Wonder. . .

Today's TT challenge is to use the color combo of orange and black.  Halloween colors, but I wanted to use them differently, so I did another piece combining op-art and a stamped image from Rubber Stampede, and came up with something that has more to do with the wonder of childhood than ghosts, ghouls and goblins.

And speaking of wonder, I've been pondering the op-art question that keeps popping into my brain.  I know that they're called "zentangles" now, and that they are purported to put one in a relaxing state in which time is suspended, but isn't that what all art does for one?  Once you are centered on your work so that outside distractions are, well, less distracting, then you are in a state of consciousness where time is suspended.  Like getting so engrossed in your reading that you don't hear the phone ring.  As some kids would say (not mine of course, lol!), duh!

Please don't get me wrong.  I am NOT an elitist, and whatever you want to call something is up to you.  It's not the name change that gets to me.  After all, the term "op-art" was coined in the '60s in reference to the optical illusory quality present in the doodles of the age. That name was descriptive.  And while zentangle describes something too, it describes not just a type of art, but a product. It is this that gives me a pain in the "I'm no fool" center of my brain - - that an art form which has been around for decades was given a new name just so it could be packaged in a box with a booklet and instructions designed to separate you from your $$ in the name of Buddha (who I am sure is not pleased). But, in the market place this is caveat emptor, so it's up to each of us to decide whether we want to pay for the kit, or just buy a Sharpie to release the "inner doodler".  And as for the name, call it what you will: Doodles, Op-art, Zentangles, or Bob.  I really don't care.  As Juliet said, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet". . . . .but then again, that relationship ended a bit badly. . .so maybe there is something more to what we call things. . .

You don't need to take any of this seriously, you know.  Feel free to take me seriously, or with a giggle.  I don't care.  I'm not trying to start my own branch of philosophy. . .which, by the way, is no longer being offered at many universities. . .I think we're down to fewer than 20 employed professors of philosophy in the US. . .but that's another subject, and I promise not to get started. . .

Have a great day, Everyone!

Comments

[Kelly B]

lovely!

[kate]

I love your designs, as well as the sweet image of the two children. When I try to do a background like that it always looks stilted and forced to me. Yours flow so beautifully!

[Sandy]

Wow this is lovely. Totally awesome.

[Paula]

Fabulous pattern! I like to see these Zentangles they are very graphical.

[filetta]

Another magnificent realization ! Lovely

[claudilue]

Wonderful card!

[mueppi]

Was für eine schöne Karte!!!!!!
Süsses Motiv!

[Rosie]

I think there are many levels to what you do and doodling is obviously one of your (many) strengths. Turning them into something beautiful with an image, is a triumph though! And this is one of them!!

[femmy]

Love it, great image and the zentangle goes perfect with it!!!

[Paula Hewitt]

This is very cute...and i like your op-art doodles! I had never heard of zentangles until now, so I just had to google it. I am impressed that someone thought of the idea to market a kit comprising paper and pen for people to do their doodles! If I market it they will come....... I prefer to stick with the old pencil and paper and call it a doodle.....

[netti atkins]

I really like this one.

[fatma]

my english is too bad to coment every work, but all are wowwwwwwwww.......... i want to jump into my screen;))

[Jeri]

Beautiful - Barbara I love your work!

[Silvia]

Great "zentangling" it fits to the image.