About
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Discover the spirit and stories behind my glass creations.
In my daily life, there are quiet moments when I find myself placing my hands together—before a meal, whispering "itadakimasu", or silently offering a small wish in my heart. These gestures speak of gratitude and reverence for the unseen—beautiful customs rooted in Japanese culture.
My glassblowing practice is an extension of these silent prayers. Raised in an environment where prayer was a part of everyday life, and deeply inspired by the worlds of anime and manga I loved as a child, my sensibility was shaped at the intersection of tradition and pop culture, of stillness and playfulness.
This layered perspective continues to shape the spirit of my work today.
Miwa Ito / Glass Artist
I am a glass artist from Japan.
My work is rooted in a sense of gratitude and respect for life, nature, and the things that support our everyday lives.
Glass is made from materials that come from the earth. In the hot shop, it constantly changes shape through heat, air, gravity, and time. Because of this, I rarely feel that I am completely controlling the material. Instead, the process reminds me that I exist as part of a much larger natural system.
Growing up in Japan, I was surrounded by values that emphasize consideration for others, appreciation for what we receive, and respect for things that cannot always be seen. I am also deeply inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, where repeating the same action with care is considered meaningful in itself. These ideas continue to shape both my life and my work.
Motifs
Animals
Many of my sculptures take the form of animals.
Animals fascinate me because they embody a powerful instinct to live. I am especially drawn to creatures that thrive freely in nature. Their beauty, resilience, and individuality inspire me to study them closely and recreate them through glass with as much attention and care as possible.
Food
Food is another recurring subject in my work.
In Japanese culture, people say itadakimasu before a meal. The word expresses gratitude not only for the food itself, but also for the animals, plants, land, farmers, cooks, family members, and countless unseen efforts that make the meal possible.
Through my food sculptures, I hope to celebrate these connections with warmth, humor, and affection.
Characters
I also often create objects with eyes and expressive personalities.
This comes from a belief that has always felt natural to me: that everything around us possesses a presence of its own. In Japan, there is a long tradition of seeing spirit and character in animals, natural elements, and even everyday objects. My character-based works are an extension of that perspective.
Why Glass
Through glass, I hope to create works that encourage people to look again at the things they may have overlooked: the life within other living beings, the value of everyday objects, and the many connections that support our existence.