Makoto Fujimura uses ground precious metals and minerals to create large luminous canvases that reference ancient traditions. His latest exhibition includes Charis, a diptych that is composed of five layers of crushed Japanese gold and traditional materials like azurite and malakite on Japanese paper over canvas.

What brought you to these methods?
Part of my education was to spend six years in Japan studying Nihonga (a method of painting using traditional Japanese methods) and learning about painting as it was done in the 16th century.

How did you find that dichotomy in your education affected you artistically?
Takashi Murakami was a classmate and we used to have these really interesting discussions. He had this dream of being the next Andy Warhol, which he is achieving in terms of success, but I am concerned about 100 years ago rather than 50 years ago. Artifacts will become more and more important in the future because they are objects that possess what I call ‘timefullness’.

Would you like to see this go on in society in a broader sense?
I think people, especially kids in advanced nations, have lost touch with a sense of wholeness. We are texting these short messages to each other but we have very little to say that is enduring. We are no longer able to see beauty in traditional things.
So how do you think that relates to the teaching of art?
This is a very important question. I think art education is really truncated. It is information based. Everyone is an artist when they are in kindergarten and then you get to third grade and someone tells you to stop and get serious with life.

Can you teach someone to be an artist?
I don’t think you can. It is either there or it is not; you can only help someone grow into their full humanity.

When did you become aware of your own artistic inclination?
I think I have always had it. I grew up in a home where it was always assumed that you would do something creative. It wasn’t untill later that I realised that not everyone’s homes are the same.
 

What keeps you motivated artistically?
The world chips away at your dreams but if you surround yourself with strong friends and family you can still take big risks. I have three children. They are older now but every month the question was whether I bought gold [to paint with] or fed my kids.

Do you have a personal ethos?
Dream big and create an environment where you can fail often and spectacularly.

Charis is on show at Gallery EXIT, 1 Shin Hing St, Central, 2541 1299; www.galleryexit.com. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. Until January 23.