The Benefits of Incorporating Zentangle Art into Cancer Treatment

By Randi Padover, LCSW-R, CASAC, CZT

Zentangle is a meditative, artistic method that anyone can do. Patterns are created through the use of “tangles.” The tangles are created through simple combinations of dots, lines, curves, s-curves & orbs. It was created around2003 by Rick and Maria Roberts. 

Maria, a botanical illustrator and calligrapher was working in her studio when her partner Rick noticed that she would take on a trance-like flow state while she worked. Rick, an avid meditator, observed that this produced the same results as deep meditation. They both noted that the patterns she used to illustrate the lettering she worked on were composed of simple shapes and lines that nearly anyone could replicate. They realized that breaking down these “tangles” into simple “steps” meant that anyone engaging in this could also replicate this meditative flow state while being able to create beautiful artwork without any formal art training. 

The beauty of Zentangle lies in the premise that there are no mistakes and no prior art experience is needed in order to be able to create beautiful and unexpected results- and it can be done in under 15 minutes. In Zentangle, we draw with gratitude and appreciation for the art we are creating. Almost every person who tries the Zentangle Method discovers that they have this ability, even those who believe they can’t draw. Because of this, Zentangle is ideal for use as a modality across many needs, from building self-confidence to coping with various issues. 

In regards to the use of Zentangle in coping with cancer, this technique can be applied in any number of ways: 

• To cope with emotional stress (anxiety, sadness, fear)

• Distraction during treatment 

• To create a sense of calm, like a meditative state

• Improve confidence 

• Aid in rebuilding a sense of identity that can shift with severe illness

Other benefits of this modality include that it can easily be done on the go and can be done alone or with other creators, allowing the person to join a community of creatives.

“The Zentangle Method works because

• It is fun

• It is simple to learn

• Each stroke is easy to draw

• There are no mistakes

• There are no pre-planned outcomes yet you always know what to do next

The result is unexpected and beautiful…” (www.zentangle.com).