Welcome to BLOG Zentangle. To learn about Zentangle, visit our website, read our free newsletters, take a class with a local Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT), and best of all . . . create your own!


Saturday, July 27, 2013

More Inspiration

Maria writes: 

I have found, in passing, not to be surprised by what can inspire a tangle. I would think it would be a pattern in something, but it seems to be the really "out there" sort of things that have grabbed me lately.

For instance, I had been staring at this pretty set of dessert plates with lovely pen drawings of fruits and veggies on the border. The back says "Fine Staffordshire Ware" but does not name the artist. I was particularly attracted to the onion shaped pattern and the "weighting" on the lines. So I started playing with simple shapes that use this technique, rather like an old engraving.
 


I think you could add interest to almost any tangle by rhythmically "weighting" some of the components. Try it on some tangles, particularly tangles that haven't "grabbed" you yet.

This next one was another unexpected inspiration. Indiana (Molly's daughter) was playing with one of Rick's learning toys (of which he has many). I started to see patterns as she was manipulating the sides in and out. . . and this is what resulted:


Like a regimented hollibaugh . . . Fun!


The label on this wine bottle was just beautiful. It sort of reminded me of the tangle cirquital. But I went ahead with it anyway.



These next two, as you can more than likely tell, were inspired by looking at a bicycle wheel. I call it unspoken. Here you see two variations and there is another in our book, The Book of Zentangle, on page 76.


The center of that last Zendala Zentangle tile was "breathed into me" from one of Rick's tiles that was on my desk. (Why it was on my desk, I have no idea . . . except probably to inspire me!)

Rick adds:
That tile is a version of cadent. After I tangled the orbs and the connecting "S" shapes, I drew straight lines from the center of each "S" shape to the center of each adjacent "S" shape. That's what created those triangles and squares. Then I used a version of aura-ing to echo those "S" shapes in a hollibaugh fashion and "drew behind" those triangles and squares. Then I put a large dot in almost all the circles . . . just because!

If you'd like to go on a cadent journey, please take a look at Margaret Bremner's recent blog post, Cadent and Then Some. When she says, "and then some," she means it!

Coincidentally, Margaret also won the tile from our last blog post, Inspiration.

Double congrats, Margaret!

We look forward to reading more of your comments about what inspires you.

Click images for larger views.

16 comments:

Sue Jacobs CZT said...

It's really helpful to see those things that inspire you and then to see what you do with it. I feel like I'm getting a little peek into how your brain works! Thanks!!!

Marcia Campbell CZT said...

I totally can see how that onion would catch your eye.. For me, slowing down so that I can observe those things that are placed if my path is the key. Listening to the whispers helps me see more of the world around me so I can get it down on a tile. Thanks again for sharing.

Susie Falkler said...

Once again I am in total awe. Thanks Rick for linking the Cadent page. I can't wait to see what you both do next.

BarbaraW said...

The plates are really gorgeous and the resulting zentangle tiles are fabulous. Thanks for another awe inspiring blog.

Unknown said...

Oh, at last, I have the title of that tangle that I love so much. "Unspoken"! Clever! I've been playing with that tangle for a while and had asked all my CZT friends what it was called. Nobody knew. Thanks for sharing its name. Also, thank you Margaret, for "Cadent and then some". Wow! I thought I had enough to do to study her post and now comes Rick with more to figure out. Ummm, I'm going to have to re-read those instructions about how to create the squares and triangles.Thanks again for so much inspiration!

Linda said...

Rick and Maria!
Your beautiful tangles inspire me to really look at patterns in my daily life! I am in awe of your creations! Thank you for sharing your ideas, artwork, and inspiration with all of us!

Diane Masloroff said...

Looking at your creations inspires me to see what I can create from the same tangle. Sure would love to see step outs for your cadent with the squares and triangles. It has inspired me to play with cadent more.

Anonymous said...

i have to say these are all beautiful and one of the things that inspires me to tangle. i follow many of the CTZs out there (Shelly Beauchamp, Helen Williams, and Jane Monk along with Margaret) and get my daily dose of inspiration. Thanks for taking the time to put the posts out there for us. stacey

Anonymous said...

Once again you both inspire me! I love the beautiful plate, and what you did with the weighting Maria. Have to know, is the wine a good one?
Kate Ahrens CZT IX

Zentangle said...

Honestly, I am not a wine snob. . . so I like most dry whites. But I have been enjoying New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs lately. I am sure it was a good one, as I tend to judge them by their labels!!

maria

Anonymous said...

Thanks, I'll keep this one in mind! Kate CZT IX

Faith Cohen said...

Just gorgeous as always. I hope to make it to a CZT class in 2014.

crochtlady said...

Love the inspiration you got from the plates, it really go to show inspiration can be gotten anywhere!

Cathy said...

I love the ideas for inspiration and your beautiful work. Sometimes I feel as though I am "cheating" when I borrow an idea or inspiration from another'swork. Nice to know everyone does it.

Nancy Smith said...

You are like a candle for me. When I see any of your things I feel like the spark of creativity has just been lit.You are both such incredible inspirations. I am so appreciative.

TToon said...

Your work is awe inspiring. Since discovering Zentangle, I have become more in tune to patterns around me and in nature.
I love the tangles created from Rick's learning toy.

tmartincalligraphy@yahoo.com