The Zentangle Method

Let’s Play!

with Nancy Simon

Play is such an integral  part of the human experience.  And with trauma, frequently, the playful and free artist within shuts down and runs for cover.

Having had significant depression as a child and feeling powerless, art was the way for me to feel alive, free and happy.  Even as a 4 year old, I spent hours drawing  portraits, scribbling, sketching  and making shapes. I loved creating a world full of color and design as it gave me a sense of power and mastery.

About 13 years ago, I learned a photo transfer process and spent years making collages and altering other artists’ images but always felt that I needed to create or draw MY OWN images. I wanted to  put myself out there more, so I decided to take drawing classes.

Over the next 6 years I learned how to draw but found that  I was mostly drawn to (sorry about the pun) the shading patterns  more than the representational subjects that we were copying. I looked high and low for shading or patterning classes but to no avail.

As luck or spirit would have it, I found The Zentangle Method classes at The Evanston Art Center. This method which combines patterning and lines to create abstract images was just what I wanted. So, for the past two years, I have been taking these classes on ZOOM  and have been amazed at what I can create and how I can do this for hours.  This gorgeous art form was created in 2016  by a married couple, Maria Thomas, an artist, and Rick Roberts, a longtime meditator. They started this small business in Whitinsville, Massachusetts in 2016. Currently, there are over 3,000 Certified Zentangle teachers in 40 countries.

Most, although not all, tangles represent a pattern and there are no rules in this method.  You simply start with a pencil line ( a string) and then the patterns emerge. We learn 1 or 2 patterns per class and we are discouraged from having a plan or trying to draw perfectly. You simply draw, breathe and repeat. Each tangle has a name and most are funny or related to Rick and Maria’s family members’ names. Anyone can learn this.

As a Licensed Clinical Social worker, I highly recommend this art form for anyone who wants to express their creativity but  doesn’t know how to start.  This is a highly regulating and calming art form for anyone who is feeling anxious or depressed. No art experience is necessary and the Zentangle Community  is a welcoming group like none I have found.

Most of my drawings are created on regular drawing paper with a V5 RT Pilot pen. The markers I use are a combination of regular and alcohol markers and some glitter gel pens.While most of my drawings include vibrant colors,  most of my classmates prefer drawing without color. While I have included a few of my black and white images in my show, most of my pieces are colorful  and emotional which helps to bring the viewer into the experience.  Enjoy!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONNECT WITH NANCY, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT HER  AT:  (847) 491-1111