My Katie Crommett Simplicity Challenge Entry

Katie Crommett Simplicity Challenge Entry, Pen, Colored Pencil © Diane Clancy

Katie Crommett Simplicity: Ojo, Thing in the Middle of a Thing

Katie Crommett Simplicity Challenge

Each week the Diva puts out a challenge for folks to make their representation of her idea. Over the summer the Diva has guest bloggers to spend more time with her family. This week is the Weekly Challenge #226: “Katie Crommett Simplicity”. So here is what Katie Crommett says this week “The art of simplicity (or, “you are enough.”) It’s said that we will teach what we ourselves need to learn. With this in mind, I bring to you the topic of simplicity. Simplifying life seems to be everywhere I look. Real Simple magazine. The “tiny house” movement. Oodles of Pinterest boards with organization tips. 

Yet with overflowing sources of inspiration to simplify, declutter and let go, I’m often faced with the feeling of lack. As I click through online tips for organization, I think “OMG, I need XYZ before I can truly live simply.” In the end, the overarching feeling of being or having “enough” aches. “Simplification” becomes overwhelming.

As in life, so on the tile. I sometimes find myself drawn to “overdoing” in creating my tiles. I want to fill every blank space. I cram intricate tangles into small spaces.  Though I accept that part of this is my style in my Zentangle practice as well as my art, there’s a learning for me (and maybe some of you, too!). So my challenge this week is to play with the art of simplicity.

When you practice the art of simplicity, there is a consciousness to every moment. In the practice of Zentangle, there is an intention to every stroke. (Ah! See those similarities!) Your first step is to breathe. Reconnect to the vital activity we do all day, keeping us alive, whether or not we’re aware of it. Place your hands on your paper or tile and take a minute or two with your eyes closed. (Really — go ahead and close them. I’ll still be here when you open them.)

Now that your eyes are open, I’m going to give you simple directions/tips for the challenge, but take this where you feel you want to go. Keep your tangling space manageable. If you don’t have an official Zentangle tile, you can cut a piece of paper into 3.5″ x 3.5.”  Pick two or three tangles, at the maximum. After you draw each tangle, be conscious of when you’ve reached your point of “enoughness.” White space is your friend. Or, even, it’s more than a friend. And that’s it. Simple.” So this is a little Simplicity ZIA (Zentangle Inspired Art).

Zentangle Enticed Me

Zentangle has become popular the last several years and I have been intrigued and putting my attention to it. The roofer has almost finished and he is fabulous!! We are now working with a contractor who I think is also going to be fabulous!! He might be starting tomorrow.  Please wish me luck staying in the flow!!! 🙂 🙂 Thank you to everyone who made comments on my posts these last weeks. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Which Tangle is Which?

Ojo is the caterpillar that is dancing through Simplicity.  Thing in the Middle of a Thing is the 2 sets of triangles with 2 lines poking out.  There are 6 of them  🙂 There you have it!! 🙂

Diane & Carolien’s Weekly Zentangle Challenge

My friend Carolien and myself felt the need for having an extra Zentangle Challenge each week. Come join us in the fun!! Details at Diane & Carolien’s Weekly Zentangle Challenge.

My Studio and Thank You!

I am organizing my studio again to be able to work and a table has tons of stuff dumped on it – and more stuff is dumped in there from the holidays!! (My studio always gets filled up when there are projects in the house that need a place to dump a bunch of stuff for awhile!! NOW with all the repair work to come, there will be more dumping!! LOL!!) But even my studio got damaged 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!! I LOVE comments!! Thank you!! ~ Diane Clancy

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