Haru Mihoko

You describe your palette as soft and expressive. What emotions or memories do you hope to evoke through your color choices?

I believe there is strong beauty within gentle imagery and ambiguous colors. When selecting colors, I focus on vibrant hues that I sense in my everyday life, cherishing the calm flow of time and drawing on memories to express them. I would be happy if those who view my work feel healed or moved in some way.

How has your experience living and studying art in the UK influenced your current artistic approach?

England has many art museums and galleries, and while living in London, I visited many of them to appreciate art. At art school, I mainly studied abstract and expressive painting. I also spent a lot of time in parks and libraries, sketching cityscapes and scenery. The art street in Brick Lane is very popular among young people, and I often explored it with a German designer friend I met there, enjoying the vibrant and cool pop art. My fresh and inspiring daily life in London remains a treasured memory for me.

What role do traditional Japanese materials play in your mixed media work?

I primarily use mixed media techniques, combining acrylic paint with mineral pigments to achieve delicate color nuances. Mineral pigments (iwa-enogu), made from finely ground minerals, add depth and unique texture when layered with watercolor.

Your portraits and floral compositions carry a sense of nostalgia. Do you draw inspiration from childhood or personal memories?

As a child, I was physically weak and often watched other children playing from the windows of the hospital or school. During those times, the beautiful blue sky and flowers blooming by the roadside gave me strength. Nature filled me with hope, and painting it gave me courage. As I grew healthier, I developed a love for travel, inspired by my childhood, and began visiting different countries and art museums. I continue to draw inspiration from artworks around the world and aim to create my own expressions every day.

Can you walk us through your typical creative process—from idea to finished piece?

I reflect on landscapes I’ve visited and draw inspiration from daily life. I begin by repeatedly sketching ideas on paper. Then, I break down the composition and build up the painting using mixed media techniques.

What does nature mean to you in your work? It appears frequently in your themes.

The seasons in Japan are truly beautiful, and I often envision and paint scenic landscapes in my mind. I try to capture the sense of color, the light, and the fine details with my brush. Experiencing nature’s transitions and continuing to create in tune with them holds deep meaning for me.

How do you balance traditional techniques with contemporary expression?  

By visiting museums and viewing diverse exhibitions from around the world, I learn to interpret techniques and understand artists’ intentions in my own way. I want to continue valuing tradition while embracing the beauty of contemporary art — observing with my eyes, feeling with my heart, and learning from paintings in my own personal way.