Stroke of genius Zentangle relaxing way to promote creativity, peace of mind
A mosaic of Zentangle tiles created by Lynne Martinelli of Upper St. Clair, a certified Zentangle teacher
Melissa Herron fills in a portion of her Hollibaugh pattern in her Zentangle tile during a class at Frank Sarris Public Library.
Cindy Spalla of Canonsburg works on a Crescent Moon design.
Instructor Lynne Martinelli of Upper St. Clair demonstrates the Printemps pattern during a Zentangle class at Frank Sarris Public Library.
Evelyn Lesniakowski of Canonsburg takes a look at her finished Zentangle tile.
Kim Saporito of Canonsburg works to complete the Hollibaugh pattern she drew during a Zentangle class at Frank Sarris Public Library.
CANONSBURG – After completing just one hourlong class, Melissa Herron said she is hooked on Zentangle.
“I like it,” said the mother of two young boys, who recently underwent a medical procedure to repair a spinal fluid leak. “I could have used it six months ago in the hospital to clear my mind.”
At first glance, a Zentangle creation seems intricate and complicated.
But it’s not.
Zentangle actually is a fun, meditative and relaxing way to create beautiful images by drawing structured, repetitive patterns. Each stroke is deliberate, intentional and simple, providing a comfort and familiarity of timeless, basic creativity. Anyone can learn the Zentangle method, and no previous drawing experience is necessary.
And the real beauty of it is there are no mistakes.
Lynne Martinelli of Upper St. Clair, a certified Zentangle teacher, last week began conducting a Zentangle class at Frank Sarris Public Library in Canonsburg.
Martinelli said she has always liked art, and after walking in to a craft store, she decided to take a Zentangle class. That was in 2011. The next year, she became certified.
“I’ve used it ever since,” Martinelli said. “It’s all about being creative. It’s for everyone.”
The Zentangle motto is “Anything is possible … One stroke at a time.” Martinelli handed out small canvas bags with that inscription on the outside and Zentangle tools inside.
“It’s a tool, and it’s not an expensive tool. All you need is a pencil and paper,” Martinelli said. “I found it to be a very meaningful tool.”
Zentangle is believed to be a metaphor for deliberate artistry in life, and as such, can increase a person’s focus and create a different mood and state of mind. Its specified series of steps results in a a creative expression that transcends its own rules.
Zentangle has been used in educational and therapeutic settings, providing a method of team-building, problem-solving, conflict resolution, journaling, reflection and analysis, personal growth, increased confidence and managing stress.
“This can be very personal,” Martinelli said. “I just hope you find the beauty in this. It’s not about me; it’s about you.”
After providing a brief overview of Zentangle, Martinelli turned on a soothing CD, which added to the hypnotic ambience as she quietly asked the class of four women to divide their 3 1/2-inch Zentangle tiles into three sections.
She then introduced the first of three patterns she shared with the class that evening – one for each of the three sections on their tiles.
The first one, known as the Hollibaugh pattern, is a tangle pattern for beginners and consists of drawing lines, with lots of potential for variants in lines, shading and shapes, depending on how the “artist” fills in the negative space.
Martinelli encouraged her students not to be intimidated, stressing that “they are just patterns.”
The second pattern, Printemps, is one of Martinelli’s favorites. “It goes around in circles a lot,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s my favorite because my mind goes around in circles a lot, too.”
All of the circles eventually are connected, and the utlimate design, once again, is dictated by the individual’s shading technique.
The final pattern Martinelli introduced was Crescent Moon, which is just that: half circles that follow the same shading procedure.
“When I saw this class on Facebook, I Googled it and said, ‘I think I can do this. I can sit and do this,'” Herron said.
And she did. And she plans to come back and do it again.
So does Evelyn Lesniakowski of Canonsburg, who recently retired after suffering a heart attack.
“I think it’s very relaxing,” Lesniakowski said.
Martinelli enjoys introducing Zentangle to groups and putting all the tiles together to create a beautiful mosaic. Even though every tile retains its individuality, it contributes to the group and can result in a moving experience.
“I am surprised,” said Cindy Spalla of Canonsburg, as she sat back and studied at her creation. “I’m looking at this and thinking, ‘There’s some sense in it.’ There’s a methodology to it. It’s not just random.”