We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jenniffer Omaitz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jenniffer below.

Jenniffer , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I officially started JC Marbling and Book Arts and 2016. This was after a year and a half of study trial and error in the practice of marbling. I wish I had started the business earlier because the practice and art of marbling is such a great fit/balance for my lifestyle and my energy. It was also a tremendous benefit financially as I it learned how to become more entrepreneurial and start to build my brand. There are plenty of art business books that I’ve read over the years but to really just dive in and put something like this in practice was a huge learning experience.

Jenniffer , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started JC marbling again in 2016 after a year and a half of study, that was proceeded by a long trip to Italy and then I studied with a Master Marbler in Ohio. I was interested in marbling because the practice was akin to something that was coming up in my abstract paintings and I wanted to learn the official way translate the marbling process. I immediately fell in love with the process – near instant gratification the use of vibrant and energetic color -I was just hooked.

What is Marbling? It is the creative act of using watercolor or water thinned paint that has been dispersed on a bed of thickened water (carrageenan), to create original and ornate designs by either raking, manipulating, or drawing with a thin tool into the water/paint surface. Each print pulled is essentially a monoprint after a sheet of prepared paper is carefully laid on top of the inked water.

Marbling has thick roots, much like the history of painting; its history can be traced to Suminagashi (Japan), then migrated to Turkey, France, Germany, Spain and England, while eventually ending up in America. Each country has a stylistic signature and color palette that is historically tied with marbling. While this is an overly simplified and paired down version of the history, it is part of the stylistic lineage that places certain designs in the creative act of this particular making. Marbling is like 2D yoga for those who practice this ancient craft. The maker strives for balance and finding a rhythm between the paint and water. As an art form, this has a great lineage and beautiful history.

At JC Marbling we embrace the tradition of marbling in practice as it has originated in England, France, Italy Spain, and Turkey, but take risks with color and application. By exploring non-traditional color combinations and utilizing double and triple dip methods of marbling we strive to bring this ancient art into the 21st century. We produce all of our printed paper that adorns books and other products, use handmade paints and strive for excellence with our products. We are committed to experimental designs, teaching the art of marbling and bookmaking while holding a high standard for craftsmanship. Because of our small workspace and high level of craftsmanship, we work in smaller batches and place a high importance on detail precision and aesthetics.

We are currently committed to community outreach through teaching workshops along with keeping a high standard for our products. Just constantly learning!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The practice of marbling is timeless. I think the resilience is not just for me as a maker but for the medium. This practice started in ancient Japan around 1000 BC and in the 1400s migrated throughout Europe via the trade routes. I think where it is now in modern culture is part of the story and the resilience for the craft as a historical element. My journey with this is that there is still so much to learn in painting, marbling, both are really alchemical practices. It takes a lifetime to learn the fine art craft embedded in this practice. that is something I really respect and allows me to continue to grow as an informed practitioner.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The bulk of my business depends on retail, and more recently wholesale. The economy has definitely taught me a lesson in how to pivot with the onset of the COVID pandemic and issues relating to even our current economic situation. I feel like I’m still learning a lot about business and where my product is best suited. And I’m constantly learning how to become a more informed business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jcmarbling.shop
• Instagram: @jc_marbling
• Facebook: @jcmarbling

Image Credits

All images credit JC Marbling & Book Arts