#HTE

Process and Pattern Inspo: Suminagashi Printing

Marble printing is an ancient way of adding depth and richness to materials as diverse as paper and silk. It’s a time honored art form: we’ve been hypnotized by videos of tight Turkish techniques, parents might remember making food coloring prints with the kiddos, and fancy wallpaper and bookbinders have used twisty marble tones for generations. But have you seen Suminagashi? If current stripy trends in ceramics, textiles and design are an indicator, you might want to look again. 

Suminagashi printing is similar to most marbling techniques: float hydrophobic dye on top of a water bath, then dip your material onto it. Alternate drops of dye and drops of water with a soapy additive to lower its surface tension. Use tools or motion to create patterns, or simply let nature take its course. Hey presto, you’ve got unique and wavy patterns where before there were none.

From Ruth Bleakley’s suminagashi troubleshooting post

But as straightforward as it sounds, the 800+ year old Japanese technique is a bit visually distinct. The most famous and striking examples highlight organic shapes, simple colors, and a wabi sabi blend of intentionality and accident that drives its fans wild.

Sumi by Marta Pia

Though patterning shows up in some artists’ work, irregularity and minimalism are its boldest features. The dense use concentric shapes can feel naturalistic, like tree rings, geologic layers, or topological map markings. 

Look at a print long enough and you might even start to see weather patterns, the layers of damascus steel, or a dazzle paint job. 

One of Natalie Stopka’s Suminagashi printed silk scarves

Whether you want to blame the Memphis revival, or something else, contemporary design has seen a strong increase in this kind of intense print, and I for one am for it. Handmade textures are a humble yet bold addition to all types of object, and the impact is far from 2D.

Suminagashi covered bench made by Andrea Peterson

Whether you’re looking for a weekend break from the computer or a source of more exciting organic graphics, Suminagashi can provide a lot of material without a lot of tools. According to Martha Stewart all you need is a kitty litter tray, some ink and a dream. 

For a long, but soothing how to, check out Crystal Shaulis’ intro: