Suminagashi, by its very nature, is a more random, abstract artform. Because thin inks are freely floating on water, usually without any thickening agent like typically used in Western marbling techniques, there is significantly more movement, dynamics, and uncertainty in the formation of the print. Tiny vibrations, drafts of air, a single breathe, qualities of the ink, surfactant, and dispersant, and preliminary setting of the water can all have significant impacts on how the print starts and evolves. The process of making a pattern in water is often quite brief, but the pattern that is captured is one of infinite possibilities.

Despite this random nature to the art, the artist does some have a sense of control and technique which can be applied to manipulate the image. In my own case and experience, while the start and evolution of the print is less controlled, over hundreds of prints I have developed my own techniques and patterns which can be used to create various themes. Examples of these various themes that emerge in my suminagashi prints can be seen on the Suminagashi Styles page.

In addition, I also explore the use of many types of unique papers, which are often high quality, handmade sheets. Having developed my own lifting and drying techniques, I also leverage the use of thin, fine papers that would normally be considered extremely difficult, if not impossible to use with standard suminagashi lifting methods, which would immediately tear or crumple upon lifting from the water bath to dry. By embracing these papers, many more unique prints can be made, placing emphasis on the beauty and art of the paper itself with its various tones and physical textures, with suminagashi used to compliment the paper. A detailed overview of various papers I have used can be found on the Paper page.

Because of the combination of various styles, sizes, and types of paper, I openly welcome inquiries for custom suminagashi commissions. While the final print cannot be fully controlled, you can request a theme, paper, and size (within the dimensions of the sheet itself). Due to the nature of this work, please understand that custom requests will take time, and could take dozens of standard prints before a suitable pattern emerges. Certain styles might also only be practical in certain sizes, and while all types of paper I use can easily be cut smaller, some papers are only available at certain maximum sizes.