IN CONVERSATION WITH NENDO

WonderGlass: Could you describe the inspiration behind Dusk, your new piece with WonderGlass?

Oki Sato: A frosted bronze sheet glass, folded in half and combined with the spherical light source, captures the gentle glow of dusk. The spherical “sun” nestles in the pocket formed between the glass sheet inspired by the “evening sky”. Glass shaped in seven different forms and positions creates light sources at varied heights. When arranged in a row, the seven lamps replicate the sun gradually setting.

 

WonderGlass: Dusk has symbolic resonance for many cultures, how did this influence your design?

Oki Sato: The changes in light and time caused by the movement of the sun have influenced many cultures and religions, and Japanese culture and art are no exception. In the background of the design of “dusk”, there was an outdoor installation named “nissoudan” at the solo exhibition “NENDO SEES KYOTO” held in Kyoto in 2022. This installation, which is based on a “prayer room” where you can watch the sunset from the west gate of Kiyomizu Temple, seems to have greatly influenced the design of this lighting.

 

WonderGlass: This is your first collection with WonderGlass’s fused glassmakers. What attracted you to working with fused glass?

Oki Sato: While cast glass is characterized by its rough, handmade appearance, fused glass is striking for its transparency and delicate presence. In designing this piece, it was crucial to create a floating sensation for the spherical light source and emphasize the contrast between the flat glass and the light source. Fused glass was found to be the most appropriate material to achieve this. In addition, when attempting to bend fused glass three-dimensionally using heat, it naturally tends to warp rather than achieve a perfect shape. This imperfection is the result of the craftsman’s hand, not an industrial process, and I believe it adds significant value to the design.

 

WonderGlass: Dusk is the first table lamp in collaboration with WonderGlass. What drew you to this lighting typology?

Oki Sato: Compared to pendant, floor and desk lamps, table lamps are objects that feel closer to the user, offering a more intimate and emotional connection. From this perspective, I decided that a table lamp would be the most appropriate for this concept.

 

WonderGlass: Nendo prides on a diverse material expertise. What keeps attracting you to working with glass as an expressive medium?

Oki Sato: I have always found glass to be a mysterious material, almost like “water”. When heated, it becomes liquid, and when cooled, it becomes solid. The way its appearance changes significantly by adding bubbles or color is also similar to water. Designing with glass feels like capturing a moment in time, like freezing flowing water. This feeling of “capturing time” always fascinates me as a designer.