopoprealism. To read more about Neo Pop Realism and my review and rebuttal of this style see my next post, on Neo Pop realism.
I had hoped to find one big fat compilation of all their patterns to add to my reference books, but instead found 3 or 4 books by the Zen Tangle authors and 3-4 by one Sandy Bartholomew. (Sandy is a certified zen tangle instructor and author of the web site, Beez in the Belfry.) To become a certified Zen Tangle instructor sign up for their newsletter as you have to attend one of their conferences or workshops. I did however find one book touting the addition of color to tangle, which I may order in the hopes of a more advanced perspective.
All in all I very glad for the inspiration, reminder and re-incorporation of repeating patterns that Zen tangle gave me. Their instructions are nice and simple. They are easy enough for just about any level of artist, from beginner to advanced, looking for a instructions on how to create repeating patterns.
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