Early Zentangle Thoughts

I consider Zentangle magical, especially when encompassing the principles of Phi and the enchantment of geometry. Rick and Maria did a presentation wherein they explained the Golden Ratio. When I pinpoint that spot on any tile or postcard, the resulting tangle is especially pleasing…it’s magic, indeed. Thanks Z-team for all you do to spread a little serenity and beauty around the world. (Maybe politicians and world leaders should do a tangle tile every morning?!)

The Zentangle method and your positive teaching has brought me back to my “center”. Now I can appreciate my endeavors, be they working with fabric, yarn, or pen and paper. My craft area has greatly expanded with pens, different papers, and books on Zentangle. You inspire me, and the portability of the Zentangle Method translates to a calmer, happier me, wherever I am. Each journey starts with one step, one stroke.

What I learned from Zentangle is that I am happier en more cheerful if I take some time for myself once in a while. With my parents getting older en needing more and more care and support on one side and helping out with my grandchildren on the other, I am pretty busy. So tangling makes me slow down and relax. Even taking a few minutes to watch a Zentangle video does wonders for me :-) So thank you Rick and Maria.

I love Zentangle so much…I can’t imagine a day without doing some drawing…even if it’s just for 15 minutes or so! I feel so blessed to have been told about this wonderful art medium and just crave to do more. Thank you for your inspiration and teaching methods…it’s made a world of difference in my life.

I always thought that I couldn’t draw prior to Zentangle. Now, in addition to my almost daily Zentangle practice, I am confident enough to try other art forms…THANK YOU RICK AND MARIE!

It’s not a mistake, it’s an opportunity.* Boy! What a revelation to my artistic modus operandi!

Thank you for sharing your story!

I’m so grateful Zentangle came into my life when it did. It’s brought me confidence in myself and many friendships around the world! Being a CZT has opened so many doors to grow in those friendships, too! Zentangle has given me faith in my own creative abilities. I’m so grateful!

I learned about the Zentangle method from a segment on NH Chronicles news show. Right at a time my opthalmologist told me I needed to take up meditation because my internalizing my stress was making me go blind in one eye. I began practicing and learning zentangle on my own, then took a couple of classes. Next thing you know I’ve decided to become certified to teach so I can share the benefits with others P.S. my vision is much better now

Mom was an artist, Maria reminds me of her so much. as a copycat, learning was easier when I did what i read, but school was a challenge and often felt like a failure. Zentangle became an unexpected source of inner transformation, eve, as it started the outer shift.

Mom passed in 2014, and aimlessly walking around places we used to enjoy together, Michael’s art supply offered me a new way ro connect with her, and latent interests to learn how to draw, and Zentangle became my jam.

It’s gotten me past grieving for Mom, and somehow reconnected with her spirit in ways we never did before. Tangling helped me get out from under from food addictions to positive substitutions; it became my go-to physical therapy after a serious slip and fall accident, and my brain functions better when i draw daily.

with so many amazing teachers and examples globally, the Zen part has affected spiritual practices and changed my attitude…who knew mooka and biunzo and printemps would help me choose love over chaos…as well as serious pen and paper stashes…love ypu all. thank you.

Before I ever tried Zentangle, I read about it on the website and learned that, “Anything is possible, one stroke at a time.” Because of Zentangle, I have learned that not only can I make art, I am an artist! Because of Zentangle, I became interested in-and dared to try!-other art forms: mixed media, gelli printing, acrylic painting, watercolor, hand lettering. I was a child who was intimidated by art class, art teachers, and those who were “good at” completing the art class assignments. Now as I am nearing retirement, I am planning on art of all forms as a full-time hobby. Zentangle has taught me that “perfect” isn’t everything, and in fact may be lacking in character. As my fifth anniversary as a CZT is just days away, this is an especially great time to say, thank you for this life changing method.

I found out that I can draw something beautiful.

I work with adults with severe mental illness (as an Art Therapist). When a co-worker suggested I teach this at work, I thought “no way. people with psychosis can’t do this.” OH Man was I wrong! (thankfully)

I teach ZT weekly to people who are in various stages of recovering from mental illness. It really is true – if you can hold a pen, you can do this. People have told me Zentangle has been a real gift in their mental health, for so many reasons! What a surprise to me how powerful this really is. It’s also been a great lesson for me to trust the process, see where it takes me, and never underestimate others’ potential!

Hi Rick and Maria

I think your vision of children trading cards and tangles would be absolutely amazing! I am a 2nd grade teacher and every time I teach a handwriting lesson I teach a new tangle and guess what? They love it!! Just today when I was teaching them math online, one of them asked if she could put her camera on to show me something – she had done one of the new tangles we did. Such a great feeling one of the boys made matching tangled cards for his parents for fathers because he didn’t want his mom to be sad. Kids (and adults) love tangling!
THANK YOU!

