Art + Faith: A Theology of Making with Makoto Fujimura

Makoto Fujimura’s home and community were devastated during the terrorist attacks of 9/11, emotional fractures began to surface. He found solace in his art, creating some of his most transformational work. 

From his earliest painting experiences as a child, Mako always sensed a flow of energy transcending space and time; encouraged to pursue his art, he was invited into the prestigious mentorship in the study of Nihonga—an ancient Japanese art utilizing pulverized minerals.  This process pays homage to the traditional Japanese art forms dating back to the 16th century and the use of these silver, metallic, and gold hues are passed down in a lineage from teacher to student. The Nihonga or “slow art” process utilizes precious handmade minerals, paper, and glue and requires time and patience. 

Mako refers to himself as the “little artist” or vessel for the “big artist” -  the creator-  to move through him. In the studio, he writes, meditates, and prays—while layers of natural pulverized paint pigments dry.  This daily practice allows Mako to move further into his “Theology of Making”—acting as a form of devotional liturgy.

This groundbreaking artist is moving his mission through parallel metaphors of kintsugi—ancient Japan’s art of repairing broken pottery mixed with lacquer, powdered gold, silver, or platinum. This celebration of the fissures, scars, and former brokenness—is a framework for his aligned projects of culture restoration and global justice.  

Current projects include www.IAMCULTURECARE.COM, Academy Kintsugi, and Embers International—a foundation co-founded by Hae Jin Shim Fujimura--protecting, restoring, and empowering victims of injustice, exploitation, and human trafficking.  

Mako is a leading contemporary artist whose process-driven refractive “slow art” has been described by David Brooks of New York Times as "a small rebellion against the quickening of time."  His art has been featured widely in galleries and museums around the world and is collected by notable collections including The Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, The Huntington Library, and the Tikotin Museum in Israel.  Mako has published 4 books, including Art+Faith: A Theology of Making (Yale U. Press 2021, Foreword by N.T. Wright), and created an illuminated manuscript of Four Holy Gospels (Crossway 2011) to commemorate the 400-year anniversary of The King James Bible, which was a historic commission.  Mako has also served on the National Council on the Arts as a Presidential appointee and has received four Doctor of Arts Honorary Degrees. We are honored to host Mako on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ®.

 Intrinsic Drive ®  is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton and Andrew Hollingworth  is sound editor and engineer.