Topics
Artist in academia
I am currently researching towards a practice-based PhD in Glass art at the University of Sunderland (UK). My research aims to develop/demonstrate innovative lampworking techniques focusing on linear expression with glass. To put it simply, I want to make my glass lines more expressive, and I want to share my findings with other artists/researchers, because I believe that it will push the boundaries of the current lampwork art.
“a model of my research cycles” drawn by Ayako Tani for a conference Creating Friction held at Newcastle University, 2010.
My research includes studio practice as an integral part of the study. The figure on the right is a model showing my research process. The studio practice (cycle A) and the critical research (cycle B) are interdependent. The studio practice will result in a series of artwork, and the outcomes of the critical research will be written up in a thesis. These artefacts and the thesis will also complement one another to make my research communicable to other artists/researchers.
I will continue to upload interesting topics from my research onto this space. In the meantime, please directly contact me for the further details.
Lampworking
Lampworking
Lampworking (also called ‘flame-work’, ‘burner-work’ or ‘torch-work’ etc.) is the core technique I use. It has been widely used particularly in the production of scientific lab ware and small scale craft activities, but it only gained recognition in the contemporary glass art scene relatively recently.
I believe that lampworking is a promising technique for the future of glass art, because it requires a smaller amount of energy and studio space compared to furnace-work, while allowing very precise manipulation and expression.
Calligraphic glass
‘Lampwork calligraphy’ is a new style of lampworking which I am developing in my research.