I have always been crafty but never considered myself an artist. That is until Zentangle gave me confidence. What a blessing it has been in my life!! It just feels good to have pen in hand and just Zen out on Zentangle!! Thank you Rick and Maria!

I began teaching Zentangle to kids at my library as a summer reading program, of course, they loved it. But to my surprise, their mothers loved it even more. I started a free class at the library and taught both young and old. I started a youtube channel that to my surprise gets wonderful reviews. I love teaching and sharing this wonderful art that Maria and Rick created. My heart is so full of gratitude to such wonderful giving and creative people.

I met zentangle at the worst moment of my life, when my mother’s death came to my depression and anxiety. It was the end of the world for me. My mother was always a very creative person and most of all she was embroidering, crochet and scratching wonderfully intricate patterns on Easter eggs. I always liked to draw, but I had little time and there was always “something more important”. When I started drawing Zentangle, I had the feeling that it calmed me down, and at the same time I pay tribute to my parents. My dad died a few years earlier and he drew beautifully, mainly with a pencil. It was a great way to deal with grief. After some time, I found it incredibly pleasant that I create something that I like, that other people like it. I gained confidence in drawing and also in life. My fears have decreased. I have become bolder in dealing with people, in expressing my opinions, in facing problems. Of course, there is still a long way to go – in drawing and in life, but I also learned to take one step after another, and sometimes take a step back to see where I am. Maybe I’m beating my head against the wall and there’s a door nearby. And I look at the world with different eyes – I do not cry that I do not have anything but I am very grateful for what I have. And I enjoy the process – in drawing and in life. I’ve always noticed little things that made me very happy, but now I go through life with my eyes open and I see so much beauty. I see bad things too, but good and beautiful things give me a lot of fun and charge my batteries.

Thanks for everything.

As I thought of my answer, I was reminded of “How Do I Love Thee” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. So much of the sonnet fits with what I’ve learned from the Zentangle Method. I’ve learned that people all over the world are finding the method transcends geographic boundaries, language, culture, socioeconomic structures…in effect all the ways we are different. I’ve made connections with artists around the world that I never dreamed possible. I’ve learned to keep going when I sometimes feel like quitting. I’ve learned that art isn’t about perfection. I’ve learned that when I feel strongly “called” to do something, I would do well to act on that calling. Because I did just that, I’m a CZT and have had the joy of teaching many students over the years and making many friendships with people I’d never have met otherwise. The Zentangle Method has given me wings and I’m having a lovely flight. Thank you for responding when Zentangle called.

My Grandson is just on the spectrum. After I received my CZT certificate, I offered to give him a beginning class. I only had to redirect him twice in that hour. His tangles were amazing! He was so proud of his first tile. Two days later he wanted to do another class. This gave him a big sense of accomplishment & confidence. I am beyond grateful & blessed to have found Zentangle.

As an adult, zentangle has become one of my passions, my calm place to go, a sanctuary. I teach “art” to children,and subscribed to the apprentice package. Which tangles would be best to “hook” kids into learning zt, especially boys.

Thank you.
Jody Church czt 21

I loved art as a young adult but lost interest after high school. Over 40 years later, I discovered Zentangle and it has done wonders to help me get my confidence back. Thank you for listening to your hearts and sharing this wonderful art method to the world!

Reclaiming creativity is what it’s all about for me. I drew as a child, took art classes in high school, and did watercolor, calligraphy, and greeting cards as an adult. And then, as a senior, attended a Zentangle invitational at my community center. That was two years ago and have been hooked ever since. Thank you to the Zentangle team for bringing the ability for
creativity back into my life! 💝

Maria, thank you, thank you for retelling this story. It tells us that if we believe in something strongly enough, then our passion will guide us.
Zentangle can and does truly make a difference to the lives of many, many people.

I discovered Zentangle drawing by chance as I found a book at a craft store one day. I started trying it out and was so surprised at the pleasing results. I have always loved creating art but never felt able to draw well. I soon found the benefits of the practice as a way to calm and center myself in anxious times. I just loved how it made me feel to claim that space of quiet and focused drawing, one stroke at a time. It’s why I wanted to attend a CZT training seminar, to be able to share it with others who might realize the same benefits. I am so grateful for the online CZT 36 seminar. Thank you for all you do to bring creativity and joy into life for so many!

I was an artistic child but was lead away from my creativity into a career that was more lucrative. When I had given all I had to that pursuit and realized that I was not “living my best life” I happened upon Zentangle and it opened my creative soul. I will never look back. Thank you for all you have given the world.