Theo Tobiasse was born in Israel in 1927. His family moved to Paris in 1931. During the German occupation of France in World War II, Tobiasse and his family survived by hiding for two years in total isolation.. After the war, Tobiasse started a career as a graphic designer in advertising. Since 1961, he decided to concentrate only on painting.

Through the years, Tobiasse has held exhibitions in the United States and many countries in Europe as well as in the Far East. Most recently he has hod exhibitions at the Musee de Saint Paul de Vence and the Musee des Beaux-Arts, Menton.

Tobiasse spent many weeks of intensive work in the Jaffa Terragraph Atelier to produce these new editions.



"Terragraph"


The Terragraph is a unique printing process, developed by Har-El Printers &é Publishers and The Jaffa Terragraph Atelier. It combines advanced binding materials and the most basic pigment - sand. The sand of the terragraph is collected in specific areas of the Negev and Judean Deserts, depending on the texture and colour required. It is neutralised and dried and is then ready for use.

The first step is to seal the paper with a silicone varnish, to keep the sand and oil binders in relief on the paper's surface. The sand is ground to different coarseness of grain, according to the effect required. Where a sans area is needed, first a binder is applied or mixed with the sand, and printed through a screen.
Tobiasse was very involved in this new process, working in Jaffa with the atelier craftsmen and he adapted this new technique to his own expression.
Due to the silicone varnishes and durability of the oil inks and sand, the terragraphs may be framed without glass ; this enables a direct communication with the sensuous textures and vibrant colours produced by this method of fine art printing.