“Softly Glowing Glass, Like Sugar Confections” Interview with Asami Okumura
Asami Okumura’s solo exhibition, “Winter Serenity” will be held from Wednesday, November 27 to Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Picaresque Gallery.
In this interview, Asami Okumura shares insights about her creative journey, artistic inspirations, and the concepts behind the pieces featured in this exhibition. We hope you enjoy learning about her work!
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Contents
1. Please introduce yourself.
2. What inspired the unique worldview of your current works?
3. Why do you choose the materials you use?
4. What are your sources of inspiration?
5. Which artists or works have influenced you?
6. What kind of works do you hope to create in the future?
7. Please explain the concept behind your exhibited works:
Dumbo Octopus Cake
Ice and Coral
Hot Spring Capybara
8. Do you have a message for attendees and future visitors?
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1. Please introduce yourself.
I create glass art pieces inspired by marine life and ocean motifs. My signature works include a coral reef series and a charming small octopus series. I primarily use the Pâte de Verre (glass paste) technique, working with wax molds. Blue, a color evocative of the sea, is my favorite and often features in my creations. Most of my pieces use colorful glass and showcase rounded forms.
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2. What inspired the unique worldview of your current works?
I wanted to create pieces that reflect my passions, dreams, and interests, using my favorite medium—glass. This led me to focus on ocean and marine life themes. Additionally, my goal is to craft works that can lift people’s spirits, providing quiet companionship in their daily lives. This vision has significantly shaped my style.
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3. Why do you choose the materials you use?
Glass offers incredible versatility and surprising transformations, sometimes yielding unexpected results that feel almost alive. Its unique transparency and vibrant colors are deeply appealing to me. In particular, the Pâte de Verre technique creates a warm, candy-like texture and watercolor-like hues, which I find captivating. Although working with glass is time-intensive, I’m committed to it as long as I can continue creating.
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4. What are your sources of inspiration?
My inspiration comes from everything I find intriguing, especially the ocean and nature. I often draw ideas from encyclopedias, images, the sea, aquariums, natural landscapes, memories, and personal records. Additionally, desserts, food, music, movies, illustrations, paintings, bouquets, various products, and even games influence my creative process.
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5. Which artists or works have influenced you?
My primary inspiration is the ocean and nature itself. Beyond that, I’ve been influenced by Studio Ghibli films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Spirited Away, the MOTHER video game series, glass artist Ikuko Mizukichi, as well as painters such as Paul Klee, Kaii Higashiyama, and Koyo Ishizaki. Music I listen to while working also plays a role in shaping my ideas.
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6. What kind of works do you hope to create in the future?
I aim to continue creating pieces that bring comfort and quiet joy to people’s lives. Additionally, I hope to explore more expressive and lifelike marine motifs while expanding my use of vibrant colors. Broadening the scope of both color palettes and subject matter is a goal for my future projects.
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7. Please explain the concept behind your exhibited works.
Dumbo Octopus Cake
This glass shortcake features small octopuses and corals as decorations. Inspired by Christmas cakes and marine themes, I noticed that the strawberries on shortcakes resemble tiny octopuses and decided to bring this idea to life. The octopuses in this piece are my smallest creations to date, measuring just 1.5 cm.
Ice and Coral
This piece combines icebergs and coral reefs into a single glass sculpture. Reflecting the exhibition’s winter theme, I aimed to create a coral reef series that evokes a sense of coolness. The iceberg is painted with shades of oceanic blue beneath the surface and frosty white above, marking my first exploration of this subject.
Hot Spring Capybara
This glass sculpture depicts a capybara soaking in a hot spring amidst a snowy landscape. I wanted to craft something warm and comforting, leading me to choose this motif. Initially, the piece only included the hot spring and capybara, but to balance the cold and warm elements, I added oranges and tiny snowmen to enhance the narrative.
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8. Do you have a message for attendees and future visitors?
This exhibition centers around the theme of winter. I hope my works convey a sense of warmth and tranquility even amidst the season’s harsh chill. The title Winter Serenity reflects the idea of finding gentle warmth within the cold. I look forward to welcoming you to experience the softly glowing world of glass creatures.
Asami Okumura Solo Exhibition: “Winter Serenity”
Exhibition Dates: Wednesday, November 27 – Sunday, December 8, 2024
Details: Exhibition Website
Asami Okumura Official SNS:
X (formerly Twitter): Visit Here
Instagram: Visit Here
Basic Information
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
Venue: Picaresque Gallery
Address: 4-54-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo
Phone: 070-5273-9561