“I want to convey the charm of iwa-enogu while respecting the traditional techniques of Japanese painting, creating artwork that brings out the best in my work.”
From Jewelry Designer to Japanese Painter: A Journey Shaped by Stones
Beniko Choji, born in January 1991, has carved a unique path in the art world by blending traditional Japanese techniques with deeply personal themes. Growing up in Japan, she graduated from Saitama Omiya Koryo High School’s art program in 2009 and later earned a degree in Japanese Painting from the prestigious Joshibi University of Art and Design in 2013. Her discovery of iwa-enogu, a traditional Japanese mineral-based pigment, at the age of 15 profoundly influenced her artistic journey. Fascinated by its shimmering beauty, she decided to pursue Japanese painting as her creative focus.
However, her career did not immediately lead to the art world. After completing her studies, Choji took a different route, becoming a jewelry designer. This practical decision stemmed from her belief at the time that a sustainable future as an artist was unattainable. It was during this chapter of her life that her artistic philosophy evolved. Designing bespoke jewelry taught her the importance of creating art that resonates with others—an essential lesson that forever shaped her style. She began to see parallels between her love for iwa-enogu and the allure of gemstones, both holding unique stories and inherent brilliance. This experience reignited her passion for painting, transforming her creative perspective and setting the foundation for her career as an artist.
Choji’s artistic evolution has been profoundly shaped by this dual connection to mineral pigments and precious stones. These materials, with their vibrant colors and natural depth, became a metaphor for emotional resonance and timeless beauty. Her work now strives to bridge traditional Japanese techniques with universal themes, showcasing the enduring appeal of iwa-enogu while honoring the heritage of Japanese art.
Beniko Choji: The Heart as a Canvas
For Beniko Choji, the heart is not merely a metaphor but the central theme of her artwork. Her paintings explore the raw, unspoken emotions of the human spirit, often depicted through the form of a female figure. However, these figures are not literal portrayals of individuals; they are representations of the heart’s complexities as it reveals itself. Choji’s intent is to create art that invites viewers to complete the narrative themselves, allowing each piece to resonate uniquely with individual experiences.
Choji employs a deliberately restricted color palette of red, white, black, and blue. This minimalism is a key element of her artistic philosophy, enabling her to focus on creating depth and emotional nuance without unnecessary distractions. Through this limited range, she experiments with endless variations, achieving striking contrasts and unexpected patterns that mirror the diverse possibilities of human emotion. Negative space also plays a crucial role in her work, symbolizing the intangible yet significant moments of emotional transition—the pauses, silences, and reflections that shape the heart’s journey.
Her use of natural mineral pigments further enhances the emotional power of her pieces. The luminous quality of iwa-enogu, derived from finely ground stones, imbues her work with a unique texture and brilliance that draws viewers in. Choji believes these shimmering pigments serve as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, allowing her paintings to evoke a deep sense of connection and introspection. For her, each painting becomes complete when it mirrors the viewer’s heart, offering a moment of reflection that feels both personal and universal.
The Studio as a Sanctuary: Creating Without Distraction
Choji’s workspace is a reflection of her meticulous approach to creating art. Efficiency and simplicity are paramount in her studio, which is designed to minimize distractions and enhance focus. Compact and organized, the space allows her to work seamlessly, with all tools and materials within arm’s reach. For larger works, she eschews traditional easels, opting instead to paint on the floor—a practical necessity for Japanese painting, where the pigments’ unique texture and consistency can cause them to run.
The atmosphere of her studio is as essential to her creative process as the physical layout. Choji values a serene environment free from unnecessary objects, allowing her to immerse herself fully in her work. A constant presence in her studio is the scent of sandalwood incense, which she burns to create a calming ambiance that sharpens her concentration. This ritual, she says, connects her to the timeless traditions of Japanese art, grounding her in a practice that feels both ancient and deeply personal.
Despite her disciplined approach, Choji’s creativity thrives on the balance between order and spontaneity. By maintaining an uncluttered workspace, she creates the mental clarity necessary to channel her vision into each piece. The combination of traditional techniques, natural materials, and a focused environment allows her to push the boundaries of Japanese painting while staying true to its roots.
Beniko Choji: Bridging Tradition and Global Appeal
Choji’s work is deeply rooted in the traditions of Japanese painting, yet her vision transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. She is determined to introduce the unique beauty of iwa-enogu and the fluid, expressive lines of Japanese art to a global audience. For her, the shimmering quality of mineral pigments holds a universal appeal that can resonate with people from all walks of life. By emphasizing the timeless elegance of these materials, she hopes to create connections that go beyond language and cultural differences.
Exhibiting abroad is a dream project for Choji, and she sees it as an opportunity to share not only her own work but also the cultural heritage of Japan. Her belief in the universal power of natural materials like rock pigments aligns with her desire to foster a deeper appreciation for Japanese art traditions. She envisions her exhibitions as spaces where audiences can experience the harmony between the ancient and the contemporary, feeling the emotional depth of her work while marveling at the centuries-old techniques that make it possible.
Choji cites Jean-François Millet’s The Angelus as a pivotal influence on her artistic journey. Encountering the painting as a junior high school student, she was struck by how the light, plants, and figures seemed to embody the emotions of an era. This moment cemented her belief in the power of art to convey universal human experiences. Like Millet, she seeks to create work that resonates across time and space, capturing the essence of the human heart while preserving the integrity of her medium.
For Choji, her art is not just a personal expression but a means of connecting people to something larger than themselves. Through her meticulous use of mineral pigments and her dedication to the traditions of Japanese painting, she continues to expand the boundaries of her craft, inviting the world to discover the profound beauty of iwa-enogu.
