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/
Gloriann Ehrman on
Ginger White CZT34 on
Helen Johannes on
Angelina,
It’s so great to hear more of your story. You are a brave, strong, lovely woman. I’m so glad that you and Zentangle found each other!
Kim Kohler on
Beth on
Françoise PAWLICK on
What a wonderfully inspirational story. Just one more example of the generous artists who are drawn to Zentangle and share their talents and experiences with others to make the world a better, more beautiful place to live. Thank you for sharing.
Mkaybbwatsonczt17 on
Angelina is such a wonder! I’m very fortunate – I got to meet Angie at CZT #24, and I try to tune into her classes as often as my work schedule allows. Her story is phenomenal, and as I’ve told her – she’s born to teach Zentangle! Her classes are so friendly and welcoming, I’m forever learning new things, and her manner of teaching really does bring all that she hopes – the calmness, stress relief, sense of self and positivity! I encourage everyone to check out her classes – you can’t help but feel better after doing so. You’re a gift to us all, Angie – here’s to you, my Friend! Brava!!
Shawna Oertley on
Mary Illana Perrin CZT on