Miwa Ito
Glass sculptor
Osaka, Japan
Playful glass delicacies
- Miwa's realistic glass sculptures are influenced by pop culture such as anime and manga
- She received a BA in glassblowing in 2018 from Kindai University
- She uses social media to detail her intricate making processes
Miwa Ito was drawn to glassblowing the moment she saw it. “I thought the glass looked like living slime,” she says. Miwa’s childhood was full of artistic endeavors such as drawing and making things, and her upbringing was strongly intertwined with a deep consideration for the spirit embedded in all things. "My practice weaves traditional Japanese making culture with a fun approach influenced by the USA," she explains. She now communicates this value through her glassblowing works, which often feature animals or food as subjects. “Some of my processes are not truly essential to glassblowing, but I work with them to imbue my pieces with spirit. I want to honour and respect the processes, much as one would when making a meal for someone,” Miwa says, describing her process as an act of reverence.
INTERVIEW
I hope that people can see how fascinating the process is. I see the making process itself as part of the finished piece. The possibilities that glass presents are limitless. I think this is what I find so interesting about it.
When making something that includes internal parts, it feels like I am creating life. This carries tremendous meaning for me, whether it is toward living things or food, I have a reverence for that process.
I want my work to be instantly clear, so I design things that people can understand the moment they see them on a screen. Pop culture has also been a strong influence on me, so it informs my colour selections.
I sketch every idea from a variety of angles to gain a 360-degree understanding of the piece. The next day at the workshop, I share the plan with my assistant, and we give ourselves a few hours to make it. The cycle feels like an athlete preparing for a match every week!
Miwa Ito
Glass sculptor
Osaka, Japan
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Osaka, Japan
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
Japanese, English
Homo Faber Finds is a new service aiming to inspire admirers of craft to connect and collaborate with exceptional artisans.
We invite you to submit an enquiry here.
