Yuki Nishiyama

Glass painter

©︎YukiNishiyamaPhotobyRumikoIto

Nature's subtle beauty on glass

Yuki combines Japanese painting styles with enamel painting
She lectures annually on enamel painting at Musashino Art University
Soda-lime glass, used for her works, is prevalent for manufacturing glass containers

Yuki Nishiyama began her career in 2010 after training at the Toyama Glass Institute and Pilchuck Glass School. She initially assisted glass artist Yoshihiko Takahashi and then joined the Toyama Institute of Glass Art. Returning to Hokkaido in the north of Japan, she joined her father Ryo Nishiyama's studio and started her own artistic journey. Yuki combines Japanese painting techniques with glassblowing to create unique glassware inspired by Hokkaido's nature and seasons. Mastering the entire glassmaking process from glassblowing and sandblasting to enamel painting, her intricate work captures the surrounding landscapes. She conveys its quiet majesty with poetic detail, fine brushstrokes, and delicate colours, encouraging viewers to appreciate the subtle, profound beauty of nature.

Interview

©︎YukiNishiyama

©︎YukiNishiyamaPhotobyRumikoIto

As an artist, are there any particular influences that guide you?: I was deeply inspired by Swedish glass artist Monica L. Edmondson's identity and artistic approach while assisting her for a month. Upon returning to Hokkaido, I fused Japanese painting techniques with carving and glassblowing to develop my own style.
What is the connection between Hokkaido and your artistic journey?: My roots in Hokkaido, its rich natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and four seasons deeply influence my work. Using glassblowing, I evoke the dynamic energy of nature, shaping delicate and sometimes bold motifs in nature.
How did you become a glass artist?: Growing up in a glass artist's home, I developed a passion for drawing and working with my hands. Inspired by my father, I pursued craftsmanship, particularly enjoying the challenge of blowing soft glass. This led me to choose glass art as my profession.
What message do you hope your work conveys to the world?: I aim to reveal the quiet majesty of nature amidst our busy lives. There is profound beauty that unfolds in the great outdoors, enveloping us gently yet sometimes harshly. Most importantly, I want viewers to cherish the emotions evoked by nature.

Yuki Nishiyama is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2010 and she started teaching in 2021