After several decades of paper marbling, Bainbridge Island artist Len Eisenhood utilizes his experience of both classical and innovative marbling techniques to create richly beautiful papers. Each one possesses a synergy of intention and serendipity.
Marbling is a hydroprint process that was developed in Japan in the 7th century and in Persia in the 13th century. Pigment is dropped on a size made from carrageenan moss and water, then manipulated into patterns. Paper made mordant with an alum solution is laid on the size and picks up the design. This creates a unique marbled paper, although color palettes and basic patterns can be repeated.
Len uses Rives 100% cotton rag paper to create his marbled designs. His papers are framed by Jeffrey Moose Gallery on Bainbridge Island, using glass with 99% UV protection and a sturdy Uni-Frame with clips and elastic. This enables his marbled papers to be hung vertically or horizontally.