Japanese Marbling Suminagashi

Art for All Ages: Japanese Marbling Suminagashi

Location: Glassell Park art studio (address given upon registering)

Learn the art of Suminagashi marbling, a mindful practice that dates back to the twelfth century in Japan. Sit, breathe, and float ink on water, creating beautiful patterns to be captured on paper.

All materials are provided. Water-based, nontoxic Japanese marbling is *art for all ages to enjoy! The best part is that there are really no skills involved. Everyone can enjoy both the process and the end result of the creation made simply by ink, wind, and water. It's a great experience to bond with your child while igniting the child within you too!

You'd have plenty to take home besides the experience, like prints on various textured and colored paper, greeting cards and envelopes, frame-worthy as they are, and what can also be used as book covers, gift papers, collage materials, and more. You can also add things like cork coasters or cotton scarves to create one-of-a-kind gifts. An informative guide sheet will be handed out to you at the end of class so that you may continue the experience and perhaps spread the joy with others you love.

Creating the ink pattern on water requires both focus and a willingness to let go of control. Each print merely captures the moment of a chance encounter between ink and water. Come with an open mind, an intention to slow down, and play!

Come take the class by yourself, or bring a child or a friend for a discount!

* Recommended for age 8+ to take the class without adult supervision. Workshops are non-refundable; if you are unable to attend after registering, you may transfer your spot to another person.

A bout Art for All Ages host Shizuka

Shizuka received her BFA in Communication Design at Parsons School of Design. She worked as a graphic designer for over a decade while enriching her life with disciplines spanning printmaking, photography, drawing, writing, and most recently, oil painting. Having been a full-time mother to her first child for a decade also taught her to be a guide for living creatively, experiencing the world with more curiosity, wonder, and gratitude. Whether it be making funny-shaped dumplings with her own kids, hosting an opera summer camp for preschoolers, or creating marbling workshops in elementary schools and hotel bars, Shizuka loves to create experiences that light up the inner child in all of us.

She hopes to inspire adults and children alike to intentionally use art-making as a way to develop one’s own voice, broaden perspectives, and foster healthy relationships with oneself and others. Art is for everyone, and creating is a natural expression of being human.

Take a peek at her recent artworks here.

Host or Publisher Shizuka