Zentangle is a meditative art form. You can read more about it here.
This week, the Zentangle Diva, Laura Harms, challenged us to do a diptych. A dip-what? (I’m having trouble with words today. I don’t know what “covfefe” means either.)
Actually, my brain managed to resurrect memories from my university Art History 101 course. The class was at 8:00 a.m., during my senior year in 1974, and they turned off the lights to show us slides. Despite a certain somnolence, I think I remember seeing slides of 13th century ecclesiastical diptychs (and triptychs even) from Romanesque churches.
Fortunately, Laura explained that a diptych is two mirrored panels joined with a hinge. My first attempt didn’t capture the hinge idea very well:
Paradox, Sand Swirl & can anyone help me remember the name of the third tangle? The border is my tangle, Phirst. Done on folded 5 inch x 8 inch card stock.
I kind of liked the composition, but it didn’t seem very diptychy because it lacks a proper hinge. I didn’t want to become “unhinged” (groan) about my failure, so I got out some scissors, and resourcefully (IMHO) rearranged the elements from my first try. I think my second effort is a proper diptych.
I added gems and a gold and silver background reminiscent of some of the restored diptychs I’ve seen in museums. (Hmm. I think this I photographed it upside down).
In other news, Dino (the dog) and I have been hanging out at our beach house in Brigantine, New Jersey this week. It has been a good time for indoor projects because when it isn’t actually raining, it has been rather foggy. I don’t really mind a few days of this weather because I think the fog lends a certain haunting beauty to the beach.
A foggy day on Brigantine Beach at the Absecon inlet.
And when the fog finally lifted, there was this after the sunset:
Finally, in other news, I have agreed to become the travel editor for Midlife Boulevard, a lifestyle website aimed at women of a certain age. If you fancy yourself a travel writer (or a travel writer wannabe), my contact information and submission guidelines are in the link. Otherwise, just stop by to say “hello”–even if you’re not a woman and not of a certain age.
Zentangle and travel writing might seem an unlikely combination, but it’s wonderful to be able to whip out my tangling supplies during airport delays and layovers. As the other passengers despair, I go to my tangling happy place.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Super, super Dyptychs! Love how you converted your idea – so inventive. And you certainly have some wonderful scenery for capturing amazing photos. Axxx
I suspect that it is typical of you to keep on keeping on until it meets your high expectations. This is lovely. The first attempt is pretty fabulous but the final result is gorgeous. I missed the hinge idea altogether on mine! I was so impressed with my double mirror idea that I totally forgot. Congrats on your new role, you will love it and I shall enjoy reading it all.
I love the second version. The hinge is wonderful, as are the gem additions. Looking forward to reading more about your travels and the beach pictures are beautiful, both the fog and the sunset.
I love now you “created” this tile!… from original start to it’s bedazzled ending! I think its fantastic! I enjoyed following the links and reading Dino’s story! This week while at the dentist… i drew a virtual tile in my mind…. it sure helped while getting a crown replaced! 🙂
I missed the actual hinge part too. I guess I should really read more carefully. What a difference between the two pieces. Love those added gems too. Nice to see photos of the Jersey shore with the fog. Those were beautiful days too. It’s hard to “mess up” the shore.
Love your creative retiring the hinge!
haha! no upside down. it’s beautiful. I really like the first one the most. it seems very oriental and I am drawn to that. lovely work. I want to check out the rest of your blog now 🙂
Hi Suzanne! I love both ways that you did this challenge. I love the first one and would have framed that and hung it on the wall. But then when you rearranged things and added the hinge, everything just popped. Beautifully done. As far as photographing it upside down…don’t tell anyone and they won’t know because it looks gorgeous! Congrats on the new job!
Congratulations on your new job! I always enjoy reading your posts, seeing your tangles and vacation photos. This post is no exception! I look forward to seeing more of Midlife Boulevard. (Great interview, BTW!