stART at the Station 2010

{scott boilard, speaking to a short customer, about her favorite}

{the short customer liking handmade polymer bracelets, handmade millefiori beads by molly shattuck thomas}

{zentangle inspired bracelets by molly shattuck thomas, my pick for best of show}

{spencerian calligraphy pens of maria thomas, pendragon}

{peas on earth, by maria thomas, pendragon}

{a personal inspiration of mine, maria thomas making magic}

{worcester cartoonist, brian nelson with laurel}

{live statue, a very fun addition to stART}

stART at the Station :: Worcester :: 2010

Worcester loves art and handmade! The traffic in Union Station today was heavy, festive and vendors were selling out! That is a wonderful thing. For as long as stART has been hitting our streets and now our station, people come in numbers, and they are scooping up wonderful gifts of handmade goodness. We purchased two super sweet crocheted hats from Willows Loft, new to stART this year, with incredibly cute knits. Willows Loft hats are available on etsy if you click the link. I should have taken a pic. The short customer is also wearing a fun kitty hat we bought. I hope the vendor catches this so we can find your name. We love the hat and we are planning on wearing it to bed!

A wonderful surprise was finding world renowned calligrapher Maria Thomas with her daughter Molly Shattuck Thomas at stART. If you would like to see her incredible skill in action, calligraphy and zentangle fans alike will love this video, called Betweed. There are alot of Zentangle videos on youtube about 150 as of today, but this one is by Maria herself. She and Rick Roberts are the founders of Zentangle. {Listen to the pen in the very beginning.}

A very successful day for art in Worcester. Big ups to the stART crew for all you do. If you went to stART and made a purchase, please comment here and post what you bought and who created it!

Zentangle: Sharing some Zen

{images of simple zentangles OR inspired art like this by annika sylte via the zentangle blog}

Zentangle, to me means the art of repetitive pattern and self exploration (my words). Everytime I sit to do one, I have a great experience with myself! Zentangle was developed by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and is now making waves all over the world. For good reason, their presentation and personal connection with pen and paper, understanding the principals of meditation and relaxation, and their great knowledge of art, nature and architecture bring new patterns continuously. The simplicity is amazing. They teach you how to break down each one, so simply. Even the novice and the curious can sit for 15 minutes and emerge with a beautiful piece of art!

This post by Annika Sylte caught my eye on the Zentangle blog recently. She has taken her realistic art and intertwined the familiar patterns taught with Zentangle. You may see these patterns everywhere you go, once you start noticing them, it's kind of amazing ALL the details you start to see. Look at the facade of the buildings you pass, the details in old woodwork, the carved frames in your house, the honeycomb of a bee, the bark of a tree...the list goes on. Traveling is incredible once you start noticing all the old world motifs that you don't see in this "new" land we live in. Patterns and motifs have been around for centuries, Zentangle reminds us of our surroundings, and the beautiful things we are lucky enough to notice.

{yellena james via yellena.com}

{images by yellena james via ffffound}

I love Zentangle, so when I saw the work of Yellena James it really caught my eye. I love her palette and constant infusion of riotous color. Her drawings (top) are incredibly vibrant and her paintings (bottom two) have a more subdued and calm color.

Visit her site, yellena.com...and her Etsy shop for more scrumptous artwork. Nice discovery this morning. You should also check out her designs applied to Schoolhouse Electric lamps. They are incredible.

Zentangle blog is coming...shh

Stay tuned for the official Zentangle blog coming your way soon!

from the Zentangle site:

What is Zentangle?

Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. It increases focus and creativity. Zentangle provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being. Zentangle is enjoyed by a wide range of skills and ages and is used in many fields of interest.

We believe that life is an art form and that Zentangle is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life. Explore our web site and learn how you can use this wonderful and uplifting discovery.

To find out more and to stay on top of things, visit the official Zentangle website.

Zentangle is bringing many people, sometimes the most reluctant ones, some very inspirational experiences. Rick and Maria get hundreds of handwritten letters and emails of stories from people who's lives have been touched by Zentangle. Go to the newsletter and check out some of them!

In the meantime, get ready to share your own images and stories on the blog. If you have some blogworthy events or suggestions, please email rickandmaria@zentangle.com with "BLOG IDEA" in the subject.

