We recently had the chance to connect with Lynn Tanaka and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lynn, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Sometimes when I am wrapping large rocks, I find it becoming a meditation in its repetitiveness. There was one 38 lb. rock that I was wrapping, and I got into a true mediative zone. Once I came out of the zone, I realized that I had been drooling all over myself, and had a large wet spot on my shirt! I love that I can be so into my work, that everything fades, and I lose track of all time and space.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Lynn Tanaka and I am a mixed media artist.
Many years ago, in another lifetime I was an illustrator and designer, which I enjoyed immensely. But, I really wanted to be a fine artist. For a long time, I tried to figure out what I wanted to say in my art – and exactly how to say it. It was quite the struggle, and I would pray and beg to the fine art gods for enlightenment! I also gauged my ‘progress’ on all the bad art that I was creating – and by the size of the garbage can for all that bad art! I started with a small, sweet, cool stainless steel garbage can, and before I knew it – I was walking around Home Depot with one very large industrial sized garbage cans – on wheels!
Unfortunately, my Dad passed away, and I went home to be with my family. When I was home, I assembled some mementos of my Dad – just little things that he had collected, drawn, or found – and they were all placed in a Japanese bento box with sections. On the flight home, I opened the box – there were little drawings, bits of nature and found objects that perfectly symbolized who my Dad was. And, at that moment, I realized that I wanted to make shadow boxes with an assemblage of drawing, bits of nature and found objects. I believe that this was a gift from my Dad.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I believe that my parents taught me the most about work – and a work ethic. They both were incredibly hard workers, and lead by example. Teaching us what a good work ethic was, and the value of purpose.
The Japanese word ikigai refers to a passion that gives value and joy to life. And my ikigai has always been art, and creating.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
As far back as I can remember – my art was always my solace. I had a lot of anxiety and panic attacks when I was young, and my art was always there to ground me, to center myself when things felt chaotic. Similar to having a blanket (which I did!), it was a means to sooth and calm myself.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that that my family and my friends – who are my chosen family – really matter the most to me. Some of my favorite times, are to just sit at a table, enjoying a wonderful meal together. I recently spent some time together with my family and it was a true joy to be together, sharing a wonderful meal cooked by my brother! Pure bliss!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Worrying! Worrying about the future – and all the what ifs!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lynntanakadesign
- Linkedin: Lynn Tanaka
