INKS
SUMINAGASHI
a Japanese art of marbling paper
Also known as ink-floating, this process allows for natural patterns to result in dipping a sumi ink into the surface of water.
Here are some tips for completing your Suminagashi:
Prepare your materials. You will need two identical "sumi" brushes, sumi ink (golden handle), dispersant (silver handle), and water.
Dip the sumi ink brush in the water surface. Only dip the tip of the brush in the water. Do not oversaturate the brush.
Dip the dispersant brush in the water. Only dip the tip of the brush in the water. Do not oversaturate the brush.
Alternate dipping the brushes in the water. Start with the sumi ink brush, then the dispersant brush, then the sumi ink brush, and so on.
Continue alternating until you have the desired pattern ready for transfer.
Hold the top right corner and bottom left corner of the paper. Slowly lower the paper onto the water. Allow the middle of the paper to touch the water first. Slowly release the paper. The paper should float on the water.
Use a thin type of paper. Thinner paper is less likely to sink. Be careful not to oversaturate the paper. Oversaturated paper is more likely to sink. After about 30 seconds you should see a design come through the paper.
Gently lift paper and flip to the opposite side. Slowly lower paper back in the water, ink side facing up.
Completely submerge the paper this time to wash excess ink off. This should be a short process so paper does not become too wet.
Be sure to rinse the paper in clear water, using a second tray just for washing may be helpful.
Remove the paper from the water and let it dry. You can hang the paper up to dry, or lay it flat on a surface. If you lay it flat, make sure to place it on a surface that can be stained by the ink.
Check out some of my own Suminagashi videos below!
WISDOM WITHIN WALNUT INK
A LOST TRADITION OF SACRED AGE BEING BROUGHT BACK TO LIGHT THROUGH ITS PURITY
WHAT IS WALNUT INK?
Walnut Ink is made from the green husks of walnuts. The tannins in the husks react with the water to create a dark brown or black ink. Walnut ink has been used for centuries, and it is still popular today for its natural and earthy qualities. Being an archival ink, this all natural medium will not fade over time but rather darken in color. With the constitution and the paintings of Da Vinci both sharing the use of this ink, it is a great gift for art enthusiasts as well as historians both amateur and professional.
Steinlein Walnut Ink is made locally in Berks, Pennsylvania from the American black walnut trees that grow throughout the county. This ink is a sepia-like color and can range from light to dark brown depending on the age and water content. It is a water-based ink, which makes it perfect for brush painting and sketching.
WANT TO TRY WALNUT INK?
Inks are produced from late August to early November each year.
4 oz bottles are available for purchase.
(example shown in left)
Contact velazquezh.arts@gmail.com for more info.
I
Walnuts are boiled over a
24-hour period.
II
Shells are sieved and strained, while ink is returned to slow boil.
III
With time, the ink gradually darkens as well as its body in ink consistency.