Inspired by fashion and good friends...

{Meadham Kirchhoff Spring 2010 via descend into darkness}

Looking for some Cirque inspiration...a little pinot noir, Irish cheddar, honey from a friend's bees...when I should be catching some zzz's. I had an outstanding night last night at Maria Thomas and Rick Robert's house. They are the founders of Zentangle, and Rick is the keeper of bees. This art form and the message behind it is spreading virally around the world in record time. You should maybe check it out, as everyone who starts doing it, falls in love with time, space and their unknown creativity. Every single person is creative in some way. You just have to stop for a second, and TRY it.

From the Zentangle site:

Zentangle is simple to understand and easy to enjoy — even if you are convinced you are not an artist. With Zentangle, you can always explore new areas of experience and insight. Here are some theories which explain why Zentangle is not only easy and enjoyable, but also profound and uplifting. You Can Do Anything, One Stroke at a Time™...more

Oh, and by the way Rick Roberts, along with Scott Boilard, Derek Ring, Payal Kripalani, William Griffiths, Cynthia Woehrle will be at Cirque Du Noir on October 25th to celebrate art and contribute to the live art fusion all in support of the Worcester County Food Bank. Last year's fusion pieces raised about $1000 for the food bank. The silent auction was unbelievable. So many local artist donated pieces. They were spectacular!

Adoniram Sides, Scott Erb, Iris Chase, Erin Wolczik, Emily Quillen, Scott Boilard, Rick and Maria Thomas, Cindy Woehrle, Andreea Waters, Sue Donofrio, Laura Niemi, Scott Holloway, and others, friends of friends who so graciously contributed to the auction. The art was so outstanding. I was pretty overwhelmed looking at all of it before the night began.

Nothing is possible without great sponsors and even the press was excited...at the time of putting it all together, I had no idea that USTA NE was donating 2 tickets to the US OPEN! Pardon-a-me USTA for not having your name as huge as the MOON on that link...to be updated very soon.

Our venue was perfect. The staff at Bocado was in full Cirque spirit, dressing in all black and very creative attire. The food and the vibe brought the night full cirlce. I can't thank Niche Hospitality enough for bringing it like they did...and for being a leading sponsor this year. We are so happy we chose Bocado and look forward to another amazing night of black magic here in Worcester.

Oh, yeah, tix are available on eventbrite.

Zentangle benefits all...

{image via mickey and howard weitsen}

A heart-shaped box that Mickey Weitsen decorated with zentangle art (and hand made paper liner) for an upcoming benefit for St. Tammany Art Association and New Orleans Museum of Art.

This wonderful image was delivered to my inbox over the weekend while I was away, along with a very beautiful note from Mickey Weitsen in a separate email. Sometimes people have the most amazing ability to say just the right thing at just the right time, and Mickey did just that! This year I had the pleasure of meeting Mickey and Howard who traveled up from New Orleans to be part of a Zentangle seminar held in Whitinsville, MA. As I write this she is recovering from surgery, and I hope is feeling better every day.

The beautiful design on this heart box is called Zentangle. This amazing art form not only brings people together from all over the globe, but the founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas say it best: "We believe that life is an art form and that Zentangle is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life. Explore our web site and learn how you can use this wonderful and uplifting discovery."

For those who are artistic and for those who have always longed to be. Discover Zentangle and unlock all of the most unimaginable talent you have! Anyone can do it and have beautiful results. Mickey, this piece is beautiful and is sure to ignite some conversation at the auction! Congratulations.

Featuring the artwork of Jella Verelst

{image via Zentangle via Jella Verelst}

Zentangle inspired artwork by Jella Verelst, of Kalmthout, Belgium. Jella recently came to the US for the Zentangle certification seminar, where I saw many of her amazingly intricate designs. She is inspirational and an enthusiastic creative I was very fortunate to meet.

Now is a the perfect time to learn how to Zentangle. It provides relaxation and a complete satisfaction. Not too many things in this world give you that. I can promise you, Zentangle does. Once introduced, you will find yourself looking for 15 minutes to complete one.

