Angelina’s work goes on display
A CARNEW ARTIST who specialises in the Mindful Method of Zentangle drawing is having a solo exhibition of her latest work in Dublin’s famous James Joyce House.
Angelina Arcari has secured a threeyear contract to exhibit her work in the Ushers Island venue and her first exhibition of pen and ink drawings entitled ‘Vulnerability’ will be officially opened on October 12 by the CEO of Mental Health Ireland Orla Barry, running daily from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily until October 23.
Angelina who is one of only two certified Zentangle teachers in Ireland will hold classes from 10.30 am to 12 noon each day.
The first phase of her exhibition contains 20 pieces representing picture journals from the artist’s time in various mental institutions following episodes of severe bullying and her involvement in horrific incidents including the Dublin Bombings of May 17, 1974. As a seven year old, she was only metres away from the car bomb that exploded.
‘I found it easier to draw what I was feeling as I was unable to get the words out. I was so anxious my throat was choked with a stammer and the words just wouldn’t come out,’ said Angelina.
The artist found she was still capable of humour despite years spent battling anxiety, depression and bi-polar disorder and the exhibition includes a series of 12 cartoons called Echo Point, inspired by a very good friend she met in a therapy group.
The third and final phase of the show illustrates that there is hope after everything she went through. She discovered the method of Zentangle during an occupational therapy session while she was in hospital in 2012.
‘I found it really helpful for my anxiety and have been using it since then. I’ve also realised that this is what I want to do as a career.’
Angelina travelled to Providence, Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the US to do a training course given by the founders of the Zentangle method Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
According to Angelina, the Zentangle Method of Mindful Drawing relieves stress, reduces anxiety, increases attention span and concentration, develops creative abilities and encourages problem solving in life.
‘Zentangle does not use erasers. We use mistakes as opportunities to adjust and change. It is self-soothing, helps regulate breathing,improves sleep and is great for hand/eye co-ordination and fine motor skills. It also creates beautiful works of art,’ she said.
Angelina is hoping to educate people about Zentangle and will have a stand at the Mental Health and Well-Being Summit 2016 in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on October 14.
On October 30, she and the other Irish Zentangle teacher will be featured on RTÉ’s Nationwide programme.