Where am I in my Art Journey?

Written By Aishwarya Darbha

Tomorrow is the 7th of September, and in India, for the next fortnight, we call it the shraadh period or the pitru paksh period (ancestor prayer period). We offer prayers and food to our ancestors. And others generally take time to meditate, follow a vegetarian diet, keep simple living, and do not start anything new.

Now, when I heard the last word, “nothing new,” I was wondering if I was reappearing at my tangle-desk (my hot seat), given that it had been some weeks since I last worked there. Is it a new or a continuous thing? So now the word Pitru Paksh Period pushed me to start something, even if it means just going back to my basics.

I am on a planned leave from May to July 2025, as my daughter appeared for her board (state exams), and then we had to start woodwork in our new apartment. On one side, I was researching and learning about the tools and materials available in the market, and on the other side, I was getting the carpenters to work on it. I somehow managed to choose a date and start the work, with my mother providing strong help as an architect, me as a designer, and our carpenters as the executioners. Once I had processed and streamlined the work, my parents left for their other projects, and from then on, I managed every aspect of the furnishings and other requirements solely.

We are completing the entire project in stages, so 80% of the first part is now complete. And I am still arranging all the household items one by one. And just yesterday, I got my home art studio (an office room) in running shape, where I can quietly tangle and enjoy the beautiful view from my window.

So today, I just dove into the simplest of the tangle patterns - Crescent Moon, Printemps, Pokeroot, Knightsbridge, and Hollibaugh. The string here is a curvy “Z” string, and I started with the simplest of all printemps. And then my inspiration led me to Pokeroot, which then accompanied Knightsbridge. Tangles Hollibaugh and CrescentMoon got more creative. I just tried to do something slightly different from my usuals, as I have never shaded a crescent moon in this way. It was so fun and meditative.

Printemps Hollibaugh Pokeroot Knightsbridge CrescentMoon


Also, it has been weeks, my hands and fingers are slightly tight (and it is a common, even for an experienced artist), I got them running. I am very, very grateful that I just went with the flow.

So now that my art tone is set, and very soon I will be on my wild rides and adventurous trips as a dreamer Zentangle Artist.


Where are you presently on your art journey?

Please do care to share your thoughts in the comment section below.


Aishwarya Darbha

Aishwarya Darbha is a well-known Certified Zentangle Teacher practicing The Zentangle Method of artform past 8 years and has enriched her life with artistic expression and others by simplifying this artform.

https://www.tangleandinspire.com
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