Fumika Tanaka

Rachna Singh, Editor, The Wise Owl, talks to Japanese artist Fumika Tanaka. Fumika’s art is an expression of joy and prayer through drawings. She blends traditional Japanese ink techniques with western style. Her art attempts to revere and love nature, briding cultures and celebrating co-existence.

 

Thank you Fumika for accepting our request for an interview. It was such a pleasure to meet and interact with you at World Art Dubai.

 

RS: Your art, rooted in “Ametsuchi,” beautifully blends “rain” and “earth” to express the oneness of all life. How do you approach translating such profound spiritual concepts into visual forms using ink and water?

 

FT: I feel that there is a quiet and harmonious rhythm underlying the world, and I see my role as receiving and expressing that rhythm. When I paint with ink and water, there’s a part of me that lets go of control and follows the breath of the moment, while at the same time carefully planning the composition with technical precision and craftsmanship.

The blurring of the ink and the flow of the brush strokes reflect the unpredictable flow of life, showing how everything is connected and constantly circulating. Through this process, the boundary between myself and the world fades, and a quiet, universal life force seems to emerge on the paper.

 

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RS: You’ve said your sense of beauty was shaped by your childhood home, your mother, and a love for animals. How do these early influences continue to manifest in your artistic style and themes today?

 

FT: My childhood home was filled with seasonal flowers and traditional arrangements for annual events, creating a vibrant and elegant atmosphere. Beautiful fabrics and paintings from around the world adorned the space, and shelves were lined with books spanning a wide range of genres. In that environment, aesthetics and knowledge stood side by side, forming the foundation of my sensitivity.

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Animals, however, were something even more personal and essential to me. Until around the age of 20, they were always part of my everyday life, and my love for them has remained constant. I’ve been endlessly fascinated by their quiet emotions, wordless affection, and the innate beauty of their presence. Even now, motifs like falcons, leopards, horses, and cats appear naturally in my work—guided by the lasting impact of those early, heartfelt bonds.

 

 

RS: Your work blends traditional Japanese ink painting with Western artistic sensibilities. How do you navigate this cultural fusion while staying true to the spirit of Suibokuga?

 

FT: For me, the spirit of traditional Japanese ink lies in embracing chance and showing deep respect for nature. I believe that each culture—along with the past and future shaped by different eras—deserves to be respected in its own right. Rather than blending them into one, I aim for a form of coexistence where each culture remains independent and distinct.
 

What I seek is a natural harmony, where different traditions breathe alongside one another, each retaining its own rhythm.

 

RS: You’ve applied your artistic vision to business contexts—logos, websites, product visuals. How do you maintain the soulfulness of your art when working on commercial or collaborative projects?

 

FT: In commercial projects, I always strive to deliver something that exceeds the client’s expectations. I start by carefully understanding the client's intentions, thoughts, and values.

By uncovering the deeper meaning behind them and shaping it into a visual story, I believe I can create work that is not only visually appealing but also soulful.

 

RS: You mentioned meditating while creating nearly 1,000 Zen circles for a logo project. What role does mindfulness or ritual play in your daily creative practice?

 

FT: Repetition is a way to refine skills, strip away the unnecessary, and get closer to the essence. When I drew the 1,000 Zen circles, I felt that the more I painted, the clearer the essence became.

To support my daily creative work, I’ve maintained practices like yoga and meditation for over 15 years, and I draw croquis sketches every morning. These rituals help prepare me to face my artwork with balance in both body and mind. It’s a routine that allows me to find my center and realign myself with the world in these turbulent times.
 

 

RS: Our readers would love to know about your future projects.

 

FT: I'm currently exhibiting at World Art Dubai 2025, and I plan to continue working on cross-cultural art projects and meaningful collaborations in commercial fields.
 

In the near future, I will be holding exhibitions in Japan in May and June. I’m also hoping to explore future collaborations with cultural institutions that bring together traditional Japanese techniques and global innovation, as well as participating in art-science residencies—though these plans are still in the early stages and not yet confirmed.

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Thank you Fumika for taking with The Wise Owl about your art and creativity. We wish you the very best in all your creative endeavours.