Artist Talk: Marbling: A Meditative Art
With Live Demonstration
Join marbling artist Robin Ashby for a captivating talk and live demonstration exploring the meditative craft of paper marbling—an art form that merges centuries-old tradition with fluid experimentation.
This presentation will delve into the global history of marbling, from its delicate beginnings as suminagashi in Japan to the vibrant floral patterns of Ottoman Ebru, and the richly textured surfaces of European bookbinding papers. [Artist Name] will discuss the cultural significance, techniques, and materials used in historic marbling practices, offering insight into how this art has evolved and endured.
Following the talk, guests will experience a live marbling demonstration, showcasing how pigments are floated, combed, and transferred onto paper in a process that is as mesmerizing as it is unpredictable. This is a unique opportunity to witness the art unfold in real time and gain a deeper appreciation for the discipline, patience, and creative intuition behind every print.
Whether you're a collector, curator, artist, or enthusiast of fine craft and design, this event offers an inspiring look into the rich visual language and contemplative rhythm of paper marbling.
An artist, writer and historian. Robin's path to art started in Marshallton, PA, where he was surrounded by his grandfather's watercolor art and had a fortuitous opportunity to work at Andrew Wyeth's Chadds Ford home as a teen. His global professional career in IT engineering, audit and compliance took him to France, Florida, and back to his native Chester County. As a welcome diversion from the rigors of corporate work, he pursued training in bookbinder and paper marbling, eventually shifting his entire practice to paper marbling and decorated paper.
History guides Robin's artistic pursuits. In addition to his own art, he researches and writes about art topics. His recent book, The Industrialist's Brush, explores the work and life of his grandfather, Harry Cann, paying tribute to Can's contribution to American mid-century industry as well as his Chester County watercolor landscapes.
Robin's work is inspired by the great artistic and cultural traditions of European and Ottoman marblers. The ancient art of marbling faces extinction as modernity presses it to the margins. Robin works to reanimate traditional marbling methods and bring new vigor and creativity to this rich artform.
Robin studied paper marbling with Dan and Regina St. John of Chena River Marblers in Massachusetts, and with marbling artists in France and Germany. He teaches paper marbling at The School for Bookbinding Arts in Winchester, VA, The John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown NC, and the Chadds Ford Historical Society in Chadds Ford, PA. His work is part of the permanent collection of the German National Library's Decorated Paper archive in Leipzig.