We always say that the Zentangle Method attracts really awesome people. We have had the pleasure of working with wonderful Certified Zentangle Teachers (CZT) all over the world and we are excited to share these wonderful people with the entire Zentangle Community. Through our series, CZT Family Tree, we will introduce individual CZTs.
Today, we are excited to introduce Angelina Arcari!
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Name: Angelina Arcari
Hometown: Killiney, Co Dublin, Ireland - now living in Carnew, Co Wicklow, Ireland
Favorite Tangle: Crescent Moon. I never get tired of this wonderful tangle. It has so much versatility and scope. I love to teach it to my students both newbies and advanced tanglers
Favorite Place to Tangle: in my book corner/ little snug with a nice cup of coffee, the odd marshmallow, and my pets snuggled up to me on the sofa.
How I use the Zentangle Method in my Life: I have always used Zentangle to release stress and anxiety since first finding it in 2012 whilst in hospital with depression. For over 20 years since my early childhood, I have experienced series physical, emotion, and mental trauma and abuse.
At 17yrs, I left home with the love of my life. I studied Art in College and then emigrated to Australia at 21 with my partner. 8 years later I returned home to Ireland due to the sudden death of my mother.
I ended up getting a job in computers from 1996 until 2015 when I lost my job due to serious bullying and my depression returned. I have been Tangling since 2012 and held my first major Art Exhibition of Zentangle Art in Dublin City in 2016 and brought Zentangle to The Mental Health and Wellbeing Summit at Ireland's famous Aviva Stadium. I also started to teach at Adult Education Classes. I could feel my love of Art and Creativity grow stronger within me even though depression was deep within me, I could feel creativity coming out more and more.
My favorite story / memory about teaching the Zentangle Method: This was without doubt the time I taught a class of 5th grade (11yr old) students. The teacher was shocked at how quiet and how focused her class was throughout the session. She said she had always found it difficult to keep their attention. I watched as these children's eyes lit up when it was time for the mosaic - they were so excited. They were complimenting each other on their work...it was a magical moment. I will never forget it.
More recently, I had a short stay in hospital earlier this year. I returned home at the beginning of March, just when Covid19 was starting to become serious. Something clicked in me when I got home from hospital. I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to help as many people as possible. People suffering the knock on affects that Covid19 presents. That is everything I have been through. Stress, Anxiety, Fear, Depression, Loss, Bereavement and more...losing everything I had worked so hard for all my life. I set up Zentangle Club Ireland and I stream Facebook Live Classes from my living room every weekday for 90 minutes. I love teaching the Zentangle Method. I now have students from 4 Continents taking my classes. I have been lucky to receive Sponsorship from Royal Talens of the Netherlands and Tom Martin and Co (Faber Castell Ireland). Several of my students have been so kind to send beautiful gifts to me in appreciation and also donations of pencils, pens etc to help keep our daily 90 Minutes of Peace. Free from Negativity thru Creativity using the Zentangle Method of Mindful Art Classes going.
Through my experience as a CZT, I have learned that creativity is without doubt the greatest healer. I have seen it first-hand throughout my experiences in psychiatric hospital. No matter what the patient’s diagnosis, being creative has been the major healer with focus on the breath.
If I'm not Tangling, you will find me... Playing with my various pets, Tinkerbell my little white fluffy dog. She makes regular appearances on my daily Facebook Live classes. She and Sophia the cat share employee of the month status and neckerchief. Also, my other cat Phoebe, my 3 Hens who provide me with lovely fresh eggs and Fernando, my super smart, super cute miniature Shetland Pony.
Mosaic Name: TangleClubIreland
Website: https://www.zentangleclubireland.com/
Facebook Live Classes: HTTPS://www.facebook.com/ZentangleClubIre/
Sheila Ryan on
Introduced to the zentangle method by a friend some years ago it has only been this past year with the restriction of regular movement that I have embraced it as the blessing it is for my sanity and calm. To be selfish in taking sometime to focus on the strokes affords me the recharge I need to manage the impacts of separation from family and isolation. Most recently I saw ZCIre on FB and began to watch the videos, even in the chosen hours Angelina offers a soothing atmosphere to take in the tangles in whatever manner you like, to watch or to draw. Her honest and sincere manner come through the screen. I am happy to have found Angelina as another medium to embrace the method. Well deserved Angelina.
Bronagh on
Rosie on
Angelina truly embodies Zentangle’s gift to the world. She loves and shares the beauty, accepts with laughter the surprises that others might call mistakes, and along the way shows all of us how to tangle more artistically. In the midst of a pandemic, she created a community. What a beautiful soul she is!
Sister Edith Bogue on
Stay healthy
Heike from GERMANY 🇩🇪
Heike Grischka on
Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, Angelina started free online classes to help people cope with the anxiety and stress. Living in the U.S. and not able to travel, I am transported to Ireland during one of Angelina’s session. Her lovely voice lifts my spirits and listening to her stories about Tinkerbell, Phoebe, Sophia and Fernando make the session extra special seeing them as Employees of the Month. From her little cottage, there is an atmosphere that Angelina has created to all of her global followers. She has overcome many difficulties and I admire her for being a strong woman who is on her own. Life is hard for some people more than others and she provides inspiration to help me with my own difficulties in life. Angelina is so creative and provides different aspects of Zentangle which enriches my knowledge of art and color. Not having an art background and finding Zentangle through a Healing for Arts for breast cancer patients, I attended CZT#27 seminar. I was so overwhelmed and have been practicing but I never had confidence in my work. Through Angelina’s group and others who participate, I am growing and gaining confidence in myself. She is such a great mentor who teaches from the heart and shares her love of others. I am so proud that you showcased Angelina in the Family Tree. Well deserved to a very special woman!
Gloria Vatavuk on
I follow you on IG and love your work, but never knew your story. Now I love it and YOU even more. You are an inspiration and a gift to us all. Thank you for sharing. It isn’t easy to bare your soul to the world. Sending lots of love and tangles.
Jody Genovese on
Miriam Z on
Tina Coutts on
Sandra Blade on
Janell Cleveland on
Thank you, ZHQ, for introducing me to Angelina! What a treasure she is in our Z community, offering her story and her love for the Zentangle Method as it has brought her back from the brink of despair. Her determination to share her path in such an accessable way is a gift to us all. Angelina, I am sending a long, gentle hug of thanks to you from Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA!
Jan Brandt, CZT12 on
Eres un pequeño pero GRANDE trocito del planeta TIERRA.
Gracias por estar ahí …..❤️✨
María Dolores Tirado on
Nathalie Paré on
Nathalie Paré on
Much love to you,
Jane Franco, Michigan USA
Jane Franco on
Rondy L Murray on
Barbara Middleton on
Ty so much for letting me into your life for now I know you better. I love your compassion & love of others including yourself. You have taught me there’s no mistakes, not only in Zentangle but also in my life. Gratefully, Sharon McMonagle from Wildwood New Jersey – by – sea, USA🏖
Sharon McMonagle on
I found Angelina group last Spring and immediately warmed to her wonderful personality and great gift of teaching and encouraging as well as her skill with tangling and colouring.
I had found Zentangle in 2016 after a very difficult time and discovered I could find some peace for my weary body by drawing patterns. Then I lost it again for a while until I fell upon one of Angelina’s sessions she had recently set up.
She so deserves this recognition. She gives so much of her time and knowledge to help others like me. She is an absolute treasure and has made a huge difference in my life.
Marie Antoinette on
Clara A Brunk on
Gonda Oyen on
Love your story, thanks for sharing ! You’ve contributed a lot to the community, may you be blessed ! ❤️
KItty Chan on
Heidi Kay on
Jake, USA
Jake on