A vision floating on water surface but not at all a frozen image but a splash of colors mixing similar to fluctuating moods and the fizzy laughter of a child: next, the water surface turns into a canvas to absorb the dreams of the soul.

The artist's hand is able to model images on water - as vivid and bright as the ones made on an easel. The magic of color has fascinated Angela Minkova who has readily indulged into the secrets of the ancient art of Ebru.

“Ebru is an ancient technique that emerged in Persia and along the Silk Route arrived to the Ottoman Empire”, the artist explains, “Ebru actually means 'water surface' or 'the face of water'. Though it might seem crazy to paint on water this sophisticated technique has been brought to perfection by the nations of the Orient. Later in history (17-18 c.)Ebru art was introduced to Europe. In English it is called marbling or Turkish paper because images are reminiscent of marble surface.”

Classical Ebru is all-organic-done the way established by the pioneers of this genre centuries ago. Today too, paints from plant and mineral pigments are spilled drop by drop on distilled water thickened with resin. Brushes are still famously made from the tail of an old mare attached to a rose bush twig.

Way back old masters painted flowers, animals and humans but most often tulips and roses. Tulip was symbolic as artists used it to express their love for Almighty God, and through the rose - their commitment to Prophet Mohammed. Today the ancient art has received a new dimension.

“In a way Ebrucomes very near abstract art because the artist never knows what is going to appear and images come out different every time”, Angela Minkova goes on to say. “It is simply a dance of painting colors - we play like kids and create universes to reach the remotest corner of the soul and to integrate it with God. I use a classical technique to create a magic presence - after all everything matters - the air, the temperature, all sorts of strange occurrences, various moods, the unknown etc. Sometimes what we get in the end is a wonderful work, sometimes the result is not that good. But every time the process is just incredible.”

Ebruis ephemeral art leaving only a memory on paper, not the work in all its brilliance. This though does not sadden Angela Minkova and she quotes an ancient aphorism: 'Seize the moment and thou will be rewarded'. “Beware”, she cautions, “this works unless you want to own the moment. Working with Ebru is a way to come into touch with the fugacity of all things, to get absorbed into what you are doing at the moment and to meditate”, the artist says. She believes there is no need to have a specific idea: it is enough to let emotions and the current mood guide us, just like in a game.

Angela Minkova has an academic background and has mounted a number of exhibitions at home and abroad. She argues that Ebru is her new love and as any new love it is too whimsical and demanding, but also rewarding. And being in love, the artist has decided to create the first of its kind Book of Praise and Complaints from Love.

“It is about the way love is transformed into art inaccessible to most people. Most of them think that once a love story ends it simply goes to others. On the contrary, I contend that no one can own another person. And, so, the authentic way to 'own' someone is to recreate him. Only then does he claim another territory transcending from the territory of reality into the territory of art.”

Artist Angela Minkova has opened a water laboratory in a cultural center in Sofia where she invites visitors to experiment with the magic of marbling.

English Daniela Konstantinova