CZT Family Tree: Melanie Moore

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 Melanie Moore!

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Name: Melanie Moore

CZT#: 26

Hometown: DeFuniak Springs, Florida

Favorite tangle: flux is my favorite - both versions: the “Rick-style” and the “Maria-style.” I can find a way to sneak it into almost any composition - it is so beautiful and versatile!

Favorite place to tangle: I love to “tangle and chill” with my cats on the daybed in my little office hideaway. There’s a window there that looks out into the woods; a peaceful little escape. It’s the perfect place to get into the “zen-flow” and slip into a cat-nap!

     

How I use the Zentangle Method in my life: I regularly teach the Zentangle method to active duty service-members and veterans healing from post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. I started the Warrior Arts program through the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation in 2016, not fully realizing that Zentangle would be such a big part of my life; I feel honored to share the joy of tangling with all of my students.

In my personal practice, my goal is to either tangle, paint, or meditate every day. As a watercolor artist, I really enjoy experimenting with watercolor and ink backgrounds to spark my imagination. I am also constantly inspired by the beautiful and varied Zentangle artwork shared online by fellow CZTs. The act of admiring and appreciating them is like a meditation in itself.

My favorite story or memory about teaching the Zentangle Method is: My first experience teaching veterans was at a retreat for Special Operations veterans. In this first class, one of the participants interjected that the Zentangle was so relaxing, that it was just like watching Bob Ross. The other guys immediately teased him about that comparison; but I immediately understood exactly what he meant, and took it as a compliment. He ended up going home and sharing Zentangle with his daughter, and sent pictures of the artwork that they created together. He and his colleague both sent pictures and thank-you letters, and the Warrior Arts program was born. They changed the course of my life.

Through my experiences as a CZT, I have learned: I have learned to be prepared, but flexible. Technology fails, and sometimes your teaching location may be less than ideal, or changed at the last moment. The more “zen” and adaptable you can be, the more relaxed your participants will be. There is a good chance they might be nervous anyway because they have taken the chance to try something completely new to them. I have learned to embrace my own teaching style, and to not take things too seriously. I have students who jokingly threaten to bring their “zen-ruler” or their “zen-raser” to class, and I love it.

I have learned that the Zentangle method is truly universal in its appeal. It is unique in that it offers quiet mindfulness, while also inspiring connection.

           

If I’m not tangling, you will find me… painting! I am also really into puzzles lately. Puzzles and podcasts are one of my favorite combinations.

Mosaic Name: Tangle_up
Website/Blog: www.MelanieMooreArt.com