Today’s card is one of my Zentangle art pieces. It tickles me to no end to say that. My art piece. I’ve never felt like an artist in that sense. I’ve never thought I could create things like this.
I know. I go on and on about my love of Zentangles. Did you know I used to be flat out scared to try to create anything? And that the other night, I began decopaging a box. ME! Decopauging? Decoupaging? Whatever. I just did it.
There are two people who helped me break through that block. One is Joanna Powell Colbert. She does these seasonal practices classes. They are online and you get a weekly lesson that includes art journaling. Now, I still don’t do that. 😀 But I did some and it helped me see that art isn’t contained in a frame. It doesn’t need an easel. It doesn’t require years and years of training.
It can be as simple as gluing a found feather to a page where I write about finding the feather. It can be as easy as putting some of this stuff I had on a box then putting a cut out from a magazine on that. Then brushing on more of the stuff.
Funny that.
I don’t know that I’ve ever done that but Tuesday night, I had a box that I’d been given in a group that I’m working in. We’d been encouraged to cut out pictures and words that meant things to us. The box was to hold them.
I had the box.
I had the words.
Then I picked up my long-neglected craft box where this stuff was. I actually didn’t know if it would work. It was called acrylic matte something or other. I thought it was for making pictures have a matte finish. But it looked like glue so I tried it out.
It worked. I was very pleased with the results. And it felt familiar to me.
That was the most important lesson. I remembered doing this at some time before. I don’t know when but I’ve sat and glued and pasted and collaged before. I will do it again too.
The other person is Leonie Dawson–specifically her Creative Goddess course. It showed me how to have fun.
Because of both of those course, I took a third course last August with Ginny Krauskopf, CZT. She teaches in the greater Austin area including San Antonio and Salado. A little 2 hour class and I started doing Zentangle art pieces.
Me. Arwen. Drawing stuff that other people liked.
Whodathunk it?
So this is my Valentine’s gift to you. You can be as creative as you like. You can produce your own personal masterpieces.
I give you permission.
I am asking you to commit your 180 seconds today to finding joy in something artsy or craftsy. Especially if you think you can’t. Especially if you think your stick figures don’t remotely resemble sticks.
Do it. You have permission to create.
Create as if no one was looking.
Zentangle, 2/12/2013, Stephanie Arwen Lynch
Seek Joy, y’all. Pass it on.
P.S. What card could this be in my Tangled Tarot deck?
I do this with words rather than art… Nice post!
Caro, me too. 😀 I love writing. Learning to do this in visual has been fun. Never thought I could.
You don’t have to tell me twice. I love trying anything crafty. Sometimes it doesn’t looks so hot, but I’ve had fun doing it. I think that’s what matters.
Leslie, you nailed that one on the head. Fun in the doing is the key. And your post today was very illuminating. I really enjoyed your blog.
It’s so encouraging to see you learning to play with your art! I continue to be astonished at what Zentangle can free up in us. Play on!
Thank you, Ginny. I will be eternally grateful to you. 😀
Awesome message, Arwen. We believe so many false stories that people tell about us. “You’re not creative.” “You can’t sing.” blah blah blah. Everyone is creative. Everyone can sing. Everyone deserves the joy of doing both of those things.Thanks for speaking up about our creative birthright!
Liz, you are welcome. It’s the false stories that get me. I don’t think most folk do that on purpose. I think they are trying to protect us, but maybe it’s because they didn’t learn how to control their own inFernal editor.
It’s so funny… I’d never thought of myself as an artist before the last few months. Sure, I painted things, and built stuff and wrote and crafted… but that’s not really an artist, right? Odd things we have tangled up in words!
Corie, I say you ARE an artist! So there. 😀 But yes, it is very odd how much power we give words. And people who say those words.
I think I’ll have to check out zentangle, it looks pretty awesome! Thank you for encouraging us to embrace our creativity!
Dominee, let me know when (not if), you do. It’s deceptively simple and super fun. 😀
Love this, Arwen. That is a beautiful heart and no one would even think you were a beginner! I LOVE decoupage. Mod Podge is my friend!! 🙂 I even tried to mod podge a desk once. lol… I got the top done but then sold it before it sat on my brain any more as one of those “undone projects” that spend all their time torturing us poor souls. Some bought it and was very excited about it, which felt good. I have decoupaged boxes galore for friends and family and it is always a treat to see one of my boxes in a treasured spot on someone’s dresser or something. I don’t think of myself as an artist, either, so I am grateful for your reminder to respect that side of myself.
Amy, thank you. 😀 I want to do more on this box. 😀 I’m so delighted this spoke to you and that you liked my heart. 😀
Ha, I’ve missed reading your posts these last few days. I think today, that’s at least a start on my 180 seconds – the joy of reading some happy Arwen wisdom 😀 As for your beautiful zentangle, perhaps the Three of Swords?
In terms of artiness, I’m off on holiday for a week, and I would like to make some time to start playing with Photoshop…
Hmmm, 3 of Swords is a good one, Chloe. Thanks! Have a great holiday.