Ayako Tani Glass is a highly accomplished and internationally renowned glass artist. Her glass art journey began in Japan, where she studied a BA in arts and courses in bead-making, glass blowing and kiln casting.

Dr Tani then continued to the University of Sunderland, where her passion for her work and subject blossomed further. She continued to develop her academic interests and successfully completed an MA and PhD in Glass Art and Ceramics.

Dr Ayako Tani has produced a significant range of stunning glass artworks. In addition, she has also published a number of papers on glass art. Her in-depth knowledge and understanding of the art form really show in her beautiful and delicate pieces, leading to numerous awards and recognition.

Ayako Tani Glass specialises in lampworking glass. All her pieces are made from borosilicate glass, this type of glass is able to withstand extreme temperatures without cracking. This is because it contains boron trioxide, a ‘magic’ ingredient that completely alters how glass behaves. Using molten glass as ink, her work often captures her memory and body movement in the glass. Particularly, she introduced the philosophy of calligraphy to glass art, developing ‘calligraphic lampworking’, which embraces the amorphous character of glass. She regularly exhibits and lectures at the international level, and her work has been collected by prestigious museums in the UK, Germany and China.

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