About Zentilly
Hi, I'm Theresa Montoya Marshall!
My Zentangle® journey began in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. Hooked from the start, I quickly became a Certified Zentangle Teacher in 2021. I transitioned my love for painting into Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA) lacework. Now, I teach online through my Facebook page, Zentilly Lace and More.
​
The Zentangle community is a priceless gift, offering friendships and support from around the world. Join us on this creative journey by exploring my website and following my Facebook Page for classes, tips, and inspiration. Let's have some fun together!
My Story
My journey into the world of Zentangle® began in 2020 during the onset of COVID-19 and the resulting lockdown. I was encouraged by a dear friend to join an online group she had organized and take a class. Needless to say, I was in the game --- hook, line, and sinker --- from the first pen stroke.
​
I found myself tangling (that's what we call it) at any and every opportunity available. I became completely enamored with the entire process. Being that I loved teaching painting classes, I quickly determined that obtaining my CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher) certification was imperative so that I could teach Zentangle, which I did in 2021.
​
As my tangling journey continued, I realized that the lace I had previously been painting with acrylics and brushes could be converted to pen. It was then that my lacework became ZIA (Zentangle Inspired Art) lacework, which has now become my forté. Additionally, since becoming a CZT, I’ve set up my own Facebook page, Zentilly Lace and More, and have been teaching online classes ever since.
​
The Zentangle community is one that I wouldn’t trade for the world! So many friendships have formed with people from all over. What amazes me is that even though we may have never met in person, we all love, support, encourage, and enjoy each other so much. It is a truly priceless gift and I sincerely invite you to join us and have some fun!
The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns called "tangles.” It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. "Zentangle" is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Even though the name, Zentangle, has “zen” in it, there is no association with Zen Buddhism, or any religion, for that matter. We simply teach how to create beautiful art.
​
You know, many people say to me, "I can't even draw a straight line." Well, guess what? I'm happy to say you don't have to! If you can write the simple letters "i", "c", "s", "o", a period, and a comma in varying sizes, then you are well on your way to discovering the gratification, peace, and creativity that comes with drawing using the Zentangle Method and what we call "Tangling.” Zentangle is drawn on thick pieces of paper or cardstock, called "Tiles" in many sizes and shapes of squares, rounds, triangles, and rectangles in white, black, or tan.
What is ZIA?
The term ZIA (Zentangle Inspired Art) was organically started to describe artworks that are not drawn on a traditional Zentangle tile but still use the Zentangle Method in their creation. For instance, a pair of shoes that are tangled, a large canvas covered with Zentangle art, a ceramic dish with a tangled border, a butterfly filled with tangles, a fox, a turtle, etc.
​
ZIA is often representational while traditional Zentangle art is almost always non-representational. It was sometimes said that if it had color then it was a ZIA, but in recent years color has become another layer to the complexity that the Zentangle method has to offer.
What are the benefits of Zentangle?
There are many resulting benefits associated with tangling that have come to light over the years since its inception. People who tangle find that they enjoy the feeling of satisfaction when they look at something they've created in just a few minutes. They also enjoy the fact that despite their initial personal misgivings about not feeling they can draw, they did produce something beautiful and amazing. Zentangle has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
​
It has been introduced at veteran centers to help those suffering from PTSD. Research has found that it assists people in finding inner peace, focus, and balance. Several studies have been underway to determine how Zentangle can aid in mental health, a study at UMass MIND of the University of Massachusetts Medical School is one of them. Speaking from my point of view, Zentangle has had a profound effect on my well-being. I've discovered that I am far less anxious, much more at peace, and more in tune with the world around me. The immense feeling of accomplishment that comes with each completed piece in just a few minutes is enough to keep me coming back for more.