I was on the Zentangle (put the little circle with the R in it right here) site recently and am quite upset over the legal portion page. The arrogance is appalling.. I am going to start taking out the words of 'zen' and 'tangle' out of my art as it's embarrassing to be associated in any way with a couple of people who want to own phrases and artwork that has been around for years and years before us. The patterns of zenny, peaceful, and passionate responses from brains to paper have embodied some of the most amazing ancient artists in the world. Picasso used lines and strings to make his art.. he used patterns within his paint.. he was not so concerned with maintaining his need to be remembered, but was motivated by his internal desire to share his inspiration and his love for art to the masses around him. I can't imagine what he would say to these people today.. shame on you. Art is art and you don't own it.. you may own the tiles that you sell... but for me my art has been around since I was a little girl and the internet hadn't existed with your site. My mother (and my mom in law) who worked the the very same art in her living room would laugh at you and say "that's just plain silly." You are silly.. Owning intellectual property is just plain unzenny IMO.
UPDATE August 22/2011: after writing to theraggededge I see a new perspective. The resource of the Zentangles(big letter R.. how does one make a Registered symbol anyways?) site has helped others to start the art form many of us are already familiar with. It is a great name for something that is so catching as this art seems to be. As she hadn't found this artform until she saw their website, it carries a large weight of loyalty to the beginnings of something so wonderful for her. The emotional response I felt probably has more to do with the honor and loyalty I would like to give to the memory of my mom instead of to others.That makes sense to me. Let's give honor to those who we feel deeply about. :)
UPDATE August 22/2011: after writing to theraggededge I see a new perspective. The resource of the Zentangles(big letter R.. how does one make a Registered symbol anyways?) site has helped others to start the art form many of us are already familiar with. It is a great name for something that is so catching as this art seems to be. As she hadn't found this artform until she saw their website, it carries a large weight of loyalty to the beginnings of something so wonderful for her. The emotional response I felt probably has more to do with the honor and loyalty I would like to give to the memory of my mom instead of to others.That makes sense to me. Let's give honor to those who we feel deeply about. :)