Molly writes:
I am very attracted to the philosophy behind the Zentangle Method. Strangely, it was the one thing that was missing in my practice when I first started tangling so many years ago. It was missing because I didn't think I needed it and therefore I clumsily tried to make it work without it. I think I was in denial that it was perhaps something I did need and maybe something I was subconsciously searching for. Once I opened my heart and let go of judgment and expectation, I started to see and feel things in a completely different way.
One of the aspects of the Zentangle philosophy that really made an impression on me and transformed my practice was the “Elegance of Limits”. It was also one of the philosophies that I ignored the most in my early days of tangling. I didn’t understand the need for the dots, or the border, or the string, or even the need to choose a specific tangle. I thought that my creative genius would simply guide me to create patterns and composition without limits or constraints. That, of course was not the case. Even though I was full of creative ability and confidence, working without any limitations can be daunting and distracting. So, while my first “attempts” at tangling felt forced and empty, and it turns out I wasn’t tangling at all. I was probably doing something that was a little more like “doodling”. Which, I have so much space for in my heart. I love to doodle, and it has its place. I also now understand the two are very different.
When I finally let down my guard and followed the 8 steps, I immediately found that flow state. It turns out, my creativity was fueled by the guidance. There was this one phrase that I remember my mom saying that was pivotal in me finally discovering my practice. I remember her talking about the 8 steps and saying, “they are simply suggestions, not demands.” I remember thinking to myself, oh that is a totally different story. You mean these are not so much rules, but rather comforting guides. That turned it all around for me. I immediately became drawn to the limitations as places to find inspiration. I no longer denied that need for structure, but rather welcomed it. I loved navigating the idea of “suggestion”. It meant that I could welcome an idea, but it also meant I could ignore it or take it in a different direction if I was so inclined or inspired. Still to this day, though, my work has evolved in exciting ways, I still begin with an intention and awareness of the 8 steps. Even if it is a conscious decision to not use a particular step.
It turns out structure allows us to channel our creativity into a more concentrated way. It is the structure that forces us to make decisions and put ideas into action rather than just thinking about them. The concept of using the structure as a guide and allowing that structure to change or modify to fit our creative momentum is a perfect formula for finding flow and creating art. Use that structure to nurture your process if you need to. Lean on it for support and allow it to bring comfort. Also know that when the moment is right and the inspiration appears, you too can go outside the lines, off the script, and beyond the borders. Know that whatever path you choose, you are the creator, you are the artist.
If you are creating with the “Elegance of Limits” to guide your work, then that is what the Zentangle Method is all about. Regardless of what the finished product looks like, it is the process where it all connects. It is because of this magical balance between structure and freedom that we see such beautiful variety and growth in artists and artwork created with the Zentangle Method.
The simple phrase, “it is a suggestion, not a demand,” gave me the permission I needed to either stay on the path, or if it felt right, explore something outside the structure of the 8 Steps. The Zentangle Method has welcomed its practitioners to do the same from the very beginning. This is why we see such change and growth in the work created over the past 20 years. This is why we see many tanglers launching into other artforms. Zentangle doesn’t make us artists, Zentangle reveals and helps us understand the artist within. Zentangle guides us and encourages us to be whatever type of artist we want to be. I continue to be amazed and inspired by this community. I love to watch each artist’s journey, uniquely navigating the 8 steps in their own way. Each one completely right and all of them supported by the structure, freedom, and beauty of the “Elegance of Limits”. Just a suggestion, not a demand.
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I love the concept of “The Elegance of Limits.” This was touched on during my CZT 39 certification and as a teacher I agree with it too. Also that it is a suggestion and not a demand. As a graphic designer, I always wanted to know, “what are the specs of the project?” This helped give me a framework to work within just like the border and all the steps that follow. I also think the steps are a good guideline for a successful progression of the art process. Without them we forget to stop and get perspective or to ink before we shade! I keep them on my desk as a gentle reminder of the Zentangle process. And when all else fails, aura! LOL
Lynn Starnes on
Molly, how lovely. Thank you so much for so candidly describing the impulse to ignore the 8 steps, and how you returned to them. Beautiful and inspiring.