Inspired from the other side of the world

Maria Thomas, Jella Verelst of Belgium, and Rick Roberts. Jella's designs were so intricate and elaborate and just blew everyone away. It was amazing for me to see how creatively different everyone was while using the same tools and direction. The inspiration to be different and unique was so exemplified and perfectly enhanced by the work of all the guests at the seminar.

Fina Man came all the way from Hong Kong. Her trip was only 4 days long and she traveled over 20 hours to be with us in Whitinsville. I wish she could have stayed longer and visited a bit.
Next time Fina!

Personally tangled name tags of each guest. Maria calligraphed our names on the other side.

Maria's shoes that weren't spiffy enough...until tangled!

A mosaic of inspiration

Personally, I love henna designs. Every summer I sport some henna, always being a little too afraid to get a real tattoo. I just can't settle for one design to be on my body forever. I have always wanted one, but can't lock it down. Henna and all these great patterns I have learned will be a great bonus when the summer is finally here. Below are mehndi hands, traditionally used for brides that I ffffound. They are actually from a travel website and if you look carefully you can see points of interest imbeded into the designs! Such a creative advertisement.

{images of mehndi via ffffound}

Improve your memory

Yesterday, an article was written in Science Daily about a study published in Applied Cognitive Psychology. Subjects who "doodle" had a 29% higher recall of things that were happening while drawing. (Other articles about the study in Wired, BBC News, Discover Magazine) "Doodling" is fine for some, but to fully enhance and increase retention even more...

Imagine if you did a Zentangle and fully committed yourself to the meditative state by learning more about the technique of mindfulness and endless possibilities?

One of the benefits listed at Zentangle.com:

Deliberate Focus

Just as you make a deliberate pen stroke on your Zentangle, that very act of putting your pen to paper focuses your attention in a way similar to meditation or being "in the zone." As your eye follows your pen strokes your attention shifts to a state that allows fresh thoughts, new perspectives, and creative insights to flow unhindered by anxiety or effort.

(for more information, see here)

If you are in the Central Massachusetts area and would like to learn more about
Zentangle Workshops
for your business, school, personal enjoyment, retirement home...
(the possibilities are endless)

you can contact me directly at
mlhiggs2 AT yahoo.com

A few more pix...

Some of the original creations that Zentangle has inspired.
(if anyone reading knows who's they are, please let me know!)

The designs of our new friend Mickey Weitsen, a calligrapher and potter from Covington, Louisiana right outside of New Orleans. I had the wonderful pleasure of having lunch with her and her husband Howard, an award winning artist...come to find out, someone else was being modest! They commented like many people there that it was the best seminar/workshop they had ever attended. No surprise! Rick and Maria planned everything down to the very last detail.

Fina Mann, who came all the way from Hong Kong, a 20 hour flight--- to be at the Zentangle seminar.


Scott Boilard's designs were so amazing. He blew everyone away and created a bunch of original patterns. Mickey and Nancy take a look at the break. Maria asked him to personally demonstrate one of his favs. My fear of public speaking kept me in my seat. UGH. I am such a chicken. I had alot to share and must get over this!

On Fire...

Let me say, I left the Zentangle seminar on fire and so energized to not only learn the art from Rick and Maria personally, and get the whole scoop...but my creative energy was through the roof. I am still reeling.

(image above of me and Kim depicts exactly how I feel! photo by Andreea)

Now I see patterns in everything and can't wait to repeat them on paper. It's not just seeing them, it's knowing I am aware and open to seeing them. Mindful wonders.

(image above of grapes from the Murfatlar Vineyard in Romania, taken by moi)

(image via ffffound)

(more patterns above and this cool packaging via fffffound)

...on fire!

An Unbelievable Day

Sparing no detail, Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts put together an incredible evening reception at their home the night before our first day. There is a fine art to hosting and treating guests to moments of open candor and unforgettable magic. This is the stuff of life. This is living in the moments, in a world out of the box while being aware of every single second. This is what Zentangle teaches, "One Stroke at a Time". This is the very essence of who, what and how the art of Zentangle was concieved. You see, not only have I been inspired by Zentangle, but I am a huge fan of this dynamic duo, since working on The Folios of M. Thomas a few years ago, and a stationery album released in 2008 called Escargot, both for Checkerboard.

a collection of tiles by Scott Boilard...(amazing)

a mosaic of all participant's tiles after the first segment of the presentation

Today I headed out to Whitinsville, Massachusetts to attend the Zentangle Certification Seminar. Among a group of 50 really cool and diverse attendees, the day got started off with a bang. I was late (of course) and the group unanimously encouraged me to climb under a table to get to my closed off seat. People were laughing, Maria and Rick began the "encouragement" and it just got better from there.

