Brittani Locke is a surface designer who employs the technique of marbling as a decorative application. Over the years, she has been studying traditional marbling methods that have been passed down to her from world masters who practice centuries old traditions.
Brittani loves to experiment with colors and patterns, but her favorite part of marbling is exploring different materials and making her own paint from scratch by using a heavy muller to hand grind a powdered pigment mixture. She floats these paints on top of a liquid gel, which is viscous enough to run a variety of combs through the paint to make patterns, or she adds modifiers to create different effects in the design. Finally, she dips blank paper or fabric on top of the surface which absorbs the design she’s created. The results allow her to reproduce historic patterns found in 19th century books or new patterns she designs inspired by her own imagination. These results vary from fluid organic motifs to calculated intricate designs. She is known for her hand-marbled endpapers which have been commissioned by private collectors and book publishers around the world.
Brittani is also inspired by fashion design and has taken the art of marbling into the realm of decorative textile applications. She loves working with silk and finds its smooth surface to be the perfect texture to showcase the intricate patterns that marbling can provide. She is famous for her hand-marbled silk scarves which have been commissioned by fashion designers and celebrities alike.
While surface design via marbling is Brittani’s specialty, she also dabbles in other areas of fine art such as printmaking, book arts, drawing, and painting. She loves sharing the art of marbling with others and offers workshops throughout the year. Brittani’s teaching mission is to break down barriers of insecurity in her students to allow their inner voice to shine. Brittani believes that art can be therapeutic, and everyone creates in their own special way.
Brittani’s favorite mode of working is in pure solitude. Her studio is located in an old stone cottage in the middle of a forest. When she is not working on her art you can catch her hanging out with her husband, two young daughters, and their flock of chickens. Brittani’s overall mission is to continue working with art enthusiasts to promote the love and appreciation of the arts.
A special statement of gratitude goes out to Dan & Regina St. John for generously passing down traditional marbling techniques, and to Jill Deiss for her support and invaluable education at the School for the Bookbinding Arts.