Julie writes...
We recently wrapped up our 38th CZT Seminar, and first in person event since 2019! Anytime a group of tanglers get together, it is exciting, invigorating and inspiring and this time was no different.
One of my favorite parts of gatherings like this, is getting to sit down and talk to attendees. The first night at dinner, I had the honor of sitting with a lovely group of ladies and they wasted no time getting deep, talking about the Zentangle Method and the Zentangle community. There was a comment made about the Zentangle community and how welcoming, kind, and supportive it is. They asked me why I thought it was like this and how did it come to be this way?
Rick always says, does the Zentangle Method attract the best people, or does it bring out the best in people? I think it is a little bit of both. I think the inclusive nature of the Zentangle Method is what fosters the kind and supportive community we have.
What do I mean by inclusive? Two things, really. The first is that it is an accessible art form for almost anyone. We say that if you can write your name, you can create Zentangle art. It does not require expensive equipment or materials and its does not require a lot of time (well, I guess it depends on how much you are tangling). You can tangle on the beach with a stick, on a plane on a napkin and everywhere in between.
More importantly, I believe the method invites people from all walks of life. It does not matter if you are 12 or 92, you can tangle. It does not matter if you spent years in art school or are creating art for the first time since you were a small child, the method invites you with open arms, and so does the community. It not only connects people from all over the world with a common language (tangles), but it binds them, because it is about so much more than the tangles.
If you listen to a group of stranger tanglers (that is fun to say), get to know each other, you don’t often observe them just showing each other their art, but you will hear them ask about their Zentangle journey and how they found the Zentangle Method. This often opens the doors to personal and vulnerable stories that create a deep understanding and human connection. It really has nothing to do with the final piece of artwork, but everything that happens while creating it. These connections have created this wonderful community that we get to be a part of. I have seen this community rally behind each other in times of need and celebrate together in times of joy. People opening their homes to each other and offering their support, compassion and love. It is a community that I am grateful to be a part of.
María Isabel Padilla on
CeCe, Crystal Gidget Bushinsky CZT38 on
CeCe, Crystal Gidget Bushinsky on
Congratulations Zentangle and to all the new CZT#38s also. Whilst I have been tangling for some years, the decision to become a CZT in 2021 has been such a joy, a real boost to my Zentangle journey and my overall artistic journey. We are never alone, as there are so many wonderful people out there who are CZTs and tanglers alike who are always generous in their time and knowledge. Zentangle has been a fantastic decision to have made in my life and I know that all the new CZTs will be feeling the same. Well done and good on you all for sharing this wonderful skill and joining in the Zentangle family – the world really needs it and all that comes as a blessing from it!
Veronica Hodges CZT #37 Australia on
I can identify with so much that has already been expressed here. For me, as of yet I am hesitant to actually teach a class. I feel my skills are on par, but I’m concerned that I won’t present the material confidently and then not represent this artform in the manner it deserves. I’m hoping this phase will pass and I can move forward.
Bonnie Johnson CZT36 on
Ruchita Patel on
My personal world has been dark and it still is from time to time, buth ever since Zentangle came into my life, about 1,5 years ago… I feel so supported to be able to hold on and focussing on only positive things, of letting go of situations we can not chance and for being able to learn and grow as a mum and a part of… buth also personally. For me! By me! And as a bonus with so many options and so many possibilitys to come…
How not to smile and enjoy every moment of it…
Sofie Oostvogels on
Thank you Julie for this lovely putting into words what so many of us are thinking, expieriencing and feeling…
My personal world has been dark and it still is from time to time, buth ever since Zentangle came into my life, about 1,5 years ago… I feel so supported to be able to hold on and focussing on only positive things, of letting go of situations we can not chance and for being able to learn and grow as a mum and a part of… buth also personally. For me! By me! And as a bonus with so many options and so many possibilitys to come…
How not to smile and enjoy every moment of it…
Sofie on
Julie Crosby on
Brava, Julie! Excellent and well-thought out narrative about this most amazing group of people from around the world – thank you for that! So grateful to be part of something so positive!!
Shawna Oertley on
Words so true. Reading this blog made me smile, nod my head and wish I was there. Thx for your continued mindset of Zentangle sharing and community.
Nancy Needler on
I wish I had been there to meet you in person. The story of how you came to Zentangle is so inspiring. Your videos in the Project Packs are some of my favorites because of personal stories you weave into the lessons. Thank you.
Ann Baum on
Adriana on
Julie, this really resonates with me. I‘ve tangled with a group of women monthly since I attended CZT Seminar 23 about 6 years ago. Members have come and gone but we always enjoy our time together. Tangling is what brought us together and keeps us coming back. We talk about anything and everything and enjoy our time together.
Sandy Kelley-Jones CZT on
Deb Bowyer on
Debbie Dinneen on
Debbie Dinneen on
Katrina on
I love this post. I have met so many wonderful people in this community ( all of them online) and I can confidently say that I have never come across a wonderful and warm community like this ever before! I am deeply grateful for having had the opportunity to attend an online seminar and become a CZT but I seem to have missed out on such dinner chat!
Suchitra K on
MKay Watson CZT17 on
I know that we all are a whole made up of integrated parts. Zentangle speaks to us in a calm, peaceful voice that allows us to experience the beauty of what it mirrors in ourselves.
Kathy Y. on