Expressing Grief through Art

I haven't posted in a while. There's been so much tragedy here in the US in the last few weeks, and again in France and Turkey in just the last few days. It weighs on me heavily.

I'm going to be mentioning tough subjects in this post.

If you're deeply empathetic and easily triggered by reading about tragedy and injustice in the world, you may wish to skip this one and come back next week.

Take care of yourself. I'll understand. Enjoy this photo I took at one of my favorite places to go when I need to feel a little peace in my soul.

Glow on the Dark

I learned an awesome new technique from artist and instructor Eni Oken. It's called Glow on the Dark and it focuses of making 3D Zentangles shine with a metallic gleam and an effect of soft, glowy backlighting.

I spent a whole weekend pouring over her ebook and trying out the techniques, learning how to make my ordinary white ink on black tiles into the realm of "Ooh, shiny!"

initial experiments 3.5" x 3.5"
with Eni Oken's Glow on the Dark technique
tangles: Zing Zing variation and Raindotty

I don't want to give away too much of Eni's technique because I hope you will go visit her blog to find out more! So for now, just more pics from me. Enjoy!

testing my materials and practicing
Eni Oken's technique Glow on the Dark
tangles: African Artist and Teenos

monochrome experiments with Glow on the Dark
tangles: Zander and Kaurikunda variation

Glow on the Dark with color
tangles: Zing Zing and African Artist

Then when this week's It's a String Thing Challenge #151 included a tangle that reminds me of fireworks, right before we in the USA celebrate our Independence Day, it seemed like a good fit to apply this new technique to the challenge. Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate!

Floatfest and Ahh!
for IAST #151