Toshio Iezumi

Toshio Iezumi creates his own “stone” -cumulative layers of sheet glass – which he grinds and polishes into abstract forms that reflect and refract light to appear deceptively soft, “like tofu” (the artist’s words). For Iezumi, the process is the defining moment.

In Toshio’s newest body of work more dramatic, often organic, silhouettes are created through deeper carving of his pieces,. These sculptures offer - even more than his earlier works – startling differences in appearance as one moves around each work. The deeper carving creates within each piece a more pulsating play of light as it travels though the layers of glass. These internal kinetic patterns are sometimes heightened by the inclusion of a mirrored surface within the layers, which inclusion also casts a cooling effect over the green tones of the glass. Movement, and an enhanced external/internal dialogue between surface and internal layers, combine to bring a new level of excitement and vitality to the elegance that Iezumi has created in his carved glass sculpture.

In 2009, 3 of his 7 foot columns were installed in the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts at Virginia Beach, his first such installation in the USA. There are over 15 installations of his work in public spaces throughout Japan.
Click here to view Iezumi's work at the Sandler Center.