The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of the Arts welcomes Machiko Ito to campus November 29–December 3, 2022 through the International Visiting Artist Program. A collaboration between the Division of the Arts and the International Division, which funds the program, the International Visiting Artist Program supports short-term residences for international artists on campus.
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’s residency, proposed and led by Helen Lee, Associate Professor of Glass (Art Department) and The Studio Faculty Director (Division of the Arts), will include a public artist talk and glass demonstration, guest lectures in glass and design courses as well as studio visits with undergraduate and graduate students in Design Studies and Art Departments.
Public Events
Friday, December 2, 2022, from 12-1:30 p.m.
Visiting Artist Lecture
L140 Conrad A. Elvehjem Building (800 University Ave.)
Join for a free artist talk with Machiko Ito, the Fall 2022 International Visiting Artist. Machiko will speak about her career and her work, followed by an audience Q&A.
Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Public Demonstration at UW Glass Lab
Glass Lab, Art Lofts (111 N. Frances St.)
Watch Machiko Ito at work creating intricate glass-fiber sculptures at this free public demonstration. Machiko is the Fall 2022 International Visiting Artist.
About
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.
The International Visiting Artist Program (IVAP) is a collaboration between the Division of the Arts and the International Division, which funds the program. This partnership, launched in the fall of 2019, supports short-term residences for international artists on campus. Through IVAP, the Division brings visiting artists and their expertise into existing campus arts programs. Visiting artists expand students’ horizons and facilitate opportunities for future collaborations and careers abroad.