The New Face of Doodling

I have come across a phenomenon that is being called a "new" art-form on a few blogs lately (such as iHanna and The Knitted Blog). This phenomenon is called "zentangles". Sounds like a new form of rectangle...but it's pretty much a fancy name for a particular style of doodling that is supposed to double as a medetative act. It is described as a "relaxing method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns" ... a "process of simple deliberate strokes which build on each other in beautiful, mesmerizing and surprising ways" .

I think it's funny this website has given it a name and started to market it. They have "Zentangle Kit" they sell for $50 with special Zentangle "tiles". I love how the Knitted Blog put it..."Mine aren't true zentangles, to be 'zen' with your 'tangle' you need to use a black fine tip pen and 3.5 inch square white card and not the back of envelope while chatting on the phone."

Personally, I too am satisfied with a blank page and a pen. The idea that this is a "new" thing amuses me greatly. I've been doing it for at least a few years now. The pages of my journals are littered with what could be considered "zentangles". I do it when I'm bored (I usually reference one I did during a Union Meeting that I actually entitled "Bored Union Meeting Doodles"), but it doubles as a way to help me focus while sitting and listening, like during a meeting at work or during church. Sometimes they have linear style, but most of the time I have a more tribal looking style.

Sorry, I don't have any of my more tribal-looking images scanned in. I'll try to include some of those in a later post.