Special Workshops
Silk & Paper Marbling Workshop
Turkish / Suminagashi Marbling
Turkish Marbling (ebru)
Through the Silk Road the art of marbling made its entrance into 15th century Turkey ; the workshop will explore the preparation of the wide range of colors used in Turkish (ebru) marbling. We learn the mixing of sizing (the liquid bath the colors are placed on). Floating pitchers are created on top of the bath using applicator bottles and brushes made from broom straw and horsehair. The swirling patterns of color are created by using special tools know as rakes and combs and then pulling prints of them on a variety of rice paper, and silk fabric. We will learn the elegant method of figuring; thus producing the floral effects that have for centuries captured the minds and hearts this Ottoman /Islamic art. Combined with these traditional techniques, the students will also explore the wide range of contemporary marbling. Each participant will print their own 15 x 45 inch silk scarf and several matching marbling paper prints use to create cards, wrapping paper, gift boxes, etc.
Japanese Suminagashi Marbling
12th century Japanese marbling traces it's origin to the T'ang Dynasty, where coloring paper on water with five hues was first mentioned. Where by loading sumi bushes with colored ink from small lotus bowls; the inks are then applied by gently touching the tip of each brush to the water surface creating concentric circles and patterns. Using handheld fans the patterns are slow moved around creating unlimited designs and effects. We will then pull prints of the designs on large sheets of rice paper and silk. We will learn the traditional grinding of ink sticks, and also practice a more modern method of applying ink using Boku Undo liquid inks.
