Introduction to the Art of Ebru with Katerina Momitsa

Ebru is the traditional Turkish art of marbling, in which colours are applied and manipulated on the surface of a specially prepared liquid bath before being transferred onto paper. The process creates unique designs, ranging from fluid organic forms and marble-like patterns to more elaborate compositions.

In this introductory workshop, participants will explore the Ebru process step by step, from preparing the materials and marbling bath to controlling the colours, creating basic patterns, and transferring them onto different types of paper.

The workshop is suitable for beginners and requires no previous experience.

Theoretical Part

Participants will be introduced to the history and philosophy of Ebru, its relationship with the arts of the book and bookbinding, and the principal materials and tools used in the creation of marbled papers.

Topics will include:

• the historical tradition and basic principles of Ebru,
• the main tools and materials,
• preparation of the marbling bath,
• the properties of the colours and the way they behave on the surface of the bath,
• basic principles of composition and pattern-making.

Practical Part

Through demonstrations, individual guidance, and hands-on practice, participants will learn how to prepare the marbling bath, apply and control colours on its surface, and create basic traditional Ebru patterns.

They will experiment with different compositions and colour combinations and transfer their designs onto a variety of papers — including white, coloured, and handmade papers — observing how the surface and characteristics of each paper affect the final result.

During the workshop, each participant will create approximately:

• 8 marbled works on commercially produced paper,
• 4 works on handmade paper,

in A4 and A3 formats. These will include both technical exercises and freely developed compositions, all of which participants will be able to take home at the end of the workshop.

The marbled papers produced during the workshop can later be used in bookbinding, artist’s books, collage, calligraphy, and other paper-based practices.

Materials & Equipment

All materials and equipment required for the workshop are provided and included in the participation fee.