Variant Title has been added to your shopping cart.    View Cart   or   Checkout Now
Autoschediasm

Autoschediasm

Maria writes...

I like to collect interesting words. I have a (used-to-be) blank book just for them.  Of course, they are beautifully written, and defined, so I won’t forget why I liked the word in the first place.  Words like. . . “Notabilia,” “Stellate,” “Caper,” “Triskelion,” “Transmogrify.”    

But, when I came across “Autoschediasm,” well, I just about. . . for lack of a better word, fainted! I mean, just look at it. It’s beautiful. And, fun to say. Say it ten times fast and see what I mean. Hmmmm. Autoschediasm is simply this: something that is improved, spontaneous, impromptu. Wow. I like to think that I might be an Autoschediastic tangler. What do you think? Spontaneous switches in lines and forms. Unrehearsed, fearless, ad-libbed patterning without the angst of mistangleism. I think that all the famous (and a few not-so-famous) artists experienced some form of Autoschediasmic moments on a daily basis. Perhaps they didn’t quite know what was happening at the time, but eventually, they accepted these “gifts” and quietly, knowingly, continued their day with a slight smile, maybe even hummed or whistled a tune or two for the rest of the day. Autoschediasm can do that to a person. When you least expect it, the big “A” can turn a so-so day into an incredible one.  

In Zentangle, Autoschediasm can bring your tangle to life, in just a few strokes of your magic wand, or, in our case, a pen or pencil. You might be in the middle of hollibaugh, and just a tiny bit of Autoschediasm sneaks into your hand, and you wonder what might happen if you made that next line with a slight curve. Or, in an especially enthusiastic Autoschediastic moment, you may go wavy. Auras are a fun way to explore your Autoschediastic tendencies, or perhaps weighting or rounding. Adding “love” is a sure thing, in terms of your Autoschediasmic endeavours. If you find Autoschediasm too difficult to say or remember, you could go with Zentangle Improv.

Now, here’s the big secret: anyone, a you or a me, can experience Autoschediasm. All you need is an open mind, a sense of spirit, a sprinkle of courage, and a sly smile. But, here’s the caveat: it’s habit-forming in the most wonderful way. You will want to implement Autoschediasm whenever and wherever you can. It’s what art is all about.  

Autoschediasm. Huh. Who knew it could be that simple.

Just maybe, you too could become a “Philocast.” Like me.

Maria Thomas

35 comments

  • Oh, my! And isn’t this what life itself is all about?!

    We might start with a plan, but opening ourselves up for extemporaneous experiences, we grow richer, more full of life itself. I love this way of seeing my Zentangle practice, and daily living.

    Here’s to autoschediasm and the new insights we can have!

    Ginger White CZT34 on

  • Philocalist?

    Rita J. M. Blom on

  • Oh uhh am simply in LOVE this word!!
    “AUTOSCHEDIASM” it sounds like it could be such a great, elaborate Zentangle technique…. and to think about it, it already is and it’s also simple too!! We implement this so much in our Zentangle practice everyday, it now just has a beautiful new name ❤️

    Vandana Krishna on

  • Thank you, Maria. Your blog is a delight.

    Nancy Day on

  • Oh Maria! I adore this word! I, too, am a lover of words and also have a word journal for all of those really wonderful words I come across. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Beautifully describes Zentangle! CZT31

    Rita Miller on

  • Perfect Word of the Day for next Tuesday. The children will love it! So fun to say, and it sums up what we do perfectly. Thank you for the inspiration.

    Ann Baum, CZT36 on

  • “Learn something new everyday!” That’s a new one on me, but a very apt descriptor of the art of Zentangle, in my opinion! Extemporaneous, impromptu, improvised…how many ways can you describe the spontaneous magic of Zentangle?!!! I would love to see your “word journal;” I’m sure it’s beautifully autoschediastic! Thanks, Maria!

    Jessica L DykesCZT39 on

  • And I found this definition of “Autoschediasm” to add to your explanation :

    Autoschediasm refers to something done offhand, improvised, or extemporized. It’s essentially a noun representing the act of improvising or doing something without prior planning or preparation. The word is derived from the Greek word “autoschediásma,” meaning “something that is improvised”.
    Perfect for Zentangle!

    candyce c. anderson on

  • Oh Maria …I read your beautiful words and Autoschediasm and images today with GLEE! I’m learning…slowly – and as I prepare to lead my first formal class of 46 seniors in a conference room on day two of my Zentangle journey

    I feel surprising well prepared. I don’t even go in the restroom for nerves gasping and gagging a half hour before like I did before every one of my Clown jobs years ago. Wether the camera works or they can’t see or there is no place to display the tiles (so we did them on post its and stuck them to the white board!). Or even if the camera and computer fails…I have confidence we can improvise and adding lots of our communal “love”. With gratitude!

    Mary Ellen Ziegler # 33 on

  • Oh my! What a beautiful word! And your description of it! I love it! And now I can add another descriptive word to my vocabulary! If only I could write it as beautifully as you do. Sigh……

    candyce c. anderson on

Leave a comment