Yasuko Nakazato

Glass-Station

Kaleidoscope maker

Kaleidoscope stories

Yasuko has strived to establish kaleidoscopes as a form of glass art
She teaches her craft widely
She is a six-time winner of an international kaleidoscope prize

Starting in 1996, Yasuko Nakazato studied classical glass painting at a stained glass art school in Japan, where she discovered kaleidoscopes. Captivated by their mechanics, Yasuko set out to expand the boundaries of kaleidoscopes as an art form and medium for self-expression. Her goal is to break away from traditional concepts and create new forms using glass working techniques. She learned the basics of this craft through trial and error, her innovative and free-thinking designs leading her to be a six-time winner of Brewster International Kaleidoscope EXPO. Yasuko shares her expertise through workshops, emphasising not only technical skills but also creative thinking. "Each creation must tell a unique story," she explains.

Interview

What does your creative process look like?: I always begin with a theme or what I call a “final goal.” From there, I put into words all the images that come to mind. These words guide my decisions about the direction of my creation. My ultimate aim is to craft a beautiful object that brings comfort.
Do you teach the same process to your students?: Yes, I talk about three elements: the mirror system, the internal elements, and the external look. The mirror system refers to how you position the mirrors to control the shapes of what will be seen. These three must work together to reflect the initial concept.
What are your thoughts about the future of this craft?: It has always been challenging, and I believe it will continue to be so, due to the ambiguous categorisation of this craft. My craft is defined not by materials but by mechanics. The lack of a clear genre makes it difficult to gain recognition.
Is there one piece you made that holds special meaning for you?: When the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred in 2011, I was living in Tokyo and experiencing many aftershocks. It was during this time that I created a piece named Acua. Unlike my usual process, this piece was born out of my need to heal myself.

Yasuko Nakazato is a master artisan: she began her career in 2003 and she started teaching in 2005