Born in 1964 in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture. Graduated from Saga Art Junior College Western Painting Department in 1985, and in 1986 received honorable mention and awards at the Kansai New Production Exhibition and Free Art Exhibition. In 1987, graduated from the Western Painting Department of Kyoto College of Art and Arts, spending time deepening broad learning from the basics of Western painting to expressive methods. Since then, from 1986 to the present, I have continued to hold solo and group exhibitions.
Under the concept of turning feelings into reality, we value expressing ourselves abstractly through color and form.
InterviewAuthor Interview
With the concept of 'Turning Feelings into Form,' she weaves colors and shapes wherever the brush leads, expressing her inner thoughts in abstract ways rather than thinking with her head. After losing sight of the joy of drawing during her student days and being healed by her past works at turning points in her life, she has recently been working on works themed around healing. We spoke with her about the origins of her creative work and the feelings she puts into her works.
Please briefly introduce yourself.
"Nya-nya LOVE"
Author: Hui Meilin
Are there any exhibitions or events that left a strong impression on you?
When I was studying at art university, there was a time when I couldn't draw at all. I entered art university because I loved drawing, but as my teachers' evaluations of composition, concepts, colors, and methods of expression during my university studies gradually made me think things through my head and draw, and I lost the joy of drawing.
At that time, I happened to stop by a small gallery and came across an exhibition of works freely drawn by children, which left a deep impression on me. It made me realize once again that I can just draw however I want, without worrying about composition, color, or evaluation, and from there, my style shifted to a free-spirited form of expression that connects to where I am today.
Another time, when I was in my 50s and experienced significant mental damage, losing motivation and feeling life was difficult, I had the opportunity to see paintings I had made in my youth at my parents' home. The moment I saw the works I painted with a very happy feeling at the time, I felt like I was bathed in a healing shower. I realized that paintings carry feelings that transcend time and have the power to convey the energy of those moments even as time passes, which inspired me to start creating works themed around healing.
What inspired you to start your career as a painter?
It all started when I had the opportunity to study painting for four years at an art university. The broad experience I gained as a student, from the basics to expression, forms the foundation for my current work. I feel that the techniques and ideas I learned back then still flow at the core of my work today.
Even after graduation, I have continued to regularly rent galleries and hold exhibitions. However, making a living solely from creating artworks is by no means easy. Therefore, while running a textile design studio as my main profession, I continue my creative activities on both sides.
What kind of feelings do you put into your work?
Turning your thoughts into reality. That is what matters most to me in my creation.
If you try to paint while thinking with your head, the work inevitably ends up stiff and unnatural. That's why I value the sensation that naturally arises from within myself as the brush tip points and let the brush move freely.
And when I really can't draw, I don't force myself to pick up the brush; I try to be honest with myself at that moment. I feel that facing things at my own pace without rushing leads to turning my feelings into reality.
"Balance ~ Balance"
Author: Hui Meilin
Please tell us which work you have so far that feels most "true to yourself!"
The work used on Terumirin's main page is 'Balance ~ Balance.' All phenomena—flat surfaces, three-dimensionality, sound, thoughts, relationships between people—are made up of balance. I depicted colors and shapes, and even the good and evil within the heart—not just one side, but both of them, maintaining a gentle balance.
The other is a figurative piece, depicting my beloved companion pet, Nyanya. This child is no longer in this world, but it's a precious piece. And there is also a piece I drew thinking of Nyanya after she passed away. I put my gratitude into it for giving me love and wonderful times. Both works are displayed in my room and still cheer me up.
"Meow meow."
Author: Hui Meilin
Please share your thoughts on creating your future works.
I want to keep putting my current feelings onto a flat surface. I want to bring the honest feelings I feel at each moment and the honest feelings in my heart onto the canvas without embellishment. I want to continue cherishing this attitude of not overthinking things in my head and letting the brush move naturally.
And when I have the opportunity to draw face-to-face with clients, I want to cherish the feelings that arise on the spot and carefully shape each piece. Expressions born from facing the person in front of me offer a different kind of discovery than creating alone, and I want to continue cherishing those moments of realization.
Terumirin's attitude of valuing the joy of painting itself, unconstrained by evaluation or technique, is backed by the shock she received from children's free exhibitions and the healing she gained from painting at turning points in her life. Having once lost the joy of painting, her current works exude a genuine sense of authenticity. Going forward, she will continue to express her genuine feelings on flat surfaces, facing viewers and models while creating works full of healing and discovery.
Interview: 2026/08/14