Schooled in glass making in both Japan and the United States, Hiroshi Yamano is considered a master artist and teacher. Originally inspired by Scandinavian glass, he studied with Marvin Lipofsky at the California College of Arts and Crafts, then going on to enhance his practice at the newly inaugurated Tokyo Glass Art Institute.
Receiving his M.F.A. at the Rochester Institute of Technology, he developed his unique approach in which blown glass is rolled over silver leaf, etched, and electroplated with copper, adapting techniques gleaned from ancient Japanese metalcraft. Responding to the fluid nature of his medium, Yamano favors metaphorical sea imagery, draping his signature glass fish in or over a well-wrought, faceted bowl or vase. Recent works embodies the principle of ka cho fu getu in which a flower and bird portray the poetry of nature throughout the seasons.
Melding Eastern technical virtuosity and Western self expression, the artist achieved early recognition with the prestigious Rakow Commission award bestowed by the Corning Museum of Glass. A spirited instructor at Pilchuck and other glass centers worldwide, Yamano founded the Ezra Glass Studio in the Kanaz Forest of Creation as a place to nurture a new generation. Tireless in this pursuit, he also launched the glass program at Osaka University of Arts, which he now chairs.
Corning Commission by Hiroshi Yamano
