The American Art Therapy Association characterizes art therapy as an approach to mental health that utilizes the process of creating art to improve mental, physical, and emotional wellness through a sense of mindfulness. The goal of art therapy is to utilize the creative process to help people explore self-expression through mindfulness and, in doing so, find new ways to gain personal insight and develop new coping skills. Techniques used in art therapy can include drawing, painting, coloring, sculpting, or collage. No art skills needed to benefit! Please take a moment to watch this brief, yet important message about mindfulness.
Watch Video then proceed to STEP 2.
One of the more popular exercises in the roll of art therapy is through the creation of Zentangles (structured patterns). Zentangles are miniature pieces of unplanned, abstract, black and white art created through a collection of simple, structured patterns called tangles. Zentangles are not only exquisitely beautiful, they are fun and relaxing to create.
The process of creating a Zentangle is a form of “artistic meditation” as one becomes completely engrossed in making each pattern, deliberately focusing on “one stroke at a time”. In fact, Zentangles got their name from the word "Zen" because of the relaxing and meditative feeling experienced when creating them. The creativity options and pattern combinations are endless and anyone can do it!
Watch video then proceed to STEP 3.
~As you create your Zentangles, notice the sounds the sharpie makes on the paper as you draw.
~Listen to some relaxing "zen" or "chill" music, or whatever music/sounds helps you relax.
~Surrounding yourself with sounds you find relaxing can also help with concentration and "being in the moment".
Improve your mental health through doodling!
Try it!
Zentangles are wonderful ways to create beautiful works of art while improving our MINDFULNESS (positive mental health)...all at the same time! All you need is a piece of paper and a permanent black marker. Remember: there are no mistakes with Zentangles, only new opportunities. Provided, are some video demonstrations as well as some printable Zentangle worksheets to help you build your own Zentangle design. For starters, find one of the four TIERed options below that best suits your interests and give it a try. Have fun!
TIER 1 = Beginner TIER 2 = Skilled TIER 3 = Advanced TIER 4 = Expert
(Choose the TIER that best suits YOU!)
*Proceed to STEP 4.
For more information on Zentangles, check out this website:
Neurography is a meditative drawing process that combines art and psychology. This technique is believed to connect your conscious and subconscious mind and create new neural pathways in the brain. This method was created by a Russian psychologist named Pavel Piskarov in 2014. This is a great way to reduce stress and another method to practice mindfulness. Check out this video to learn about the process of Neurographic Art.
BELOW ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW YOU CAN USE NEUROGRAPHIC ART IN DIFFERENT WAYS.
YOU ARE NOT LIMITED TO THESE IDEAS, AS ALWAYS BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN!
Add zentangles to your Neurographic Art
Create emphasis with color
Add Words or Quotes to your Neurographic Art
Add representational images to your Neurographic Art
Reflection is an important part of the art process. Reflection is when an artist thinks back upon his/her artwork and wonders about ways the art could be made better next time it is made, or what things were learned through the art process. To finalize this assignment, fill out an ART REFLECTION SHEET and add it, along with your Zentangle Design, to your FINAL PORTFOLIO.