Hi and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog where I’m always exploring. As we make our way through the Magnified Fragments Project, I have been trying to share about each fragment in a blog post. Today we are looking back at Fragment B1 using Weighting as an enhancer. Let’s get into it and I’ll fill you in on all you need to know.
The Expressive Bits
What is the Magnified Fragments Project and where can I find out more about it?
Well in short, it’s the biggest zentangle project I have ever undertaken! There is greater detail about the project and what’s involved in the very first blog post for the project – Magnified Fragment A1 using Echo Lines as an Enhancer
Most importantly though, you are still welcome to join us – you can join in and follow along using the hashtag #MagnifiedFragments at any time.
If you’d still like to learn more, check out our Magnified Fragments Gallery! It’s full of all the fragments that everyone has created in the project so far. It’s absolutely amazing!!
What is Fragment B1 using Weighting as an Enhancer?
Here is a close up of Fragment B1 that is featured in the Zentangle Collection of Reticula and Fragments book by Zentangle founders, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
I have created a tile using this fragment as my string. In doing so, I effectively magnified it.
Weighting was the enhancer for this tile. Weighting is a simple technique. It’s where you add extra emphasis (or weight) to a line, so the form of your line is varied.
I chose the following tangles for Fragment B1 using Weighting as an enhancer:
- Marasu by Zentangle.
- A variation of Bilt by Lisa Skeen
What does it mean in terms of my artistic work as a whole?
One of the things I wanted to explore with this project was techniques and enhancers that I hadn’t tried before. Zenbossing has been new to me, and although I wasn’t pleased with my first attempt, I’m so glad I tried it.
Structure, straight lines and rigidity isn’t something I’ve pursued much either, and I wanted to explore it here. I don’t really like the results, but I’m pleased I finished the tile.
These things add to my work. They add to my overall development as an artist. This project was always going to be significant, just because of what I was setting out to do. But I want it to be more than that.
I want it to be the opportunities I never take. I want it to be the techniques I never explore. I want it to be the things I never do. I want this project to grow me as an artist.
How can you take this idea and be more Expressive?
Are you intentional with yourself? Do you set yourself tasks and goals to explore things…. Regardless.
For years, I couldn’t never really understand artists who would say creating is all about the process. I’d be like, “aaaah, no, creating is about what you produce…”
But with experience comes wisdom, and now I can say I agree. Yes, creating is ALL about the process. I’ve learned that the key is the “regardless” bit.
Whether it’s intentional or not, what we create, what we explore and what we discover has to be brought to a finish…. Regardless. It’s ALL about the process. What is learned on the journey is what matters.
I have created more work I dislike over the last year than I have ever in my life…. But man-o-man, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have learned so much, and it grows me as an artist.
So where do you stand on the regardless bit? What are you committed to creating regardless? I’m keen to hear your thoughts on this, so leave me a comment down below.
The Factual Bits
The materials used for Fragment B1 using weighting as an Enhancer
- Traditional Zentangle Tile
- Uniball Signo Gel pens in Black and White
- Kaisercraft Glitter Gel Pen in Brown
- Grey Copic Markers in W4, W5 and W7
- Prismacolor Premier Coloured Pencils
- Distress Ink Markers in varying colours
How big is Fragment B1 using Weighting as an Enhancer?
It is 4 inches x 4 inches square.
Before you go….
Thank you for spending a little time with me today.
If you’d like to keep exploring together, I’d love to welcome you to Always Exploring.
It’s my occasional letter from the studio, where I share new artwork, creative adventures, behind-the-scenes moments, and the little discoveries that make me smile. Every now and then, you’ll even get a peek at what I’m working on before it’s shared anywhere else.
The kettle’s usually on.
The Milo certainly is.
And there’s always room for one more around the studio table.
🌿 Save Yourself a Seat at the Studio Table
Until my next blog post, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” Ephesians 4:1.
In peace always
