Paper marbling is not only a fun DIY, but it’s also an ancient art. This artist in Istanbul, Turkey demonstrates ebru, how the floating colors can be shaped and then transferred onto paper. From TurkishCulture.org:
Ebru technique consists of sprinkling colours containing a few drops of ox-gall on to the surface of the bath sized with kitre (gum tragacanth) in a trough. By carefully laying the paper over the bath, the floating picture on top of it is readily transferred to the paper; thus, each ebru is a one of a kind print. To obtain beautiful ebru results, one needs to have a light hand, refined taste, and an open mind to the unexpected patterns forming on the water. Patience and a good knowledge of traditional culture are characteristic of ebru masters.
Watch another example from filmmaker and photographer Oguz Uygur, who filmed the detailed ebru work of his father, artist Seyit UYGUR:
Related DIY: Minieco.co.uk has a great marbling tutorial.
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