When you are in the presence of these originators of Zentangle, you are truly in for a treat. Not like a scoop of vanilla after dinner or an amuse bouche to start, but a full on, blow your mind taste of the universe. Not only are they down to earth and witty as hell...BUT they are the most original, nonconformist, uninhibited duo to "tangle" with! Telling creative stories about the origins of concepts and the consumption of wine during brainstorming sessions is only one facet of their ying/yang style. The two of them are as connected and electric as two people can get. To watch them present is a joy in itself. Ultimately, there is the content of the Zentangle seminar too. From basic design techniques to the philosophical and meditative values, Zentangle is worth trying. It's like a sip of fine Rioja, a taste of the Belgian chocolate, an outerbody experience. Umm...the minutes following really good sex.

You get the picture. The best part is anyone can do it. Anyone can create a work of art in 15 minutes. Oh, I can't wait for tomorrow.

Let me tell you, I must have been transformed and reconnected with the cooking universe while tangling with my zen. I made the most insane eggplant parm for dinner tonight...fresh basil and parsley with chopped garlic and lemon zest. Ooh, and a bit of the juice squeezed over the first layer of roasted melanzane. You should have been here! The wine was pretty fantastic too. Thank you Payal for the decadent bottle of Cote du Rhone. I may have to have another sippy.

You live this life once.
enjoy dinner.
enjoy the laughter.
enjoy the pleasure of your 16 year old daughter doing those dishes.

***
(Don't forget.)

A Creative Evening

Scott Boilard and I sat around the dining room table tonight and zentangled, with wine of course. It's Monday, so why not. Tomorrow is the evening reception for the seminar and we are gearing up to have some cool stuff to bring with us. Bottom line...Scott's are much better than mine. He is the sketch master from another universe, so maybe I should go easy on myself. He can draw anything from memory with the finest detail known to humans. He is not real. His zentangles were a little more of the prolific and extraordinary talent with microns and profound vision that is Scott Boilard. Am I jealous, no, there is no way you can compete with this guy...unless you are DaVinci himself.

While we were "tangled" in the moment, Vladutz the photog was taking some pix. It's funny. I knew he was taking pictures, but I was lost, and didn't realize how long or how many he took. I was somewhere else. Scott and I had spotty conversation...we were just in the moment, enjoying a sip of wine and exchanging thoughts about the Oscar winners. BTW, He highly recommended Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight, and trust me if Scott recommends a movie, he knows. This is his other talent.

(see previous post on ZENTANGLE info)

Zentangle

two of my zentangles

In two days I will be heading to a Zentangle certification seminar in Whitinsville, hosted by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. The trend has been spreading around the globe and I am sure the seminar will be packed with cool and interesting people. I can't wait. If you google "zentangle" you would be amazed at the spread of this "culture" from blogs to flickr to yahoo groups.

Recently Rick and Maria at Zentangle were asked to collaborate with The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) for a very unique project. The coalition awards Medals of Honor to recognize special people who have had a lasting impact on their own communities, our nation, and our world. Each medal winner was asked to do a Zentangle and the images were then represented on the poster.

"Leaders in art, science, law, national defense, education, philanthropy, industry, sports, medicine, and government drew these Zentangles. Who did which one? A U.S. Senator? An Olympic gold-medalist? A retired judge? Maybe a six-year-old daughter of a well-known philanthropist? The owner of a major sports team? Where is he from? What language does she speak? Without knowing, we can still appreciate this marvelous mosaic as we simultaneously honor each tile's individual and unique contribution."--from zentangle.com

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Rick and Maria on various stationery and invitation projects. They are two of the most dynamic and creative people I know, always full of creative energy and excitement. Visit their site and check out the exciting and relaxing movement that is Zentangle.