Chisa Kobayashi

The shape the glass takes is the most natural shape for the glass. I combine shapes to make 'my shape'. So that shape looks more natural, and it looks like something I have never seen before.

Tell us a little about your background – what did you study and what path led you to what you are doing today?

I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. My parents were artists and it was natural for me to be interested in art. I became interested in glass through a high school art course. To further my studies I attended Tokyo International Glass Academy for two years and at Toyama City Institute of Glass Art for four years. I studied materials and studied myself. After I graduating I am making glass art at Toyama.

What are the key themes, concepts and ideas that you engage with in your work and how do you express these visually and physically?

Without touching the glass, I make glass forms using the characteristics of 'melting', stretching', 'expansion', 'solidifying' of the glass. The shape the glass takes is the most natural shape for the glass. I combine shapes to make 'my shape'. So that shape looks more natural, and it looks like something I have never seen before. That is how I am looking for beauty.

Who or what are some of your influences? What other artists and creatives in general do you admire?

I like mysterious forms in nature including animals, plants, and landscapes because they look very natural and unnatural. It always has new discoveries. Also, I am strongly interested in the land and, the culture of this land. And of course, it is also affected by many artists people who are not artists. The relationship with people always gives me new things to consider.

What is your workspace like?

Canberra Glass works are amazing. It is a wonderful environment with many great artists. They are very kind and I will am able to enjoy creating works. I like buildings with history, so I am honoured to be able to make works in this building.

What do you want the viewer to experience when they are experiencing your works?

I do not limit my work to a set image.

Because its form can be nothing and everything at once.

I hope the viewer has new discoveries.

  • Chisa Kobayashi

    Glass Artist