Found my Zen with Zentangling

Some months ago I discovered images of Zentangles online.  How cool, I thought. So I tried to self-teach myself how to zentangle, which is essentially a very deliberate, structured and repetitive doodle.

I found it to be very relaxing, which is odd given a pretty intense concentration level that you need when you do it.  But, I was hooked!  And it is immensely portable; you just need paper and a pen or pencil.

Here are a couple examples that I did a while back.  First, my crazy bird.  I love this quirky, bold fella.  I did him in my art journal, so unfortunately he hasn't been turned in to a card yet.  Not sure if he ever will be.



I also traced my hand and zentangled it in a henna color.  It reminds me very much of the Indian art of "mehndi" that you see done with henna on hands and elsewhere to decorate the body.


As layoffs were happening at work, I traced and zentangled hands of my Product Management and IT team members.  I added customized doodles to reflect their personalities and interests.  Very therapeutic, and a farewell gift to my co-workers.