Healing and Harmony: The Charm of Nakamura Toshito

Nakamura Toshito stands out as a unique figure whose life and work defy easy categorization. With a background that spans office work, bodybuilding, and ceramics, his journey to becoming an artist was anything but conventional. However, it is precisely these rich life experiences that give his artistic voice its distinct texture. His work, filled with natural motifs, balances tranquility with intricate technique, and nowhere is this harmony more evident than in his vase depicting red-crowned cranes against a snowy winter backdrop.

Nakamura's deep connection to nature is at the heart of his artistic expression. He has long been captivated by birds, beginning with sparrows he used to feed in his garden—a small but meaningful act that led him to explore avian themes in his art.

His ceramics often feature sparrows and other birds, captured not in flight but in moments of rest in serene contemplation. These images, drawn from nature and personal observation, are more than just aesthetic choices; they are Nakamura's way of conveying peace and comfort to those who are touched by his creations.

Nakamura continues to depict various birds, but the poised beauty of the red crowned cranes, tancho zuru in Japanese, has become a particular focus.

"The posture of cranes is simply beautiful—whether solitary, as a pair, or in a flock, they always create a striking composition. The red crown on their heads adds a uniquely Japanese touch, making them feel like a symbol of Japan itself."

While Nakamura’s fascination with cranes stems from their elegance and grace, beyond their aesthetic appeal, they serve as a way for him to impart iyashi—a sense of healing and restoration. Although sparrows have often appeared in his previous works, cranes introduce a deeper narrative, embodying themes of love, endurance, and unity.

"When I paint cranes as a pair, I aim to express more than just tranquility. I want them to convey a lasting connection—a bond that endures forever. Even with snow falling—symbolizing life’s inevitable challenges—the cranes remain together, unwavering. Through these images, I hope people can feel a sense of calm and warmth."

The muted, bluish-gray background was inspired by the snowy winters of Hokkaido, providing the perfect setting for the cranes to stand out. Nakamura mentions that, while he experiments with other tones for birds like sparrows, the silvered winter palette suits the cranes best.

For Nakamura, creating harmonious compositions involves meticulous planning. When working with flocks of cranes, he sketches each bird individually, arranging them on paper to find the perfect balance.

"There’s no single right answer when it comes to composition. I try different combinations until the arrangement feels right. The balance between each crane is crucial—too much variety can look awkward, so I aim for a sense of unity without rigidity."

For paired cranes, he plays with complementary silhouettes: "One crane stands tall, neck extended, while the other spreads its wings, adding movement."

Nakamura’s approach to painting birds reflects his understanding that, despite differences in appearance, all birds share similar anatomical structures. He notes that mastering the details of one bird species makes it easier to paint others.

"Once you understand a bird’s bone structure and feathering, you can adapt to any bird—whether it’s a sparrow or a crane."

A key feature of Nakamura's technique is furi—a method that requires a mesh screen and a small brush to scatter pigment across the surface. This process adds texture and depth, lending an airy softness to the snow-covered landscape.

"With furi, you brush the paint onto the mesh, veiling it in delicate layers. The technique allows for subtle variations in tone. It’s tricky—achieving just the right balance takes time, effort, and experience."

The multi-step process begins with deciding the composition, followed by drawing the cranes, and then the first firing. The background is applied next, using furi to layer bluish-gray tones. A second firing sets the background, after which Nakamura colors the cranes, followed by a third firing. Snow is added last, and the final piece undergoes a fourth firing to complete the process.

"The magic of furi lies in its unpredictability—unlike airbrushing, which creates uniform coverage, this technique results in delicate gradations that feel organic and alive."

The method of painting is time-consuming, especially on larger surfaces, where layers must be applied repeatedly to achieve the desired effect.

Today, Nakamura continues to find joy in the simplicity of creation. His works invite viewers to pause, reflect, and find peace. His snowy landscapes, perfected through years of experimentation, have become a signature feature of his pieces—though, as he humorously notes, the secret behind his snow-painting technique remains carefully guarded.

"After ten years of trial and error, I finally discovered the perfect way to paint snow. Now, it’s a hallmark element in many of my works—but the technique remains a well-kept secret."

When asked about future motifs, Nakamura responded with a playful grin:

"I’ve painted everything I wanted to. These days, I’m drawn to reptiles and dinosaurs—I even visited the dinosaur museum in Fukui and loved it."

This blend of humor and dedication defines Nakamura Toshito’s artistry. His works, whether playful or profound, offer a glimpse into a mind that embraces both complexity and joy.