New Zentangle

This Zentangle was done differently than the others I have done. Usually I draw a string (which is basically several lines and curves that form the basis of the Zentangle). In the case of this Zentangle, I just started making tangles (that's what the repeated shapes and lines used to fill in are called) on the blank card.

I like the result and was interested to discover that my initials were formed in the Zentangle itself. Can you find my V - L - M? Because of my intials, I decided to call this Zentangle "VLM-tangle."

--Vicky :o)

"VLM-tangle"
Zentangle done with ink on cardstock
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione

Zentangle ®
www.zentangle.com

Old and New Art--it's not called Doodling any more!

I discovered the other day that what I have been calling "doodling" is not always that. Sometimes I am using strings and tangles to create what are technically called Zentangles. I have such a challenge with being absolutely correct about copyright issues that I wanted to be sure to set the record straight!

Here are two of my newest Zentangles.

I don't really have a title for the one on the left (anyone have any ideas?), but the one on the right is called "Spring Morn."

If you purchase a kit, you will receive everything you need to make your own Zentangles, including the square tiles (cards) on which Zentangles are created. Currently, I am not using tiles but 3.3 x 5.2 cards that I bought a couple years ago at a craft store in Montréal.

The Zentangle® company was started by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and they have a specific method for creating a Zentangle. You can find out lots about them, their method, things you can buy, and Zentangle® on their website http://www.zentangle.com/.

And now, the record is straight ---->! ;o)

--Vicky :o)

Original Zentangles
Ink on card stock
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione

Zentangle ®
www.zentangle.com

Finding Treasure in 2010

An astrologer I know recommended making a Treasure Map for 2010 during the Aries new moon that occurred on April 14, 2010 at 8:29 a.m. She said to prepare for making the collage by getting magazines ready but not to do any cutting or gluing until after the new moon, then to use the next 24 hours to make your treasure map to your Soul's desire.

Because I am big on following rules (limits) exactly (something I really need to work on this year), I got everything ready the night before and got up at 5:07 a.m. on April 15 and started. Now, I didn't quite finish the map precisely at 8:29 a.m. (more like 9:29 a.m.) but I did finish the bulk of it by the deadline. I have posted it here for your perusal and enjoyment. :o)

An interesting thing happened on the way to making this collage. When I awoke on April 15, I was already thinking about the collage. It was during that brief reverie that I actually thought of putting my Treasure Map on a map. So the background is an very used street map of Montréal.

I hung my Treasure Map on the wall over my collage table. I love looking at it and considering what the elements and words might mean for each day and the year. It is the largest collage I have ever made (22 x 28 inches)! The astrologer who recommended this exercise told me later in the day that the reason my collage is so large stems from the fact that the new moon that inspired it is having and will have a "big" effect on my life.

Now isn't that encouraging?!

--Vicky :o)

"Inspired Difference, 2010"
New Moon Treasure Map Collage
Paper cutouts on posterboard
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione

Life is Blooming...

Under the Sea

A new mandala that makes me think of
the plants that exist, flow, and grow
in ever moving ocean waters.

And, isn't this the way we live
in The Universe, too?
The Universe is constantly moving,
rotating, and revolving
and we find Life in this
constant motion.

I am reminded of a verse found in the Bible:

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being;"
Acts 17:28

Happy Easter!
Happy Spring!

--Vicky Lynn =:o)

"Life is Blooming Under the Sea" Mandala
Ink (markers) on paper
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione

Who or What Is Too Small for You?

...anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive

is too small for you.

--David Whyte

This collage is one of a series I am calling "Inspiration for the Journey." Each collage is a blend of painting, collage elements, and a phrase or quote. I chose the background colors to represent a chakra center. While this one uses green to represent the heart chakra, it also is special in that all 7 of the chakras are represented by color. You can see two other members of the series on my blog here and here. Eventually I will be making cards of each of the 5 collages.

I discovered this quote while looking at a blog. An artist had included David Whyte's poem "Sweet Darkness" from his book House of Belonging. The quote on the collage is the final three lines of the poem. When I read those lines, they grabbed me and showed me my own power and greatness (and not in an egotistical way). When I read those lines, I thought of how often I allow others (even those I love) to determine and diminish who I am and what I offer because I am swayed by their opinions! I also thought about how my heart feels when I embrace opinions or situations that are "too small" for me; it feels tight and constricted!

When I think about the quote, I often substitute the word "grow" for the word "bring" in the second line. If someone or something is not growing me alive, why would I waste my time being upset or concerned about their opinions or thoughts about me or my work? Why would I continue to engage in behaviors or thoughts that stunt my growth?

As you finish reading this post, take a moment and consider the question posed as the title of this post: Who or what is too small for you?

--Vicky Lynn :o)

"A Heart Grows Alive"
Mixed media collage
Copyright © 2010 by Vicky Lynn Macchione