Hi and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog. Lately I have been deliberately trying to learn new techniques and ways of doing things. On Saturday 7 May, I purchased Zen Linea’s Tangled Abstracts Class and it was fantastic. I thought I’d share a post to capture my last few weeks playing with this technique. So let’s get into it.
What are Tangled Abstracts?
Tangled Abstracts is a technique that is deconstructed and developed by Anica Gabrovec, CZT (aka Zen Linea). A few years ago I did an Artist Interview with Anica. If you’d like to read it and learn more about Anica as an artist, just click here.
Anica describes Tangled Abstracts as a practice where you “Combine abstract art elements with tangles to create wonderful Zentangle inspired artwork.”
An on demand class is available at Anica’s website. This is the class I took. Just head here if you’d like to learn more and purchase the class for yourself. I highly recommend it.
Why Tangled Abstracts?
Lately I have been feeling like I am “stuck” creatively. I feel as though I’m stuck in my style and I don’t know what to do about it.
I shared about it on Facebook and there was such an incredible supply of wisdom from my tangly artist friends. I’m just so grateful
One of the things I felt confirmed by the conversation we had, was a desire to learn again. A few years ago I was in Eni Oken’s Art Club, and it was fantastic for learning new techniques and method. This is what I feel like I’ve been lacking and it’s why I purchased Zen Linea’s class.
What has it done for me?
I love how Anica has been able to open me up to a new perspective and way of thinking artistically.
The method she teaches is not something that comes naturally to me. I really have to concentrate when I work on a Tangled Abstracts tile. I feel like I need both sides of my brain to unite to tangle!
And this is exactly what I needed! I needed this challenge. I needed to be pushed. This change of perspective and technique has been good for me.
My Tangled Abstracts since…
Since the class, I’ve had a play with another two tiles. The second one I did, I adore! It’s probably one of my favourite tiles now.
My most recent tile though, the hexagonal Tangled Abstract, isn’t. It didn’t gel like the other two (maybe my brain didn’t unite like I needed it to lol!). As Anica says though “it’s only paper”, so I’ll try again next time.
Thanks to Anica, Tangled Abstracts is a technique I’m intrigued with and one I’ll continue to explore and play with for a long time to come.
How can you take this idea and be more Expressive?
When I say I was feeling stuck, I meant it. I feel like I’d hit a wall in the ways I know how to express.
Deep down I think I knew I needed to concentrate on learning new techniques and methods for a while. This is what I sensed I needed… but there’s always doubt that’s lurking. It tries to convince you it’s something else causing your woes….
Have you been here? Feeling like you’re stuck and don’t know what to do next? Can I suggest you reach out and start learning.
Explore techniques that you thought you’d never do. Explore techniques you’ve always loved, but have never tried. Take classes. Read books. Absorb, absorb and absorb some more.
This is where I’m at, and I’m starting to see things change. It’s a lot of work and it’s uncomfortable. But developing a new perspective is never easy. Change is never easy.
Thankfully though, we have each other and a tangly community that supports us on this journey. A journey taken with others is always better.
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 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
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