A lingering object in clear water. A creature-like shape contemplating a hasty retreat. A solid body that changes impressions with angles and time. Mako Tanabe is a glass artist, who creates such mystical works through her craftsmanship.
Tanabe established her studio in Okayama upon the completion of her doctoral course in glass art. Her works are not designed to have either functions or decorative designs like Kiriko(Japanese glass craft known for patterns engraved on the surface). She uses the properties of glass to draw out the inherent beauty of the medium.
Her process starts with making the final shape with clay to make a plaster mold. She uses a method called "fusing" where the melted surfaces of different glass pieces are fused together to create multi dimensional and coloured pieces. They are fused together in the plaster mold, and polished after they're taken out. When we face the final product, we are invited to imagine the time consuming and elaborate process behind the work, as it shines with intricate and subtle detail.
1983Born in Kochi
2006Graduated from Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts
Enterd master's course of a graduate school of Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts
2008Finished Craft course, Graduate School of Arts of Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts
Enterd Ph.D. degreeKurashiki University of Science and the Arts
2010Established “Glass Studio Oimatsu” in Kurashiki city Okayama
Exhibition
2004Group Exhibition “shimmer brilliantly” Gallery Kaze to Kokoro in Nara
2005グループ展「里帰り展」 ギャラリーファウスト（高知）
2006グループ展「5 人展」 ギャラリー幹（倉敷）
2007グループ展「仕事師たち」 ギャラリー風と心（奈良）
2008グループ展「御礼のギャラリー仲摩展」 ギャラリー仲摩（東京）
2010“THE I PRIZE SELECTION EXHIBITION” Tenjinyama Cultural Plaza of Okayama Prefecture i Okayama
Group Exhibition ”Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts
-Glass course teachers and graduate students’s exhibition-” Koubou Ikuko in Kurashiki
Solo Exhibition「Maco Tanabe Solo exhibition」 Asago art village in Hyogo
