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 Anica Gabrovec! Anica was a recipient of a a scholarship to attend the Certified Zentangle Teacher Seminar from the Zentangle Foundation®*. It was a delight to check in with her and see how she uses the Zentangle Method in her life and in her community.
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Name: Anica Gabrovec, Zen Linea
CZT#: 32
Hometown: Samobor, Croatia
Favorite tangle: Mooka (and it was surprisingly easy to choose)
Favorite place to tangle: At home, by the window, surrounded by all kinds of supplies.
How I use the Zentangle Method in my life: I use Zentangle to quiet my mind and escape from the daily grind, but it also excites me and sparks joy as I dive in the creative process. Even when I’m not tangling, I think about the tangles, colors, shapes, shades… Quite often I think about “real life” issues and ponder how much Zentangle’s principles apply to almost any life situation. Zentangle has permeated my life to a great extent and it has certainly made it a brighter.
How I have shared the Zentangle Method in my community: Sharing within the Zentangle community is a big piece of my Zentangle journey. It’s all about the giving and receiving, exchange of ideas, support and encouragement. The current pandemic crisis has totally redesigned my initial ideas about how and where to share the method and it opened some doors that I haven’t even dreamed about. The biggest reward is hearing how I helped someone get out of the creative rut or inspired them to start teaching Zentangle again. I love to encourage students to take a more liberating approach to tangling, as experiencing the creative process with a playful and inquisitive mind is one of my main targets.
My favorite story or memory about teaching the Zentangle Method is: Probably the impromptu mini-sessions that happened on our CZT gathering in Frankfurt. Spontaneous and uninhibited sharing of what we’re passionate about is always such a blessing. That’s probably why I really enjoyed the recent Inktober Tangles challenge and the interactions I had with people who followed along my videos on YouTube.
Through my experiences as a CZT, I have learned: There were many lessons that I’ve learned since I started my CZT journey. But if there was one thing that I would share, it’s to follow your passion. It takes a lot of persistence and continuous learning to achieve goals, but doing it from the place of love, we can succeed. Many times, we tend to forget about why we started to do something in the first place, especially when we face some hurdles along the way. For me, remembering my passion for Zentangle and sharing that passion is always a good enough reason to persevere. To make sure to always remember it, I keep tangling at the top of my priority list.
If I’m not tangling, you will find me…: When I’m not tangling, you’ll probably find me online, sharing my love for Zentangle on social media or just doing the small things that make life sweet, like walking the dogs, spending time with family and friends, cooking, reading, listening to music.
Mosaic Name: zen_linea
Website/Blog: https://zen-linea.com/links/
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*The Zentangle Foundation® is a non-profit United States 501 (c) 3 organization that supports individuals and groups interested in the Zentangle® Method through scholarships, studies, and outreach. We support accredited organizations with interest in researching the benefits and practices of the Zentangle Method. Learn more at the zentanglefoundation.org. You can make a donation here.
Thank you Anica! You are so generous with your talent – your Inktober 2021 tangle series alone could keep one busy for years! Your tangles are beautiful and inspiration to me.
Linda Friedly on
Anica has been an inspiration to me in so many ways. I agree with all of the accolades in the previous comments and hope that we will meet in person at some time.
Bette Abdu, CZT on
I have been following Anica for quite a while. She is really quite amazing. Not only is she easy to follow but she has a beautiful personality and so much talent! So glad she was part of the Family Tree this month.
Barbara Burgess on
Anica is such a warm and delightful person. Ever since I started tangling, my inspiration has always been high after seeing her beautiful works. I love her teaching. Her works have always made me feel more delighted.
Shalini Rajesh on
Rohini Chopra on
It’s lovely to get to know you a little better Anica. I always enjoy seeing your beautiful artwork.
Margaret Bremner on
Louise Horner on
I love your work Anica and I current signed up for a couple more of your classes. You are such a joy to listen to and quite easy to follow along in your work. Thank you for sharing your Inktober videos with us as well. You are truly a gift to this community of tanglers.
Marsha Kirwan on
Regina, https://www.tanglekunst.de/shop/zentangle-bleistift/ :)
Anica on
Regina on
I have felt so blessed and humbled, from the moment I discovered Zentangle (thank you, Eni!), through immersing myself in the creative flow, getting the scolarship, staring teaching and finally receiving so much encouragement and loving support from my Zentangle family. Thank you all! ❤️ Love you all! ❤️
Anica on
I’ve known Anica for many years even before Zentangle, and it has been such a joy to watch her artistic development blossom into a unique style that is nothing short of spectacular!!!!
Eni Oken on
Devin Ryder on
Rosa on
Linda Helfer on
I have taken Anica’s classes and she is truly a gift to the Zentangle community. She is lovely and a Zen-filled teacher. I see Anica as both inspirational with her gallery quality art and a leader in the Zentangle Art Method. A leader like Anica has this way of being extraordinary in her own work and yet somehow have this deeply giving spirit that is inclusive of everyone. She has expanded my tangling style to include more color and in such an elegant fashion. She does incredible work and is a great teacher with a Zenful pace. Her videos and PDFs are easy to follow and convey her warmth. Anica’s love for this art method and her heart are what makes Anica so special and so deserved of her rooted family tree story.
Miriam Zimms on
I have taken several of Anica’s classes and they are pure Zen. Truly expanded my growth with using more color on tiles. Anica’s work is beautiful, intricate and exudes her kind spirit. She is a great teacher because her delivery and pace is creative, peaceful, and generous. Just a lovely Zentangle leader who creases a warm and inviting community in her class, a class-act in every way.
Miriam Zimms on
So nice to meet the artist behind the beautiful work I’ve been admiring for so long! Your tangles are exquisite Anica, and so inspiring! Thank you!
Jessica Dykes on
Great choice and beautiful story. I love Anica’s creations and unique style. Thanks for continually sharing your passion and joy!
Michelle Dugdale, CZT37 on
Lisa Hoesing on
Anica, it’s always a joy to take one of your classes, and I love seeing all of your beautiful work!
Michele Lewis on
Anica, you know, I’m always in awe of your works. My favorite time is drawing with you ! You are wonderful teacher, creative artist and generous friend!
Ludmila Katz on
One of my best Zentangle experiences was meetings you in person in southern Spain. I was enchanted not only by your amazing drawing and teaching skills but by your delightful personality, intelligence and humour. It was a special evening and your compassion and commitment is a benefit to the whole Zentangle community. Love you! ❤️💃❤️
Annie Taylor on
Judy Wanner on
Betsy Fernandez on