KaoriKoike:aboutme

At Joshibi Junior college of Art and Design in Japan, I studied
spatial art and design, and developed an interest in the materials
used in architecture. During this time, I became influenced by the
Italian architect, Carlo Scarpa. My interest in his work stems from
his great attention to detail using several different materials as well
as his glass works. I am drawn to how different materials influence
the life of human beings, and see glass as a medium which has
many faces and plays the role of connecting outside and inside. After
studies at Joshibi junior college, I continued to study glass and
related creative processes at the Japanese glass art institute. While
I was there, I discovered that glass was the best material to express
my ideas, which are a reflection of my cultural background. For
example, the use of “Ranma”(transom window), “Shoji”(sliding paper
door) and “Husuma”(sliding door) to partition of rooms but still allow
light, sound, and air to pass between room, and be perceived
indirectly. This traditional way of using partitions in Japanese
architecture has influenced my thinking by making me aware of
the attraction of indirect interactions. I came to the U.S. in 2003 to
expand my perspective on art as well as improve the quality and
depth of my work outside my own Japanese culture.