tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post930789520944616495..comments2023-11-02T07:44:15.908-04:00Comments on Zentangle: A Good OpportunityZentanglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03161442418645198968noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-60400058669586329292012-08-05T05:38:51.791-04:002012-08-05T05:38:51.791-04:00Firstly, I'd like to say that nobody knows who...Firstly, I'd like to say that nobody knows who this "anonymous" email sender is, so I do find the scathing comments about Nadia Russ in the comments to be a little heavy-handed. Perhaps it would be kinder and more appropriate to withhold such judgement until we know who this person is? It isn't necessarily Ms. Russ herself, after all.<br /><br />I just left the following comment on the "Stolen Concept" blog and thought I might copy it here, so nobody could say I was being unfair. ;-)<br /><br />---<br /><br />I'm a bit confused by all this - and yes, I know I'm coming to this conversation late!<br /><br />For a start, since this whole topic seems quite heated and I believe in transparency, let me give full disclosure. My name is Gillian Slane, I live in Edinburgh (Scotland) and I have no connection whatsoever either to Nadia Russ or Zentangle.<br /><br />(Personally, I think everyone in a controversial dialogue should be as transparent as above, giving their real names and any connection to the parties involved. After all, what is there to hide?)<br /><br />Right, now that's done! I found the Zentangle site just a few days ago, and the Nadia Russ one yesterday. Interestingly, I discovered the Russ website completely separately from the Z. one, and only found out about this argument a few hours later. I have to say, the whole ugly mess has sadly muddied my enjoyment of both.<br /><br />Unlike "theraggededge" above, I do see some similarities in style between different pieces of work on the site. I can't deny that some of the patterns and concepts have a lot in common. However, I also see some similarities between Nadia's work, which came first, and illuminated manuscripts of ancient years past. This certainly doesn't mean that Ms. Russ "plagiarised" the work of a monk who produced a certain piece - she's an original and visionary artist by everything I've seen so far. But it does means that the range of artistic motifs the human brain can come up with (and finds attractive/meditative) isn't quite as infinite as we'd like to believe.<br /><br />I do think it would be a pleasant gesture if the owners of the Zentangle teaching trademark would provide links on their website to Nadia's work, partly to show goodwill and partly to let Z. beginners see what sort of beauty might be created if they continue to practise this sort of meditative, structured-doodling pen art.<br /><br />That said, while heated accusations are being thrown around the internet but not attributed to an actual name, I can't blame them (or other people) for disregarding the whole debate. I was taught always to ignore an anonymously-signed letter, after all.<br /><br />[] I was doing pen-only (no eraser) drawings, with repetitive patterns and using it as a form of calming meditation way back in the '80s. If I looked long and hard enough on the internet (which I obviously had no access to back then, nor had I read any books with similar ideas in them) I'd probably find pretty much the exact patterns I was drawing. Perhaps even in Ms. Russ' work or the Zentangle website.<br /><br />I doubt either of them plagiarised me as a teenager. :-D (It wouldn't be worth it, I'm dreadful at art...)Velvethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17761705640355407026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-29527341616640432872012-03-12T00:40:42.813-04:002012-03-12T00:40:42.813-04:00Wow... I actually don't have the patience afte...Wow... I actually don't have the patience after reading all that to fully type up all that I feel about this. But, as someone above said, poppycock! I did not read through all of the comments, so I apologize if someone else referenced this already, but I felt that you guys should know that there is also an article here: http://www.articlecirculation.com/contentspecific.asp?ID=180651, basically saying the same stuff. I came upon it accidentally in a search, read a bit of it, then searched "neopoprealism" to see for myself what that was. I'm really not sure how someone could feel "ripped off" when it comes to a <i>style</i> of art, and even when different people have similar styles, they each have a different style within the style. Anyway, when I searched "neopoprealism" I found the link to this blog. This stuff they're saying is really irritating. My first thought reading it was, wait a minute, Zentangle is a METHOD, and if Maria and Rick hadn't developed this, I would have continued with my life thinking that I couldn't draw, that I couldn't create anything beautiful by putting a pen to paper. I could've looked at art of this style my entire life and never been able to create anything like it myself, nor would I have tried. I just found Zentangle about 2 weeks