Process
I love to explore the rhythms of nature, with loose, gestural mark marking. While painting in watercolour I find economy of brush marks, vibrancy of colour and playful edges essential.
Ink marbling is an internal process, through which I respond to fluid marks as they emerge.
It is a process of discovery, where forms are found and gradually brought out.
In this sense, it is not so different from carving. As Michelangelo famously said,
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
Ink Marbling
Emergence
The process begins with applying ink marbling to water and then capturing it using absorbent paper.
Intention
The next stage is about discovering forms and bringing them out just using ink. I also try to create depth by exaggerating the tonal contrasts in places.
Colour
Then I add washes of colour, first covering the whole paper and gradually getting smaller.
Refinement
Then I refine areas, make subtle shifts of tone and colour, lighten areas where needed and bring the painting to a conclusion.
This process allows me to work from a place beneath conscious decision-making, where intuition and memory guides the image.
Alongside the paintings, I keep a journal of notes and reflections.