Hiroshi Yamano is a renowned Japanese glass artist who has made significant contributions to contemporary glass art. Born in 1956 in Fukuoka, Japan, Yamano has been working with glass for over 25 years and has established himself as one of Japan’s leading figures in the field.

Education and Early Career

Yamano’s journey in glass art began with his studies at prestigious institutions both in Japan and the United States:

• Chuo University, Tokyo: Studied history
• California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland, CA: Studied for three terms
• Tokyo Glass Art Institute: Attended for two years
• Rochester Institute of Technology, NY: Completed his MFA
  
  

During his time at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Yamano developed his signature technique and began his series “From East to West.” This technique involves rolling thickly blown hot glass over silver leaf, fusing it, scratching figures into the surface, and then plating it with copper. This innovative approach was inspired by traditional Japanese metalwork.

Artistic Style and Themes

Yamano is known for his nature-inspired sculptures that fuse traditional and contemporary materials and techniques. His work often features imagery of fish, which he considers self-portraits. In his “From East to West” series, mountains represent the United States, while water symbolizes Japan with its rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Awards and Recognition

Yamano has received several notable awards and recognitions throughout his career:

• Rakow Commission (1991): An annual award presented to a leading glass artist by the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
• Creative Glass Center of America Fellowship: Completed a five-month fellowship in Millville, NJ
  
  

Teaching and Lectures

Yamano has shared his expertise and knowledge through various teaching positions and lectures:

• Instructor at the prestigious Pilchuck Glass School
• Lecturer at The Glass Art Society conference
• Participant in the International Glass Art Festival
  
  

Exhibitions and Collections

Yamano’s work has gained international recognition and is likely to have been featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide. His pieces are part of notable collections, including:

• The Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY: Houses the piece created for the Rakow Commission
  
  

Representation and Gallery Affiliations

Hiroshi Yamano is represented by several prominent galleries specializing in contemporary glass art:

• Habatat Galleries
• Sandra Ainsley Gallery, Toronto, Canada: Considered the leading contemporary glass art gallery in Canada
• LewAllen Galleries
• Shaw Gallery
• Traver Gallery
  
  

Hiroshi Yamano continues to be a key figure in the world of contemporary glass art, known for his diverse skills, innovative surface applications, and unique fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His work serves as a bridge between cultures, reflecting his experiences and education in both Japan and the United States.