Tangle Kelp – A5 Original Print on Handmade Paper

Details:

• Size: A5

• Paper: Handmade Thai Mulberry paper, backed with Japanese Masa paper

• Ink: Artist-grade Sumi ink

• Mounting: Traditional Japanese Urauchi technique

This piece was inspired by a recent commission for a seaweed artwork, which sparked a deeper exploration into the fascinating forms and textures of marine flora. Many seaweed specimens are impressively large, and I wanted to capture their presence and complexity without resorting to oversized prints. The solution: create small-scale works that still hold visual impact.

Created using art grade Sumi on handmade Thai mulberry paper. The paper reacts beautifully with the ink—shrinking slightly on contact. To stabilize and preserve the print, I use the traditional Japanese technique of Urauchi (wet mounting). This involves applying a thin wheat-paste glue to the back and layering it with Japanese Masa paper for reinforcement. I apply two layers of backing paper, letting the work dry overnight to ensure durability and smoothness.

Once dry, I hand-tear the excess backing paper, giving the print a soft, raw edge that adds to its natural aesthetic. While the piece can be framed under a mount, it's designed to be displayed with the torn edge visible—highlighting the tactile, handmade nature of the work.

Details:

• Size: A5

• Paper: Handmade Thai Mulberry paper, backed with Japanese Masa paper

• Ink: Artist-grade Sumi ink

• Mounting: Traditional Japanese Urauchi technique