Suminagashi: Flow and Control
Workshop by Chika Ito / Curated by Soonhwa Kang
31 May 2026 at Hanato Atelier in Haarlem
A quiet encounter with water, ink, and movement
— discover the flowing beauty of Japanese marbling
Suminagashi is de traditionele Japanse vorm van papiermarmeren — een techniek waarbij inkt zachtjes op het wateroppervlak drijft en wordt overgebracht op papier om subtiele, unieke patronen te creëren.
Voor deze speciale gelegenheid nodigt Soonhwa Kang de Japanse kunstenaar Chika Ito, gevestigd in Den Bosch, uit bij Hanato Atelier in Haarlem om haar Suminagashi-praktijk te delen.
Ochtendsessie
We verkennen de traditionele Suminagashi-methode en werken met sumi (zwarte inkt) en indigo (blauw). Door middel van inkt, water en adem ontstaan rustige cirkelvormige bewegingen en verfijnde patronen op het wateroppervlak.
Middagsessie
In de middagsessie bouwen we voort op de workshop van vorig jaar en onderzoeken we nieuwe ondergronden en mogelijkheden. Naast de traditionele methode introduceren we ook een tweede marmertechniek met een verdikt wateroppervlak, waardoor meer gelaagde en uitgesproken patronen ontstaan. We blijven werken met zowel sumi (zwart) als indigo (blauw).
Er is geen ervaring nodig. De workshop is toegankelijk voor iedereen die nieuwsgierig is naar dit kalme en meditatieve proces.
Suminagashi is the traditional Japanese form of marbling — a technique in which floating ink moves gently on the surface of water and is transferred onto paper to create soft, unique patterns.
For this special occasion, Soonhwa Kang invites Japanese artist Chika Ito, based in Den Bosch, to Hanato Atelier in Haarlem to share her Suminagashi practice.
Morning session
We explore the traditional Suminagashi approach, working with sumi (black ink) and indigo (blue). Through ink, water, and breath, we create quiet circular movements and subtle patterns on the water surface.
Afternoon session
In the afternoon, we expand on last year’s session by exploring additional surfaces and new possibilities. Alongside the traditional method, we also introduce a second marbling technique using a thickened surface, allowing more defined and layered patterns to emerge. We continue working with both sumi (black) and indigo (blue).
No experience is needed. The workshop is open to anyone curious to experience this calm and meditative way of working with ink and water.
Join us for a calm and inspiring day of making.
Date
Sunday 31 May 2026
Morning | 10:00–12:00
Waiting list
Marbling on water - traditional Suminagashi
'(Example picture in the middle)
Afternoon | 13:00–15:00
Few spots available
Marbling on a thickened surface with pattern making tools
(Example picture in the right, bottom on your mobile screen)
Price
€55 per session
€95 for both morning and afternoon sessions (combo)
All material, tea and snack included.
Parent and child are welcome to join together — you can work collaboratively within one booking.
Location
Hanato Atelier at Het Badhuis
Leidseplein 49, Haarlem
Workshop Cancellation Policy
This workshop registrations are non-refundable. In case of absence, no refund will be issued. However, participants who are unable to attend will receive the full workshop instruction as a PDF, so they can follow the content independently at their own pace.
This workshops take place when a minimum of 2 participants is reached. If this number is not met, the workshop may be cancelled. In this case, you will be informed at least 5 days in advance and offered a full refund.
Chika Ito is a Japanese artist based in the Netherlands whose work bridges printmaking, papermaking, bookbinding, and sustainable material research. Trained in the U.S. and active internationally, she has over 30 years of experience creating her own inks, papers, and prints using natural and locally sourced materials. Her workshops draw from traditional Japanese techniques and philosophies while inviting contemporary, ecological perspectives. Chika’s approach is rooted in handwork, cultural dialogue, and a deep engagement with nature.
www.chikaito.com
instagram: @atelierchikaito