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MARBLING IS A FASCINATING ART

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An artist who has fully mastered its language will be able to see an entirely different world - an abstract world of beauty - unfolding before them, and soon after comes the realisation that their pulse beats to the same language of colors and abstract shapes in the tray.

 

Every tray that is prepared leads to a distinct and unique adventure of exploration, an almost mystical experience in its own right. The resulting work does not present an image or depiction of any phenomenon, but impressions, snapshots of this journey taken to eternal beauty.

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Marbling, which enjoys a special place among Turkish Book Arts, is a precious traditional form of art in which natural earth pigments are sprinkled onto the water with the help of special brushes (I call them my wands). These brushes are made with horsetail hair and a rosewood branch and the water is thickened with Tragacanth gum or Carrageenan. The resulting patterns on the water are then transferred onto paper by laying the paper onto the thickened water.

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Etymologically, Ebru the Turkish word for marbling is derived from the Chagatai word "Ebre", which translates as "moire", possibly referencing the ripple effects created on the water as opposed to a repetitive pattern. Whilst details of the exact journey the art of Ebru took to arrive in Turkey, it is believed to have been brought via the silk road from Persia where it was referred to as "Abru", which means "water surface" or, "Ebri" meaning "cloud-like".

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Many people will have been introduced to marbling through book binding where traditionally it can be seen on either page edges or inside book covers. Perhaps the introduction came via background and corner decorations for calligraphic art, or it's use on important documentation from governments or banks. However, the art form is not limited to use on paper and can often be seen on fabrics, ceramics, leather, glass and wood.

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Ebru is not just about how to play with colours, it is deeper than what we perceive with our eyes and teaches us patience, self control, mindfulness, limitless expression and a space to find your own beauty with care.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EBRU KOCAK

 

I am a Marbling artist and tutor within the Surrey area. I currently teach at Surrey Art School and regularly hold  Adult / Adult and Children (Family) / Children and Youth workshops.  

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Marbling is an ancient form of visual art which appeared in 14th century, but possibly dates back even further. Marbling also often referred to as Turkish Paper or by it's original name; Ebru. 


My own love affair with this incredible art form was almost preordained, as my given name is also Ebru. 

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I studied and graduated with a Masters degree from the prestigious Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul -  I had the privilege of being taught by the wonderful Hikmet Barutçuǧil, one of the most inspirational living masters of the art.  
During my academic education I had the opportunity to learn this ancient art form from the roots up. From crafting my own brushes to creating my own paints, I quickly discovered that there was real magic in the art of marbling. 
 
Like life itself, marbling is an adventure where there is never repetition and I believe this art form can teach us a great deal, providing a unique insight into ourselves every time. I love sharing in this journey with those I teach and to watch the results unfold is the greatest gift for me. 

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Despite it's robust traditional roots I strongly believe marbling is a limitless and very open minded form of art. 
I love to provide tutoring to everyone who wants to know more and meet with this amazing art and introduce them to how versatile and contemporary it can be. 

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Additionally, the therapeutic characteristics of marbling ''Art of Ebru '' is an unquestionable reality and I strongly support this aspect as part of my teaching . I see my workshops as an opportunity to show people how art , nature and ourselves can combine as one and how our energy can be transformed. 

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I relish being able to provide the opportunity to those who attend my workshops, to learn the roots of this amazing art and use the possibilities of the Art of Marbling \ Ebru and the potential within themselves, to be creative . 

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