Thinking Of Oneself As An Artist
While I wouldn’t consider myself an expert, my time spent learning, practicing, and teaching the Zentangle Method has helped me cultivate both an appreciation for this art form and a deeper understanding of myself.
The Zentangle Method is described as “an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.”
In 2012, while searching for some form of artistic expression, I came across an article about a new type of mindful art: Zentangle. It was supposed to be easy to learn, meditative, and you could end up with something that could land on the fridge. They had me with “Zen” and the possibility of creating something I would be proud of. I bought a starter’s kit and a book off of Amazon, and you could say that was it.
Little did I know that those humble tools—an ink pen, a pencil, and a paper tile—would play a significant role in my life. I have been through two Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) trainings. The first training was so much like a retreat that I wanted to repeat the experience, and I wouldn’t be surprised to complete it again. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of teaching dozens of students the joy and benefits of this art form, both in fostering creativity and promoting mindfulness. Additionally, I have produced hundreds of my own pieces of art.
But it’s not just the enjoyment and fulfillment derived from this hobby that has impacted me. Through my practice of the Zentangle Method, I have come to realize that being an artist is not solely defined by technical drawing abilities. Instead, being an artist requires intentionally making time and space for creative endeavors, prioritizing them, and channeling one’s energy into bringing visions to life.
In embracing this definition, I have finally come to think of myself as an artist. While I still can’t draw, I can pursue the beauty and simplicity of structured patterns—I am an artist.
The act of creating art is as much about intention, mindset, and making space for imagination as it is about talent. It is about channeling creative energy purposefully.
This opened my eyes to how we can all be “artists” of our own lives. Just as an artist must be intentional, prioritize their craft, and create space for inspiration, we must do the same to shape our lives meaningfully. We must carve out time for self-reflection, clarify our goals and dreams, and channel our energy and focus into making them a reality. In doing so, we become the “artist” of our own life.
Being an “artist of your life” means approaching each day as a blank canvas on which to manifest your highest vision of who you are and how you want to live. It means being creative and trusting your intuition even when the path forward seems unsure.
Just as I found fulfillment in exploring patterns and shapes through Zentangle, we can find fulfillment in thoughtfully crafting each element of our lives. In this sense, we are all artists creating our own masterpieces.