Art form is as simple or complex as artist desires
Published in the Feb. 5, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Photo courtesy Nancy Domnauer
An example of Zen Doodles.
For many people, doodling is an unfocused way to kill time. For Nancy Domnauer, doodling is a hobby to explore her creative self. Recently, the Morgan Hill resident started teaching others how to find their creative streak as they learn to let go of their stress through the art form of Zen Doodling.
“Zen Doodling is a meditative drawing art form that is simple to learn and incredibly relaxing,” Domnauer said. “A completed Zen Doodle project looks complicated, yet if you slow down, focus and take your time, you will create an attractive work of art.”
Zen Doodling is a right-brain activity that helps people relax and feel more creative, something many local residents are craving, she said. “Because we live in Silicon Valley with its fast-paced, technological, left-brain dominant environment, it’s important to find time to slow down,” she said.
Photo courtesy Nancy Domnauer
An example of Zen Doodles.
Domnauer started her hobby when she attended a Zen Doodling class in San Jose last summer. Within minutes of beginning, she was surprised to find herself entering a feeling of deep focus and relaxation. The experience hooked her to this hobby that is starting to grow in popularity. When she bought a Zen Doodling book at downtown Morgan Hill’s BookSmart store, co-owner Cinda Meister suggested she share her passion with others who might want to attend a monthly class.
“As a long-time teacher, especially of arts and crafts, I realized that I could teach Zen Doodling to others,” she said. “I’ve shared my hobby with over 100 people in town … from adults, seniors, teens and children, I’ve witnessed many people who have become addicted to this art form.”
The class grew so popular that participants recently started a Morgan Hill Zen Doodling Club. The camaraderie of meeting as a group lets members share their ideas and nurture their artistic creativity, she said.
Photo courtesy Nancy Domnauer
An example of Zen Doodles.
Zen Doodling student Sandra Dunie enjoys Domnauer’s Zen Doodling class because it provides a natural way for her to express her artistic self. “I’ve tried other art classes, but never found a media that fit,” she said. “Zen Doodling offers an unlimited variety of ways to express yourself. It’s as simple or complex as you make it. With a small amount of materials you can create a piece of art that makes you smile.”
Zen Doodling is a growing world-wide phenomena and Domnauer said she’s excited to share it with people in Morgan Hill. “Even individuals who think they aren’t artistically gifted will find success,” she said. “If you can draw a line, a circle and other simple shapes, you’ll learn how to combine these into patterns that create art. Zen Doodling teaches us that if you slow down and focus, you can create works of art.”
The next class is from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Feb. 17, at BookSmart. Call (408) 778-6467 to register. For more information e-mail [email protected].
