Charlann Walker - The Village Common of RI

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Village Voices is the showcase of creativity by the members and volunteers of The Village Common of Rhode Island. We welcome submissions in all media: 2- and 3-dimensional art, creative writing, transformative ideas, crafting, and art collections. As important is the personal stories that accompany each submission.

See the guidelines for submission.

Charlann Walker

Charlann Walker

Charlann Walker and The Art of Zentangle

I am a Certified Zentangle Teacher and have been involved with this art form for 8 years. I have taught many people of all backgrounds and ages, including some members of the Edgewood Village.

The Zentangle Method, enjoyed all over the world, is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images.

Engaging with Zentangle increases focus and creativity It provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well-being. It is meditative: a simple and quick guide toward mindfulness. it is portable, creative, fun, relaxing, and perfect for all.

“Oh, I cannot do any art.” That’s what they all say. And then, when they’ve finished a piece, they all say, “Oh, this is so beautiful. l did this all myself.”

With the Zentangle Method, anyone can create beautiful images with their repetitive patterns. And even though there are a specified series of steps, it is unencumbered by dogma. It is sufficiently structured so one can enjoy an activity that otherwise might be considered whimsical. It results in a creative expression that transcends its own rules.

Creating Zentangle art provides a lighthearted way to shift one’s focus and perspective. A Zentangle teacher will encourage you to not have a preconceived idea of your final result. Following this somewhat unusual approach, your creation is not restricted by your expectations — nor by a high cost likely with other art media.

Everything you need to create beautiful Zentangle art can fit in your pocket. Our ten-dollar Zentangle Kit is elegantly designed, crafted, and presented. If you are going to do something, then let’s do it with the best paper and pens available. This ensures that your Zentangle creation will be a respected and treasured work of art.

Creating designs, manipulating symbols, and putting pen to paper is part of our human heritage. In a time of keyboards, computer mice, and cell phones, Zentangle returns us to that fundamentally human behavior of manipulating symbols and putting marks on paper. The simple strokes that are part of the Zentangle Method automatically engage you in the comfortable familiarity of timeless, basic creativity.

The Zentangle Method can be a wonderful daily ritual. It is an empowering and uplifting experience in which you can deliberately relax and intentionally direct your attention while creating beautiful works of art.

I am a new member of the Edgewood Village for which I held a Zentangle class in October, 2022.

Michael Moore, Barbara Schermack, Bootsie Cleasby, student organizer Olivia Wiedele, Instructor Charlann Walker, Murielle Adadevoh, Suzanne Bornstein, Sharon Gendron-Petroff, Martha Cussler, event organizer Susan Shapiro, Carol Shelton, Sorrel Devine.

Photo by Barbara Schermack.

Zentangle works by members of the Edgewood Village and friends. Photo by Barbara Schermack.

For any other village, I would be delighted to volunteer to produce a class that features all different examples of techniques. I have been doing this for 8 years. I like it so much because, along with being creative, it is easy and challenging. It is restful and contemplative. It is healthy and calming. So contact me and let’s schedule some classes.

Snapshot
For about 22 years I have been a volunteer Docent at RISD Museum.

Charlann at the RISD Museum. Photography by John Harkey

Supplemental to the benefits of visiting the museum in-person, I offer the Snapshot program, which I created to offer off-site. Snapshot visually shows the highlights of the museum along with narration. A group of us have been sharing this project for about 7 years.

Snapshot presentation at Laurelmead. Photography John Harkey

The free Snapshot program lasts for about one hour and is good for artists, dabblers, and anyone interested in art. I would be delighted to share Snapshot with any village, either in person or by Zoom. Please email me and we can set up a Snapshot presentation.

Charlann Walker revcharlann@yahoo.com