Kanako Togawa
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AQ Volume IV artist Kanako Togawa is a glass artist who was born and raised in Japan. She received her BA in 2009 and her MA in 2012 from Osaka University of Arts. In 2011, she was invited as an Artist-in-Residence at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, USA, where she stayed for nine months, creating works and teaching kiln-working techniques to students. Currently, she is presenting her works as a glass artist both domestically and internationally. Her works are part of the collection at the Corning Museum of Glass, the world's largest glass museum. She has also held solo exhibitions and participated in art fairs at galleries in the United States.
In 2011 and 2013, Kanako was selected as one of the top 100 glass artists in the world, and in 2018, she received funding from LEXUS to work on a new project.
In her current practice and research, KANAKO explores how the translucent and semi-translucent properties of glass, enhanced through various treatments, can be connected to her personal experiences of memory and emotion, as well as the Japanese reverence for nature rooted in Shinto and Zen Buddhism. By integrating traditional Japanese ink ("sumi") with glass, she aims to reawaken and recontextualize the Japanese perspective on nature through multi-sensory perception.
https://www.kanakotogawa.com
What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?
When I first visited Italy as a high school student, I was overwhelmed by the art, architecture, and culture I saw there, and I felt a strong desire to become an artist who creates from scratch. The reason I chose glass as my medium is that I have been fascinated by its sparkle since I was a child, and I see great potential in glass as a material because it is used in everything from architecture to everyday objects.
Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?
Both in the past and now, my concept is inspired by my experiences with the Japanese view of nature, and I aim to express the invisible presence of life and death. In the past, I often used more figurative expressions, but now I have started approaching my work with more abstract expressions.
What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?
The most challenging part was when, for some reason, I couldn't focus on my work and found myself unable to continue creating. However, I was able to overcome this by spending time in nature and resetting my mind.
What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?
It helps me discover unknown areas, but I realize they were already in my subconscious, and I just hadn't noticed them. I believe that through my art, I can better understand myself.
Do you have any start or stop rituals before creating?
Before I start creating and when I finish, I look at the sky. Observing the color of the sky, the shape of the clouds, and the light helps me understand that no two days are the same. It reminds me to value my time today and tomorrow, and to create my work and live with purpose.
What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?
My art might carry a meaning like a form of prayer. I would be happy if it could bring comfort to people's hearts or enrich their lives, regardless of nationality or religion.
Share a mantra or favorite quote that keeps you going.
Even if there are challenges, enjoying them makes life a more beautiful journey.
