Mezzanine Gallery Exhibit - Zentangle - Norman Williams Public Library

“Zentangle!” is an exhibition celebrating the art of the Zentangle in all its variations. The artists represented here are from all over the Upper Valley and range from students to seniors and everyone in between. Some Zentanglers use the method as a solo practice of creative meditation, others regularly gather in groups (virtual for the moment) to learn from and inspire each other as they Zentangle in concert, and many Zentanglers do both. Displayed here are some of their finest results, including traditional style “tiles” composed of several of the infinite variety of “tangles”, “monotangle tiles”, “tile” assemblages, and other forms of Zentangle inspired art. Enjoy!

The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images. The “Zen” in Zentangle means a peaceful and relaxed feeling. A “Tangle” is a structured pattern that is created with repetitive strokes. Founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas developed the Zentangle Method in 2003 after Rick observed an aura of serenity surrounding his wife Maria as she was penning her calligraphic illustrations. Together they decided that they could share this discovery and created the Zentangle Method.

For more information about Zentangle read more…

Jenny Dembinski

I was delighted to re-discover Zentangle during these Covid times. It is very meditative, relaxing and you can create some beautiful pieces of art at the same time. It has definitely helped me focus and be mindful of the present, which has been helpful when cooped up at home and listening to the news.

I am so Grateful for the materials I use, the time to draw, my daughters’ company and enthusiasm, and to the founders and teachers of Zentangle, who encourage everyone to “Slow down…Breathe… Remember that Anything is Possible one stroke at a time, and…. There are No Mistakes.

Katie Dembinski

I love how the simple lines of Zentangle patterns coalesce to form bigger and more intricate patterns, as if by magic. Sometimes, as with my piece made on white paper with black ink, the results are unexpected, and their unplanned nature reveals the unexpected possibilities of going with the flow. Sometimes, as with my piece on white cloth with blue thread, and my piece with purple ink on black paper, my clear vision matches my results. Each outcome feels like a different revelation about the roads my thoughts travel.

What is a Zentangle anyways? The Middle School art students at Woodstock learned that Zentangling is a non threatening and creative approach to practice their drawing skills. They explored the use of positive and negative space, pattern and line for this project. The middle school students selected a Vermont tree, and then they used an object related to the tree as inspiration. The cut paper silhouettes they created are of animals that benefit from their tree, or objects like leaves, pine cones, flowers or nuts from their tree. Using black and white paper, and sharpies these students created whimsical and detailed pieces that play with the concepts of positive and negative shape.

In Southern India People have traditionally adorned the ground in front of their homes with rice flour, poured from their fingers into beautiful, symmetrical patterns called kolams. These “zentangle like” drawings anoint the entry and bless those passing by. Students studied several of these patterns and designs and then created their own design, keeping in mind that society is like a series of concentric circles with ourselves in the middle and then rippling outward to family, school, local community and finally the global community. We used the sgraffito technique to draw our zentangle designs into clay. Students found this activity “satisfying” and “relaxing”. We hope that by creating artwork that soothes ourselves somehow it may ripple out into the greater communities and “feed” us all.

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Introduction to Zentangle!

About Zentangle

Negative Positive Space Zentangles – Ms. Piana and Ms. Jimerson’s 7th and 8th Grade Studio Art

Zentangle “Kolam” Inspired Plates – Ms. Piana’s Drawing II Class