As with so many who work in the area of art and craft, Joan Ajala developed a second career when she discovered the joy of marbling.  After a music-teaching career, her fascination with design, colour and the endless beauty of nature found its expression in the fluid art of marbling, which follows the natural laws of physics and chemistry.  It is these natural laws which create the wonder and beauty of marbling.

Suminagashi (Japanese marbling), paste papers and other forms of decorated paper have been a natural extension of Joan’s interests.  Marbling on silk and cotton is a new venture being pursued.

Joan’s papers are sold in specialty paper shops in major Australian cities and used extensively by private and State Library bookbinders.  Her marbled cards and miniature framed works are sold in Australian galleries and bookshops.

Further General Info about my work.

As no two pieces of marbling are identical, you will definitely not get a piece which is exactly the same as the sample.  It will be similar, but slight variations in colour and patterning are part of the process and allure of marbling.  Also, the time taken to complete an order will vary widely due to the handmade nature of the work.

Most colours are interchangeable, allowing you to choose a pattern and colour that appeals.  Special requests are also welcome - indeed these provide important new ideas and directions.

Joan copies traditional papers for bookbinding repairs as far as this is possible. A piece of the old marbled paper is needed for this.