ago, and I am so GRATEFUL for it. I've only messed around learning a few tangle patterns, but I never imagined I could even do that. Anyway, I just checked out Nadia Russ' site and some of her work, and while she is an accomplished artist and she does use patterns within her work, it is not the same as Zentangle, and again, this "neopoprealism" is a STYLE, and not a METHOD. So, Maria and Rick, THANK YOU for creating this method and sharing it with the world! Since I discovered Zentangle (I actually stumbled upon it when looking at a class schedule looking for a pottery class and Advanced Zentangle was listed on the classes starting soon. With a name like that I had to find out what it was!) I've been waiting in great anticipation for the next beginning Zentangle class, and I just got a response from CZT Audrey Markowitz saying that the next class is coming up on April 7th. Yea! I can't wait to attend. So, once again, THANK YOU!!! It sounds cliche, but this method has changed my life. I now have an outlet I never would have had without Zentangle. :) :)Maggienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-22040004371494043662011-12-08T07:46:50.223-05:002011-12-08T07:46:50.223-05:00Yep, guys, you were doing these for many years, bu...Yep, guys, you were doing these for many years, but not you, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas claim they invented NEW form! And it is truly as you said "nuts!"<br />Another thing, did they create real ART form? or they are just Craftsmen-copycats? You know the answer. Nadia Russ created Art Form; she is an artist, not a crafts-woman. She created not craft style, but Art style by filling different section with patterns. T was absolutely new way of thinking, new visual language. And who came first? Crafts-people (Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and you all) with copying everything you see, or artist who create every time new and unique images using imagination? You might were drawing-copying patterns since 1924, but Nadia Russ organized these patterns’ presentation in special way, artistic way that was absolutely unique. You should be grateful, copying it, instead of talking rude and nasty. Be grateful and respectful.<br /><br />http://www.artreview.com/profiles/blogs/intellectual-property-theft-tomorrow-it-could-be-you?xg_source=activityAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-25852569576533723052011-11-26T15:21:05.254-05:002011-11-26T15:21:05.254-05:00Huh. I wonder if she has copyrighted the line.Huh. I wonder if she has copyrighted the line.KIChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02923503762236207724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-16419628900084322502011-09-18T07:23:18.657-04:002011-09-18T07:23:18.657-04:00This is truly nuts, I drew like this as a child an...This is truly nuts, I drew like this as a child and I can assure you that I was not a child by 1989!Alison Hornehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16310587055036924029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-24316166723618501412011-08-15T18:20:59.530-04:002011-08-15T18:20:59.530-04:00I've been a "silent" readeer for a w...I've been a "silent" readeer for a while now - but have really fallen in love with this art form and feel compelled to comment simply by saying that all you need to do is observe how each side is reacting, to know what the truth is. As for copyrighting an art form - I was surprised to find out that something I had been doing as a creative exercise for years actually has a name - and so many other enthusiasts. It's a beautiful thing and opens up a world of new possibilities, not an bad thing at all.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11837343922993181289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-74305432792231920392011-08-15T12:47:51.752-04:002011-08-15T12:47:51.752-04:00Rick and Maria, you are dealing with this false ac...Rick and Maria, you are dealing with this false accusation with dignity and honor. Thank you for showing such grace. And, thank you for your generous gift of Zentangle. As an elementary teacher, Zentangle has provided lovely, relaxing moments of creativity and peace during my summer break. I, too, look forward to the opportunity to become a CZT. <br />Stay strong. We all support you.Majkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18216446150529868493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-79329296378308838652011-08-14T18:08:50.705-04:002011-08-14T18:08:50.705-04:00For lovers of tangling, the Zentangle way, this in...For lovers of tangling, the Zentangle way, this independent art form, is so different from what's her name's art! And, so are all of our individual tangles. Never two alike, because it comes from our souls. Hard to usurp one's soul and call it your own. Better yet, ink drawings can't be called zentangles or vice versa. I'm still looking forward to becoming a CZT someday. Proudly.CALICOCAROLJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08329908833678208917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-76619130869466964052011-08-07T21:20:54.191-04:002011-08-07T21:20:54.191-04:00I