Thursday, March 02, 2006
Culture vulture: The glass master
Your Culture Vulture has been writing about unusual art and off-the-path aspects of creating, but it's the final sigh of the winter stretch. As enchanting as snow and winter can be, it's time for a truly beautiful and inspiring harbinger of spring.
Two words:
Dale Chihuly. Many of you already know about Chihuly's genre-breaking artistry in glass, so enjoy this free revisiting of art that makes you go "aaaahhhhhhhhh." If you haven't heard of this leprechaunish magician of glass, take notes and bookmark the Web site.
The bad news: You can't afford his work. The good news: You can afford beautiful books showing his magnificent work, and you can make a point to visit installations of his work when traveling. Many are free and open to the public.
Loop-de-loops
I won't go into the history of this world-renowned artist or his methodology. You can find that information in books and on his Web site. I do want to point out a few series of his works that I find particularly breathtaking. So, let me gather my breath and ask you to view "Loops" of these images on his Web site under "Glass": Baskets, Macchia, Persians and Seaforms (my personal "oooooohh").
It's outside art
Courtesy Miriam Young
Glass floating in boat at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, Fla.
Chihuly doesn't confine his glass to tabletops or displaying on pedestals. He also makes elaborate, humongous pieces that cover ceilings, hang from or reach up to two-story spaces, and he makes pieces that are installed in gardens and ponds or floating in boats. They sure float my boat! I was able to see the Chihuly installation just before it opened late last year at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, Fla. (on display until May 31).
Spears, spires and spheres were installed throughout the gardens. Seeing such exquisite, luminous glass art in natural sunlight, amid the reflective qualities of water and the lush, verdant twists and curves of tropical plants, was thrilling and fulfilling.
An inside scoop
A little bird told me that a family right here in Roanoke owns a Chihuly piece. Vultures are rather shy by nature -- we circle around for days before attempting to partake of our quarry. So, if an invitation might possibly be forthcoming to view the piece, consider this an open solicitation. I promise I won't touch it!
Our museum would do well to consider acquiring some Chihuly pieces should underwriting become available. I'm graciously offering to start their collection by donating my own cherished Chihuly acquisition, a book showcasing his Seaforms. All I ask in return is visiting privileges.
Miriam Young is a creative director living in color in Roanoke.
Note: Some Web links provided by the Culture Vulture may contain art featuring nudity, strong political content and bizarre visions. Parental guidance is suggested. Please respect the copyrights of the owners when visiting online galleries, and obtain artists' permission before downloading any images.
Here's one now!
Dale Chihuly’s Glass: www.chihuly.com/glass.html
