Let's Marble!

Ann Alaia Woods of Aimia Art Works with a sample of paper marbled in the Spanish style

Ann Alaia Woods with Thomas Elementary school students through the Artists-in-the-Schools program of the Greater Columbus Arts Council

Clintonville artist Ann Alaia Woods will again conduct day-long workshops in the art of Turkish paper marbling this summer in her Linden area studio. Offered only once every two years, each workshop is limited to 8 participants.

traditional Turkish pattern used as endpapers in a fine binding

In a process kept cloaked in secrecy for centuries by artisans serving the Ottoman Emperors and by members of European craft guilds, this style of marbling produces one-of-a-kind prints by floating watercolors on a specially prepared bath. Both the intricate traditional patterns and more free-form contemporary techniques will be explored in the workshop.

Spanish style marbling with ink

Marbled papers were used traditionally as endpapers and covers in fine bindings in the West; today they find much broader application. A standard brand of facial tissues, for example, uses a marbled pattern on its box. Woods’ marbled papers have graced menus and annual reports of national firms in Columbus, as well as being privately commissioned for fine bindings and framing.

free style marbling

Known as a calligrapher and book artist, Woods is also the reigning World Handwriting Champion. She has been marbling papers for use in her own work for more than two decades, and has been teaching the art at workshops regionally and through the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s Artist-in-the-Schools program. She has marbled for the public in demonstrations for Nationwide Insurance, Columbus’ Cultural Arts Center, the Dard Hunter Studios in Chillicothe, and for local arts groups.

traditional stone pattern

No prior experience is necessary. This is instant gratification art! There are still openings for August 12 or 26. The workshop on August 19 is filled.

1001 DELIGHTS IN THE ANTIQUE ART OF WATERCOLOR MARBLING

Charmed by its swirling threads of line and color, we are still as drawn to marbling today as were those who first saw it in the Near East some six centuries ago. How was it done? Why don’t the watercolors sink, or blend? Why doesn’t the image wash off this paper? How is the look of marble replicated? How are the intricate patterns made? This workshop dispels the mystery but not the magic of traditional marbling, with instruction in historic patterns as well as modern variations; then, as time permits, we will delve into fantasy marbling techniques. You will have enough time and materials to create unique papers for endless creative uses.

marlbing demo in Chillicothe

All basic marbling supplies are included in the fee. Just come prepared to have a great time! ...with these several things for your own use (or to share, as appropriate):
Work clothes, or an apron or smock
Hair covering--if you’d rather pass on this rare chance to model a generic shower cap!
Sensible shoes--you will be on your feet a great deal
Cardboard--corrugated weight (at least 15”x 20“) as a paper carrier
Newspapers--a small stack to interleave your finished papers
Paper and pen-- for taking notes--always essential
Optional: If you like experimenting, you might want to bring one or more of these:
Asian papers--smooth, long-fiber (but not hairy) types--Hoshu, mulberry, calligraphy
Mat board scraps (12”x 16” max)--the older the better
Silk, silk twill, polyester blends, other non-linty fabric (pre-launder to remove sizing)

an adult student rakes a pattern

WHERE: 3304 Grasmere Avenue, Columbus 43224
WHEN: SATURDAY, August 12,* 19* or 26*---9-4:30.
The studio will also be open for use on SUNDAY from 12-5 p.m., at an
additional $10 charge, for anyone wanting to continue working.

* ALL CLASSES ARE FILLED! Contact at address below to be added to the waiting list

a workshop student lifts a print

COST: $80 + $20 COVERS ALL MATERIALS & SUPPLIES. Class limited to 8.
$40 deposit by June 1 holds a place and is refundable until August 1 if place can be filled.

Balance due at the class.

Make check to Ann Woods/AIMIA

and send, with the form below, to

3304 Grasmere Avenue, Columbus, OH 43224.

QUESTIONS? aimiaart@yahoo.com

a student's finished piece drains


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Ann rakes the bath at Mountain House, Chillicothe