Takashi Komiya "Summer White" will be held from August 10th (Sat) - August 13th (Tue) at the Uehara store!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Uehara will be holding its first solo exhibition featuring glass artist Takashi Komiya from August 10 (Sat) to August 13 (Tue). Mr. Komiya will be present on the first day!

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With August comes the height of summer, the season when glass vessels shine brightest! Experience the special "white" world of Takashi Komiya, who is pioneering a new world of glass with his unique perspective. His works sold out at the "Coffee Exhibition"! We are delighted to host the first solo exhibition at our store for this increasingly popular artist.

Takashi Komiya first participated in an FFT exhibition at this year's "Coffee Exhibition." One of his signature works, the "White Vessel" series, which garnered much attention from customers, is characterized by its soft, nuanced colors created by fusing snow-white glass powder onto a gray base, and its unique texture that softly envelops light. The exterior of the vessels is sandblasted, giving them a moist, silky feel. The base of all his works is an original gray color melted in his own studio. It is created by recycling scrap materials from the white vessel series, among others, and its deeply expressive and soft colors are captivating.

Transparent glass gains a distinct outline through coloring. And the elegant proportions are highlighted by the color. Because the forms are composed of simple lines, their graceful curves and well-balanced, beautiful ratios stand out. I feel that at its core lies a "universal aesthetic value" that has become visible through constantly questioning what is necessary in life and carefully selecting it. Komiya's vessels, which do not assert themselves excessively and generously embrace whatever is placed on them, become wonderful partners in daily life!

To briefly introduce the production techniques, in the "White Vessel" series, as mentioned above, the surface is covered with opaque white glass, making it impossible to see the shape of the air when blowing. Adjusting the thickness and size by feel is a skill only possible with continuous experience working with the material. On the other hand, for items made using original molds, fine adjustments are required for the glass thickness and blowing method, depending on the size and shape of the mold that forms the water-like texture. The difficult part is to quickly and efficiently form the glass to achieve a thickness that is easy to use when finished. The soft shapes of free-blown glass and the sharp shapes created by blowing into metal molds. Even with the same glassblowing technique, the differences in process reveal completely different appeals of the material.

Furthermore, Komiya creates beautiful forms one after another with great ease, communicating precisely with natural forces such as heat, gravity, and centrifugal force. All his items are truly well-balanced and are carefully designed with the user in mind. While their appearance is so natural that users don't feel the trace of tireless effort, they are packed with the craftsman's dedication down to every detail.

This exhibition will feature bowls, shallow dishes, pouring vessels, sake cups, and items that are sure to be a big hit on summer tables, such as glasses and goblets, which sold out at the "Coffee Exhibition"! Also available will be Chinese tea sets and utensils, which are in high demand. It is a very rare opportunity to find tea cups and lidded bowls by an artist that suit your taste. Don't miss this opportunity.

These light, dancing glass pieces catch the shimmering sunlight.
Please come and see the refreshing "Summer White" reflecting against the indigo ink color of the Uehara store.

Takashi Komiya himself will be at the store on the first day, August 10 (Sat)!
We sincerely look forward to your visit. (Ohki)

Artist Biography
1985 Born in Saitama Prefecture
2009-2017 Worked at Niijima Glass Art Center
2020-2023 Worked at Toyama Glass Studio
2023 Became independent and built a glass studio in Toyama Prefecture

"Takashi Komiya: Summer White"
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Uehara
August 10 (Sat) - 13 (Tue)
OPEN 11:00~18:00
*Artist present on the first day