The Simple Pleasure of 'floating ink' - Suminagashi

Suminagashi is the ancient Japanese process of floating ink on water. Patterns are created by gently manipulating the ink, using the breath, or a single hair to create swirling marks. Paper is then placed on the surface of the water thereby transferring the design. Suminagashi was first recorded in the twelfth century. The process appears simple, producing some fabulous marks but like any art form, there are always those skilled artists who can raise it to another level. These are my first attempts!
The process of Suminagashi  produces a calm and serene feeling - it is not a process that likes be hurried.  It feels very in tune with the spirit of Buddhism - slowing things down and encouraging you to "be in the moment".  It is a wonderful process of mark making and one which I will certainly be exploring further.