Harue Shimomoto is a renowned Japanese glass artist known for her innovative and meditative glass installations. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, transforming spaces into immersive experiences through intricate networks of glass rods.

Education and Early Career

Born in Japan, Shimomoto’s artistic journey began with her BFA from Musashino Art University in Tokyo in 1995. She furthered her education at the Cleveland Institute of Art and ultimately received her MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Art. It was during her time at UW-Madison that Shimomoto developed her signature style, creating glass installations that move beyond conventional wall-mounted pieces.

Artistic Style and Inspiration

Shimomoto’s work is deeply influenced by nature and everyday experiences. She finds inspiration in the subtle beauties of the natural world, seeking to capture the essence of different seasons in her glass environments. Her installations often evoke specific seasonal phenomena, such as summer storms, autumn rain, winter night skies, or spring ponds.

Despite working primarily with glass, Shimomoto strives to create pieces that transcend the material itself. She aims to challenge preconceptions about glass as merely functional or decorative, instead using it to create what she calls “a strong quiet: the quiet of a mountain”.

Professional Experience

Throughout her career, Shimomoto has gained valuable experience working alongside other notable glass artists:

• Teaching Assistant and Interpreter at Pilchuck School of Glass (2010)
• Director of Large Scale Projects Development for Toots Zynsky, Inc. (2009-2017)
• Artist Assistant and Interpreter for Toots Zynsky workshops in Japan (2003, 2005)
• Flame working assistant to Brent K Young in Cleveland, OH (2004)
  
  

Awards and Recognitions

Shimomoto has received numerous accolades for her work in glass art:

• University of Wisconsin Artist in Residency program (2012)
• Nominated for Emerging Artist for Glass Art Society Conference (2012)
• Finalist for Public Art Project at University of Wisconsin-Superior New Academic Building (2009)
• CGCA Fellowship Program, Creative Glass Center of America (2009)
• Anne and Robert Mayer Bolz Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellowship (2005)
• Jack Zipp Excellence in Glass Scholarship, Cleveland Institute of Art (2004)
• Various scholarships from Cleveland Institute of Art (2003-2004)
  
  

Notable Exhibitions

Shimomoto’s work has been featured in numerous prestigious exhibitions:

• Boston Design Week, Massachusetts (2016)
• 44th International Glass Invitational Award Exhibition, HABATAT GALLERIES, Royal Oak, MI (2016)
• ‘Concept, Element & Form/Real & Implied’ at HAWK GALLERIES, Columbus, OH (2016)
• ‘FICTITIOUS FIBER’ at Tansey Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM (2016)
• SOFA Chicago, Navy Pier (2014, 2015, 2016)
• LA ART SHOW, Los Angeles (2016)
• “Dayton Celebrates Glass: Chihuly, Littleton, Labino and Beyond…” at The Dayton Art Institute (2014)
• “a.k.a. ZEN” at David Richard Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM (2011)
• “Impact” and “Fellows show” at Glass weekend 2009, WheatonArts in Millville, NJ (2009)
  
  

Harue Shimomoto’s work continues to captivate audiences with its delicate beauty and profound connection to nature. Her glass installations invite viewers into meditative spaces, challenging perceptions of glass art and creating environments that resonate with the quiet strength of natural phenomena.