Bold, yet gentle. Masahiro Fukui, a unique artist who paints flowers, at work [Unique Report #6]
"Isai Tsuushin" is a column introducing artists brought to you by Marie ( @Marie_heralbony ), the Isai Evangelist. In addition to the appeal of the works produced by Isai artists, we will deliver it in a chatty style, including wonderful experiences born from the interaction between Heralbony and Isai artists. For all of you who love the "unusual". We will support your tomorrow with content that will help you relax and give you energy.
Hello, this is Marie, one of our staff members.
Today's featured piece is spring-like art that evokes a warm breeze, perfect for the current time of year when we can't wait for spring to arrive.
A yellow flower gently stands in front of a bright red background. What kind of flower is this...? 
The title of this one is "Nanohana."
So what about these charming egg-shaped flowers?
The title of this is "Daffodil"
Just looking at the deformed flowers makes you feel soft. And yet, the colors and composition give a sense of dynamic strength. These are truly unique works that combine opposing charms.
How are these works created? Today, let's take a look at the creative process of Masahiro Fukui, an artist who continues to paint flowers.
"Camellia Flower" by Fukui
Fukui started attending an art class in Tottori Prefecture, which was the predecessor of "Art Space Karafuru" in 2005, and has been creating artwork with a floral motif for about 18 years. Now, Fukui says, he has come to consider "drawing flowers to be my job."
When I arrive at the studio, I immediately get to work. 
There are many flowers prepared in the atelier. The flower for the day is chosen from several candidates. On this day, Fukui-san chose without hesitation... a camellia flower.
As if to say, "This is it!", Fukui repeatedly shouted "Tsubaki!" 
After choosing the flowers, she puts on her usual apron and goes to get her brushes and palette. By the way, this apron also has flowers embroidered on it. You can tell she really loves flowers. Her light steps look excited and happy. 
Once you're ready, start creating with the actual flowers in front of you. 
On a canvas that he had primed himself, he painted large red camellia petals with bold brushstrokes. 
Moving on to the next color, pour lots of water from the bucket into a small container... 
I wash the containers containing the paints and the brushes. Because I use a lot of water, I always put the towels I use to dry the brushes on a tray. Fukui, who creates large flowers on his canvases, is always bold when he creates his works.
If you paint leaves with green paint... 
A bold, blooming camellia painting is complete!
Recently, Fukui's style has changed slightly from before, and he now likes a style in which the petals spread all over the canvas, covering the entire background.
The camellia flowers blooming in full glory as far as the eye can see exude an overwhelming sense of energy, but at the same time, they also exude a sense of embracing gentleness.
The fact that his style changes from time to time is one of the attractions of the works of this unique artist.
His works exude warmth and gentleness, in stark contrast to the unwavering composition of the painting and the brush strokes.
His strong desire to paint and the kindness conveyed by the scenery reflected in his eyes and heart - these two combine on the canvas to produce works that exude a unique charm.
Character expressions called "Fukui font"
Fukui, who draws flowers, actually has another unique style of expression, which is the expression using letters called "Fukui font".
While filming this video, he was simultaneously drawing the camellias and creating the design in the Fukui font.
Fukui says he is not good at communicating verbally and often communicates through writing. 
On that day, I repeatedly wrote down the places I wanted to go in "Fukui Font."
The words written powerfully, as if dancing, read "Chuden Fureai Hall." The facility is located in Tottori, and for Fukui, who likes facilities with lots of event flyers, it is one of his favorite places. It is also a place that he has had fewer opportunities to visit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so he still has a strong desire to "go there," and so the words are often written. 
Special Hibiscus
Fukui paints a variety of flowers, but sometimes he becomes obsessed with one flower and continues to paint the same flower for months.
One of those particular flowers is the hibiscus. The hibiscus has been chosen every time for over a year, and over 50 designs have been created using this flower.
One of them is this piece.
This piece, which brings warmth and strength to the hearts of those who see it, has also been used in HERALBONY products.
Why not try to let the flowers, filled with Fukui's attention to detail and kindness, bloom around you?
>> Click here for a list of Masahiro Fukui items
You can also find more stories about Fukui on the Listening Museum, so be sure to check it out.
>> Click here for Listening Museum #16
Original artwork also on sale
> See Masahiro Fukui's original artworks
Masahiro Fukui
Currently affiliated with Art Space Karafuru (Tottori Prefecture).
His production style is to look at motifs and catalogs and draw them. All the plants that catch his eye are warm. His works, drawn with a thick brush, are lovely and take the viewer to a gentle world. On the other hand, his works, which use the "Fukui font" boldly expressed with a magic pen, have a dignified atmosphere and bewilder the viewer's eyes.
