Biography

Naoko Takenouchi's work explores the issues of our presence, identity and relationships in society. 

Since she immigrated to Canada in 1993, her creative expression using glass has become a significant way of her navigating her path in this journey. It is also an important bridge between her inner world and society. 

Takenouchi completed a four-year degree course in design and glassblowing at Tama Art University in Tokyo, while taking time to attend the New York Experiment Glass Workshop. Her work experience continued at the Swedish Center Foundation and in the New-Small & Sterling Studio in Vancouver. She has attended the Pilchuck Glass School as a scholarship student in '93 and '98. She has exhibited her work world-wide, and her work was included in New Glass Review 16, Contemporary Glass: Color, Light & Form from Guild Publishing, and many other national and international publications. Takenouchi has received many awards in Canada including the Canada Council “mid-career” grant. She has been commissioned to make the Governor General's Performing Art's Awards since 2003.