Zentangle: Process or Product?

90% of the time, the art of Zentangle is about the process....at least for me.

In other words, it's about putting pen to paper, losing myself in the moment, and while certainly wanting to create a beautiful product, it is the activity itself, the ability to let go of everything and to just be mindful that I truly get the most joy from. It also means that the end product doesn't need to be perfect, that I truly try to let go of that end result, too.

When I started learning about Zentangle, my big drawing accomplishment was being able to draw flowers (loopy grade 3 ones) and stick people. My drawing aptitude likely stopped in about grade 3. Art, when I was going to school wasn't really drawing classes. And, that's fine, but it does leave you with a sense of being 'art challenged'

What I love about Zentangle is that it makes art accessible to so many of us who thought we'd never be able to draw, and in that accessibility it allows us to find that inner creativity that was dying to get out...we just didn't know how to express it.

I issue a challenge to all of you emerging artists!

LET GO!

We live in a world that judges, that labels and that determines something is better that something else. We also judge ourselves quickly and easily. Those voices in our heads that say we are too this and too that...or that say we need to do this or that better, you know those voices.

It is also easy when practicing the art of Zentangle to find ourselves intimidated by the amazing creations of others. There are some incredible artists out there.

What's interesting, though, is that I've noticed that those talented people also ooh and ahh at the work of others, too. It's so easy for us all to look at someone else's creations and think ours shoulda, coulda, woulda been better...if... And that the other work we are seeing is 'better.' But, those gifted artists are saying that too.

What if you challenge yourself to be kinder to yourself, to LET GO of your judgments? To LET GO of your labels and comparisons?

Treasure your personal creativity, learn from it, grow with it and love what you bring to this world. Only you are able to make those creations!

Learn from other's beautiful work, but LET GO of your desire to disparage yours in the process of admiring theirs.

LET GO!

And, LOVE your amazing creativity!!! Recognize the wonderful process that you are in! Admire the beauty that comes from your pen!

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