The Illustrations of Em Niwa

An introduction here to the energetic art of Australian/Japanese illustrator and animator Em Niwa. I stumbled upon her beautifully unconstrained work via Pinterest.

Em is one of those rare artists with a real feel for the deftness of line. She is able to apply this fluidity to craft extremely rich character designs.

There’s obviously a heavy Eastern influence within her work with more than a touch of anime. However it’s balanced with a strong echo of 19th century Japanese woodblock prints. Whether a direct influence of hers or not, I also see Moebius within her work and in that I mean that her craftsmanship is as wonderfully meticulous. High praise indeed, and completely warranted.

I’m not 100% sure of the exact themes of her work, though I believe much it is ‘fan art’. Her interpretation’s of J. R. R. Tolkien or Anime such as ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ (1984) from which the above illustration is derived.

Em works digitally with Photoshop and a 13″ Wacom Cintiq but obviously is just as adept with pen and paper. She works with anything from a Uniball pen to refillable Japanese Ink Brushes. Whatever the medium, Em is a real talent.  I’m ever so slightly envious!

To follow Em Niwa directly you can visit her tumblr. There you’ll find links to Patreon and INPRNT where you can buy a variety of her printed work.

Definitely an artist to watch.