Most artists have experienced periods when they find it difficult to make art. Lack of ideas, too many ideas, comparing one's talents and art outcomes with other artists, a perceived dearth of energy... all of these reasons and more can stop an artist from creating.
Recently I found myself not creating or teaching. I simply became overwhelmed with all the possibilities with Zentangle art. Looking at what other artists are creating, it became difficult to know what to draw or teach next.
My personal preference is for classic Zentangle: abstract compositions in monotone shades. Maria Thomas, founder of Zentangle Inc., suggested that all we need is to keep the art simple and beautiful. The fewer the choices an artist has to make, the more easily they can create. But the internet is filled with artists creating pictures and shapes and filling them with bright colors. Should I be learning and teaching that since it appears to be so popular? While pondering this, I set aside my pens and paper altogether.
This roadblock was cleared when I reached out to a fellow teacher who was in my Certified Zentangle Teachers (CZT) class years ago. I asked her if our teacher group was still meeting remotely and doing art together. She connected me up with a wonderful group of CZTs in a group called "Zen Gulf Cafe". With continuous ongoing weekly projects, the Zen Gulf Cafe teachers take turns teaching one another.
Very quickly, I was encouraged to teach the group as well. Again, I hesitated. I have taught introduction classes to people who have never made Zentangle art before. I have ongoing students who are developing their skills. But to teach other certified teachers? This seemed daunting, especially when I felt confused about art project ideas in general. But the leader of the group, a woman from India named Dolly, sweetly but persistently asked me. When I expressed my concerns, she scheduled a call with me. As we talked, I listened to her gentle lilting voice reassuring me that any design I chose to teach would be appreciated by the group.
She was right. I chose a simple repetitive design from Zentangle Project Pack 7. Once I demonstrated the simple shapes once or twice, there was no need for me to speak much. The group became absorbed in silence as they got "into the zone". After the session the comments flooded in: "I loved this session!" "So meditative and relaxing!" Each artist chose their own ink colors, each selected unique shape sizes and combinations. All the art was gorgeous and different. Each composition complemented the others.
Now I'm back to regular art creation and teaching. If you have a block, reach out to other artists. Come together with them to support and inspire. Trust yourself to be able to flow again.
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| Teaching in Zen Gulf Cafe |
Same set of instructions yet look at this sampling of such varied outcomes...
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| Delicate lace effect of white on black |
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| Dramatic dimensionality topped with lace |
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| Zendala pre-colored with Lindy's Magicals |
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| A meditative appreciation of the layers and gifts in this world |
