The Arts@Grier_8

Visiting Artist Illustrates Japanese Forms

By Susan Deutscher '07

Dianne Mauer, a Spring Mills, Pennsylvania resident, was our visiting artist this spring. Dianne specializes in Japanese marbling; she has approximately 25 years of experience with this art form.

video still photo by Brittany Green '08

One of the marbling techniques which Mrs. Mauer taught the students and art teachers is named Suminagashi marbling. This method of marbling was developed in Japan sometime in the 10th century by a man who was believed to be a member of the Royal Court. The A.P. Art students will include these beautiful Suminigashi projects in their portfolios.

Mrs. Mauer also taught another marbling technique by the name of Orizomogami ("fold and dye"). The students took bundles of very thin, washy Japanese paper and dampened and folded them. The dyes were applied to the corners then squeezed toward the center. When the paper cloths were opened, they revealed beautiful designs.

video still photo by Isra Arif '08