Machiko Ito

Machiko Ito constructs sculptural artworks with crochet, woven and bundled glass fiber. Formerly a knit-wear designer, Ito’s technique was born from the exploration of weaving glass fibers. Focused on the Buddhist concept called “En,” which represents a relationship from first meeting to farewell and the bond that develops therein, Ito is fascinated by the silky texture and luster produced when glass fibers are heated in a kiln and melted together. Ito completed the Glass Certification Studies Program and the Advanced Research Studies Program at Toyama City Institute of Glass Art. Her work has been featured in solo exhibitions in Tokyo and Toyama, Japan, and has been featured in exhibitions internationally including Glasmuseum in Frauenau, Germany. Ito has been an artist-in-residence at The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass and is presently an artist-in-residence in the Southern Illinois University glass program. Ito was born in Okinawa and lives and works in Toyama, Japan.