Since 2018
18 × 24 in.
India ink on paper

These drawings reproduce the marbled paper patterns from various composition books. Though each brand has a unique pattern, it is more a signifier of the ubiquitous notebook rather than a way to differentiate one manufacturer from its competitors. These patterns retain to varying degrees their fidelity to the original paper marbling process, which was developed in Japan, industrialized in France, then simulated for mass production in the U.S. Close inspection reveals which patterns began as real marbled paper and which were born digital. The quality of the patterns varies, seemingly independent of the books’ cost (all under $1.50).