think Ms Russ found something a bit similar to w...I think Ms Russ found something a bit similar to what she does, and thought she could get a ton of free publicity by stirring up some emotions. Zentangles is professional and well intentioned and well organized. Ms Russ' websites and artwork seem unprofessional and her whiney tone and self-righteousness make my stomach hurt. Her work is only similar in a small way, and is so basic- ART THERAPY is based on the same premise- is she going to bash art therapists for "stealing her concept"? I doubt it. The email is so poorly worded - without articles- and as I read it I said to myself "This was written by a Russian speaker" and low and behold, Ms Russ IS a Russian speaker- so I wonder who wrote that email? Keep on Zentangling and improving the lives of many, and dont even worry about this unhappy and unhealthy woman!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-74102359934918726052011-08-06T11:43:45.007-04:002011-08-06T11:43:45.007-04:00I'm so sorry, for you Rick and Maria and for t...I'm so sorry, for you Rick and Maria and for the rest of us, that this negativism was brought into the wonderful world of Zentangle®. I, too, agree with the others who have thanked you for your openness in sharing this with all of us so we can be prepared in case someone "hits" us with it.<br /><br />Since I began only a few months ago I've already thought that tangling is almost a natural extension of the creative mind. This is borne out of the fact that you see patterns used everywhere, used in all periods of history, and used in all countries. But, it was you, Rick and Maria, who have "harnessed it for the masses" and have touched so many, many people by so selflessly passing it forward! I say Kudos to you and Bah Hum Bug on anyone who says anything to the contrary!!!Judihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16740431751632874501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-19887019930370809112011-08-05T17:32:02.705-04:002011-08-05T17:32:02.705-04:00I read the entire 8/04 post - and was very curious...I read the entire 8/04 post - and was very curious about the "How to..." book. I clicked the link in the NPR (Geez, wanted to shorten their moniker but "NPR" seems like sacrilege) babble that took me<br />to where the book can be bought.... <br /><br />when I saw the publication date is 07/29/2011,<br />I laughed out loud - I think this is a clue why they are injecting themselves into theZentangle world anyway and anywhere they can think of.<br /><br />I also noticed the author is "NeoPopRealism Press" ... what happened to Nadia?or even PJ Hornblower? Think I'll spend some time detective-ing on the Internet.bajeanne48https://www.blogger.com/profile/15078001562321242533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-9105670140567869922011-08-05T16:40:59.608-04:002011-08-05T16:40:59.608-04:00Well executed. I concur with D. All of the Above. ...Well executed. I concur with D. All of the Above. ::HUGS:: from North TexasDonna Hornsbyhttp://www.pegasuspapers.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-19646312474820724882011-08-05T00:30:22.841-04:002011-08-05T00:30:22.841-04:00It's a shame that people aren't able to ap...It's a shame that people aren't able to appreciate the diversity that is art....<br />I really enjoy doing my Zentangles!! They have given me a greater insight and calmness that I do not experience with any of the other artistic activities I practice. <br />Keep up the great work it is really appreciated.......Tingi textilerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09052224591478555108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-33042893552044602422011-08-04T23:21:37.022-04:002011-08-04T23:21:37.022-04:00I think it is interesting that NeoPopRealism has j...I think it is interesting that NeoPopRealism has just published a book on how to draw ink images. I am sure they figured, probably correctly, that people interested in Zentangle would also be interested in their methods. But nothing I saw on those links looked a bit like Zentangle, so it seems like a nasty game someone is playing to gain some notoriety for their newest publication.<br /><br />How many of us will buy it now? Certainly, not I.Websterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13518858062969978457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-3218196793694786462011-08-04T22:17:01.445-04:002011-08-04T22:17:01.445-04:00Thanks so much for letting us know what is going o...Thanks so much for letting us know what is going on and for giving us the resources to talk to any of our students who might bring us this information. I think the teaching method you have developed and given to us is brilliant and beautiful and I appreciate how generous you are with your respect and praise for other artists. I hope this issue settles quickly and does not steal time and energy from the wonderful work you continue to forge and share with us. I am grateful for you both. Your artistic integrity is rock solid.carrie otthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04426921414003451042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-22474423890293631212011-08-04T21:15:41.546-04:002011-08-04T21:15:41.546-04:00Rick and Maria ~ Mahalo for your graceful way ~ of...Rick and Maria ~ Mahalo for your graceful way ~ of bringing things back into harmony ~ Whispering Aloha to you.Lois Heinani Stokeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07068244018225448988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-75837897818526613432011-08-04T20:26:08.772-04:002011-08-04T20:26:08.772-04:00...... and after all is said and done, Zentangle s......... and after all is said and done, Zentangle shall emerge with a new creative spirit. It is said that dealing with adversity builds strength and character - and, so, I look forward to basking in that beautiful calm after the storm. <br /><br />Thank you to Rick and Maria for your continued support and guidance. <br /><br />TriciaTricia, CZThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02974366509888338430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-83009721275265102682011-08-04T19:46:02.194-04:002011-08-04T19:46:02.194-04:00I felt tears when I read the words 'not even a...I felt tears when I read the words 'not even artists' it just shows they haven't done their homework and have jumped in the deep end. How sad a life they must live. Maria, you are my most favourite artist in whole world!!!Shelly Beauchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05983749187941231527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-4319280797516406382011-08-04T18:07:21.492-04:002011-08-04T18:07:21.492-04:00Wow, Rick!
You are a breath of fresh air...
If...Wow, Rick! <br /><br />You are a breath of fresh air... <br /><br />If only you were in Congress!<br /><br />I do have to believe that all the negativity will eventually burn itself off, leaving behind the very positive legacy of Zentangle.<br /><br />JeanJean Theurkaufhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12842363550165500302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-74838114614238899522011-08-04T15:39:02.126-04:002011-08-04T15:39:02.126-04:00Hi Zentangle Folks,
The email discussed in this p...Hi Zentangle Folks,<br /><br />The email discussed in this post seems very strange and poorly written. That aside, thank for linking to my web site (medievalscript.com). I'm receiving a torrent of hits from you. I'll return the favor.eyebeathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01626036892801657176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-89001524531806242912011-08-04T15:23:41.737-04:002011-08-04T15:23:41.737-04:00The two art forms seem too different from each oth...The two art forms seem too different from each other for anyone to think that one is copying another. <br /><br />Maybe they're just trying to hitch their wagon to Zentangle's star- create a false accusation in order to get some attention.TeVerdehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14055553171075753700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-35841613494509136672011-08-04T14:20:12.654-04:002011-08-04T14:20:12.654-04:00He who registers a copyright first owns the produc...He who registers a copyright first owns the product. I am sorry that someone has taken such a negative twist to this gracious and healing artform. True, many of the designs are from ages gone by and exist in architecture and nature, but you have put them all into a package that anyone can do. You figured out the process and for that you deserve the right to copyright.creative sidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09915589368421829729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-72095775246881689042011-08-04T12:53:14.145-04:002011-08-04T12:53:14.145-04:00I vote in favor of all the above comments! :-)
--M...I vote in favor of all the above comments! :-)<br />--MargaretMargaret Bremner, Artisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04345825008203812415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-46010442864541082802011-08-04T12:19:39.262-04:002011-08-04T12:19:39.262-04:00What a shame that someone who has such beautiful C...What a shame that someone who has such beautiful Commandments could appear so petty. (See especially #5.) On behalf of all Zentangle enthusiasts, thank you, Rick and Maria, for your support addressing this issue so graciously. Diana, CZT6Diana Hirschhttp://www.wolfhowlings.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3924904289842402662.post-41017738764186875102011-08-04T11:14:28.439-04:002011-08-04T11:14:28.439-04:00How sad that someone would take a beautiful and en...How sad that someone would take a beautiful and enjoyable art form and tarnish it with their negativity. And to not assign a name to take credit for accusations - pure cowardice. I am planning on attending my first Zentangle workshop next week, and I intend to continue enjoying my tangling! <br />Thank you for bringing Zentangle into my life - it has provided me with hours of relaxation and peace. <br />StephanieAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17108936721942994386noreply@blogger.com