Heather Murtagh/Daily Journal Richard Zawitz is the inventor of “The Tangle.”

The Tangleman, Richard Zawitz, can.

In South San Francisco, Zawitz works in a loft-like space overlooking the harbor amongst a mixture of sculptures, Zen-inspired pieces and colorful toys abound. The sculpture and toy maker, who is “31 years old … twice,” uses curved pieces of plastics bound together in an infinite loop, called the Tangle, to bring creativity to children of all ages. It all started with the “Statue of Infinity,” a moveable sculpture Zawitz produced of which people could not keep their hands off.

“I won’t cease my goal to make sure every man, woman and child on this planet experience the joy and happiness of the creative process,” Zawitz said, explaining his hope that the Tangle toy will make it a reality.

Zawitz didn’t begin life expecting to change the world by making arts accessible to the masses. He grew up in Pittsburgh; a child of an era where sports mattered and people left their keys in their cars. Art was not a priority, especially for a young boy. Things changed as the ’60s started. The hippie era opened up opportunities to explore different aspects of life. By 20, Zawitz was deeply interested in Taoism and was quite certain he would be a sculptor. His passion for Asian philosophies grew, and still is present in his work and life today.

After years of studying Asian philosophy and fine arts and years of international travel, Zawitz returned stateside and began to work in 1975. His studies and travels helped Zawitz see a tie in different cultures and their art – spirals, waves, circles and curves were omnipresent. That realization became present in Zawitz’s work also.

Zawitz created a wooden, moveable sculpture. Visitors to a public art show couldn’t put Zawitz’s work down, confirming his suspicions that the curvy forms were a universal principle.

Tangle Toys was created in 1981 to make that principle available to the masses. A small, plastic version of Zawitz’s work, called the Tangle, was designed and manufactured. Over 100 million pieces using this idea were sold since, including 40 million pieces through McDonald’s Happy Meals in the late ’90s. His work expanded to include dog toys, pens, furniture, pool toys and more. The Tangle can be found in most stores.

Once it’s opened, it’s addictive.

That’s part of the plan. Since its inception, Zawitz has found a number of uses other than child-like curiosity for his invention: it’s therapeutic; there is research showing it’s educational value; and it allows people who may not speak the same language to have a similar experience.

As to the last point, Zawitz has donated many of his toys to children internationally.

South San Francisco recently adopted a Marine troop stationed in Iraq. The local fire department holds monthly parties boxing up donated items to send to the troops. Tangles were in a recent box, said Chief Phil White.

Soldiers need something to give the children, White said, and the Tangles offer that.

Selling millions of product does not make keep Zawitz from creating more sculptures and designing new additions to the Tangle brand. A sports ball line will hopefully be released soon and Zawitz is working on an electronics line as well.

His work has kept Zawitz busy, but the San Francisco man has made time for family. He’s the father of three and grandfather of two children.

For more information about Tangle toys visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.tangletoys.com" www.tangletoys.com.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.