Hi and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog. 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 Magnified Fragment B5 using Zentwining 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
We’re currently about 80% of the way through Part 1 of the project, starting the F Fragments a week ago. 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 Expressive’s have created in the project so far. It’s absolutely amazing!!
What is Fragment B5 using Zentwining as an Enhancer?
Here is a close up of Fragment B5 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.
Zentwining is an enhancer originally developed by Lynn Mead (@a_tanglers_mind). It’s where you add ribbons or vines in a cross-crossing fashion across another tangle element.
The result is a tangle element that appears as if it’s wrapped in layers and layers of ribbons or vines or ropes etc.
What does it mean in terms of my artistic work as a whole?
I have used zentwining before and I adore the technique… but if I’m honest, this fragment was not the one we should have used to explore it.
At this stage of the project, B5 is my least favourite fragment. I struggled with it, and I know it’s not the actual technique I struggled with.
I struggled with using the technique on a shape I would never choose normally. And I think it’s evident in the tile.
In my work as a whole, does this bother me? No, not really. This is a record, or proof, that we have good days and bad days creatively, but nothing is ever lost. I may not like the tile, but I’ve learned HEAPS from it.
How can you take this idea and be more Expressive?
We tend to have biases or preferences for things we like. We’re drawn to them. These bias serve us well in so many ways. I think of my hubby as a great example of this.
But just as we’re drawn to what we like, we tend to move away from what we dislike. It can be like this with our tangling and what we create.
When was the last time you displayed the tile you really didn’t like for all to see at home? Not many of us have. But I think it would serve us well if we began to.
I challenge you this week to dig out that tile you have a problem with and put it out on display for all to see! After a month or so, I want you to ask yourself what you’ve gained from it. How has it spoken to you? Have you learned from it?
I feel certain in saying you will, and the learnings will be good for you creatively.
The Factual Bits
The materials used in Magnified Fragment B5 using Zentwining as an Enhancer
- Traditional Zentangle Tile
- Uniball Signo Gel pens in Bkack and White
- Grey Copic Markers in W5 and W7
- Derwent Inktense Pencils
- Prismacolor Premier Coloured Pencils
- Distress Ink
How big is Fragment B5 using Zentwining as an Enhancer?
It is 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches square.
Want to be more Expressive?
Come and Zentangle and Journal with me!
When you sign up to the Expressive’s List you will receive an email each month that’s full of creatively inspiring stories and ideas. You’ll also receive a month’s worth of tangle and journal prompts that are designed to kickstart your creative expression.
I can help you to express yourself creatively if you’ve never really tried it before. Fill in your details below to sign up.
Until next time, listen to your heart and sharpen your coloured pencils. A masterpiece awaits!
Bless you my friend
Chrissie xx