Becky Ruiz Jenab on
Jennifer Bollinger on
Thanks for reminding us about the concept of “It’s a Suggestion not a Demand”. After completing my CZT certification I felt the need to stay within the borders and strings and forgot all about the concept of “Breaking the rules but Not.
Recently in my email from worddaily.com the word I received was,
“Pareidolia” NOUN 1. The perception of apparently significant patterns or recognizable images, especially faces, in random or accidental arrangements of shapes and lines.
Well, now I have a word for perception of seeing all those patterns everywhere after learning the Zentangle Method and how to breakdown those patterns and incorporate them into my Tangeling practice. Thanks again for teaching me how to see a world of patterns around me.
Josephine Wood CZT36 on
Thank you for this. Here is the quote that resonates with me: “ Zentangle doesn’t make us artists, Zentangle reveals and helps us understand the artist within. Zentangle guides us and encourages us to be whatever type of artist we want to be.”
That is so perfect. It fits me and so many of my Tangling Friends. Thank you for helping me to find and nurture The Artist within.
Much love to all and Happy Tangling!
Delisa Rice on
Kathy McMurtry on
I treated myself to a new journal which should be arriving today! Yay!
Are there any CZTs hosting a Journal Project that can be followed on YouTube, with our work to be shared on the Mosaic app?
Happy Anniversary!
Andrea G on
I know I have often jumped right in to creating and realize those works are less cohesive and less satisfactory in the end than when I begin more mindfully. Moreover, I might abandon those pieces because I don’t know what to do with the space I have, in the moment. When returning to it, I cannot reconstitute what inspired me to begin with. More recently, I have been taking my time, once again feeling the MOJO that had ebbed. Couldn’t put my finger on why it had to begin with. Thought maybe the passing of my parents was part of it but now know, with my rediscovery that being mindful and the elegance of limits were key missing factors. Spent the day tangling with a zoom group on Saturday and was pleased that each teacher used the 8 steps and if they bent one they still mentioned it and why. Felt great!
PS: Deb Thompson, you’ve been missed and hope to see your beautiful work on the mosaic once again.
PamS on
Thank you Molly for this reminder and beautiful explanation. Comforting guides, not necessary rules….. yes! Ahhhhh. ❤️
Kim Turmel on
Sue Lesle CZT on
Lovely. Thank you for the reminder. I needed it to assist me with getting back to the Zen of it and not just doodling. 💕
Sandy Nee on
Kathy Cody CZT37 on
The elegance of limits always worked for me. I have certainly tried moving into “more” which is commonly encouraged in the vast Zentangle inspired art community, but found myself more concerned about the product than the process. I’ve stepped away from Zentangle for a while, leaning more into minimalistic fiber arts. In hindsight, I believe part of the reason i have taken a hiatus from Zentangle may be because I lost my way, venturing down roads requiring “more.” More products, more skill, more space, more time, more…Your blog post, Molly, has encouraged me to return to the simple practice of Zentangle; the 8 steps that captured me in the first place.
Deb Thompson on
Ahhh yes! This articulates it SO well! I am so drawn (no pun intended) to the phrase ‘elegance of limits’. It adds magic to the Zentangle process! Thanks Molly!
Leslie Barr on
What a wonderful affirmation, Molly! As a lifelong “artist” in many different mediums, I’ve always understood limits, structure, design, etc., as well as the (sometimes guilty) exhilaration to be found in “crossing the line;” “breaking the rules;” or “thinking outside the box!” Thanks for voicing it so eloquently!
Jessica L Dykes on
Linda R Elkin on
What a beautiful reflection, Molly! It speaks not just to your growth, but also the maturing of the elegant philosophy set out by Rick and Maria.
Lorna Aaronson on
With gratitude!
Mary Ellen Ziegler on
Ann Baum on
WHAT ARE THE 8 STEPS??? Please review them for us.
Thank you
Jean Kearse on