My Inner Artist

     I love Erin's challenge at the Bright Owl this week.  Draw your favorite tangles - the ones that make you feel like an artist.  I have always known I was an artist.  At least deep down, buried under loads of self-confidence problems, I was certain I was one.  I remember in high school, walking by the art room, peering in and being mesmerized by the fascinating things they were doing.  But I was afraid to sign up for an art class.  I wouldn't be good enough.  I read books about art and techniques.  I spent hours with my sketch pads, but I would not acknowledge what a passion art was within me.  I shared projects with people at school and basked in their approval.  Then a few years ago the principal called me in and asked if I would become the art teacher at the new school they were opening.  Whew.  My first response was "no, I can't".  I protested I had never had an art class.  He just sat there and listened to me and when I finally allowed him a chance to speak, he said "but you are what I want."  Within me a tiny spark of artistic confidence began to grow.  For four of the best years of my career, I got to teach art and I had a blast.  I would go back to doing that in a heartbeat - but county finances won't allow for "unnecessary" classes.
     Then I discovered blogging and zentangle.  Oh what a joy that has become.  I feel I am part of an art community.  I remember the first comment I got - about a year ago - I happy danced all over the den!!  A "real" art person saw value in my work!  I was shocked.  Particularly when I went to her blog and saw her stunning work.  My self confidence has steadily grown.  I am grateful to zentangle for that.  I am thankful for every person who takes time to stop by and look.  Now on to the actual art work.
     This week I am have all 3 of my challenges on one post.  School is pretty busy so combining is easier.  I love the entry I did for Bright Owl.  I guess it is just because I love brown tones.  I used some of my favorites - nzeppel (I used to hate this tangle), crescent moon, and one of my absolute favorites -pea nuckle.

   

       Diva wanted us to play around with Margaret Bremner's tangle - Dansk.  I like this one, but I am not sure if I have captured the idea of it.  Guess I keep working.  For my string I used a very large Arabel and then filled it in with other tangles.  I love arabel.  It has become a big favorite of mine.

     This inchie was tough!  The word of the week was "ruin".  I struggled to come up with a unique idea.  Finally my first thought seemed to be the best - "the road to ruin".  Ah well.

     The Blog Friendship Cup will be leaving my house early next week to go to a new home!!  Yahoo!  It will travel to Amy in TN (from Cathy in TN, isn't that neat?!)  We have sent a few emails back and forth and I really do feel like I have made a new friend.  We both are teachers and tanglers!  This was such a great experience.  Head over to her site in a bit and see how she is going to find it a new home.  You just might get to "play".
     Guess I better head out now.  I have a ton of things to do.  The weather is finally pretty - for a while - a certain pooch is wondering why we are not throwing a frisbee, football, soccer ball, anything for him to catch!  Can't believe Lakota will be four years old on Friday.  Oh my.  Time flies.