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 Christine Basile!
--- + ---
Name: Christine Basile
CZT#: 40 & 43
Hometown: North Attleborough, MA
Favorite tangle: The one I am doing. I love to tangle. It is a calming practice for me. I am always expanding and learning a different tangle or a different way to do a tangle.
Favorite place to tangle: In nature or anywhere under a bright light.
How I use the Zentangle Method in my life: When my wife/partner of 39+ years was undergoing chemo in her battle with uterine cancer at Mass General Hospital in Boston, I always had my journal, tiles, and Micron pens with me. It was my therapy and gave me something to do besides worrying and getting stuck in anticipatory grief. Tangling and being creative helped me remember to breathe and helped me focus on something positive. It was a daily habit, and it became my drug. I needed to do it - I wanted to do Zentangle. There were many times when doing tangles was the only controllable in my life. It saved my mental health and me. I also made many thank you cards and notes to friends and family who helped prepare food for us, run errands, or just spend time with us. Tangling helped me downshift and take one step at a time. Zentangle also reminded me daily to live with an attitude of gratitude. Even in the worst of times, I was grateful for the life and love we shared and the time we were together. We filled our lives with many challenges and adventures. We shared an amazing life and a courageous love.
I enjoy doing Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA), as well. I tangle on sea shells, pumpkins, journals, Christmas ornaments, wedding and graduation gifts, and mats in frames surrounding tangles or pictures. Now, I am more aware of finding tangles/ patterns in architecture, metal work, wood designs, fabrics, and nature.
I LOVE the Project Packs and the Table Tangles, tips, and techniques on the Mosaic APP.
Through my experiences as a CZT, I have learned: That the philosophy - there are no mistakes - is a practice for me. It took me a while to master this and come up with creative strokes when my tangle did not go the way I thought it would… For me, patience, acceptance, and creativity go hand-in-hand with “there are no mistakes."
If I’m not tangling, you will find me… Staying busy with self-care, traveling, listening to music, and laughing with family and friends.
Admire your inspirational ZIA shells, so beautiful. Thanks
Monica Isaza Z on
Hello Christine!! Your history is enriching and shows admirable willpower. Thanks for you strenthgh and for sharing with us.
Admire your inspirational ZIA shells, so beautiful. Thanks
Monica Isaza Z on
Your story touched my heart, Christine. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Kathy Gulrich on
I love your favorite tangle response!! Thanks for sharing your Zentangle journey so far!!
Katrina Thiebaut on
Lynne A Wheeler on
Françoise SURET on
Elsa Duenas. @elZangle. CZT26
Elsa Dueñas Reyes on
Cassandra on
I know Zentangle but dont’t give me the right, time to do it…
And I’m suffering …my deepest heart is suffering, I’m thinking just bad things about me and hate me…
But I know zentangeling would be a great chance for me…
Karin on
Patricia Decker on
Do you use anything to prep or fix the tangles on the shells? Thank you
Linda Dochter on
Rimona Gale on
Marlene on
i too am addicted to zentangling
francine silver on
Mary Ellen Ziegler Czt #43 & 33 on
Christine … you are gift! I have never left a conversation with you without a warm smile filling me up. Thank you!
Molly on