Suminagashi - Ink Marbling Workshop

Event Date: May 23, 2026 (3:00 PM)

Join artist Pamela Martinez for a 2 hour introduction to Suminagashi Japanese paper marbling!

Suminagashi translated means floating black ink. It is the ancient meditative Japanese practice of gently floating pigments on the surface of water with a brush and then capturing the mono print image on an absorbent paper. This exciting 2 hr. workshop will present historical background and introduce the time honored technique and several artistic possibilities. Recommended for adult beginners. Limit of 10. All supplies provided.

Class topics include:

• Review of Suminagashi patterns with samples of optional papers• Discuss historical background of Japanese paper marbling• Review of supplies and preparation• Suminagashi demo• Student practice of line control with individual coaching

Each student will leave with at least 10 beautiful Suminagashi images and gain enough experience to continue their own practice.

**For participants ages 10 and up**

This workshop will be held in person at the Japanese Culture Center. Each person will need to register in order to attend, and fill out a waiver form which can be digitally filled out and emailed to: info@japaneseculturecenter.com

All supplies included. Class size limited to 10 students with a minimum of 4.

Instructor Bio:

Pamela Martinez has been teaching Suminagashi for 20 years, having started in 2002. She has been studying and practicing the ancient art of marbling over 2 decades, and is a member of the Sumi-E Society. Ms. Martinez provides Suminagashi instruction at the Botanic Garden in Glencoe, workshops for the Sumi-E Society, Gilda’s Club and individual lessons. The Artist believes the spiritual practice of Suminagashi teaches the importance of self expression, provides the mystery of an undetermined result and includes the use of various techniques to challenge the imagination.

‍

KNOW MORE