When my sister and I went to see Little House on the Prairie, it took place at “The Phil” (thePhilharmonic Center for the Arts) in Naples, we also saw an art exhibit. Chihuly, a famous glass blower, had a number of his pieces there and they are magnificent. I have attended two other shows by him – one in St. Pete, one in Orlando – I enjoyed the one in St. Pete so much, I drove to Orlando, just to see his show there. I understand there will soon be a museum, just for his works in St. Pete.
Dale Chihuly, (b. 1941) has in reality redefined the medium of glass artistry, elevating glassblowing from craft to fine art. He has also changed glassblowing in America from a basically solitary process to one that employs a “team” of talented and creative individuals. Using the group approach, he has transformed the shape and scale of glass art, having invented numerous new techniques that have radically altered the 2,000 year-old medium. He started glassblowing while majoring in interior design, and did a number of series. Then he dislocated his shoulder, and couldn’t hold the glassblowing pipe. This is when he started using helpers. He describes his role as “more choreographer than dancer, more supervisor than participant, more director than actor.” Through discussions with his team members, his own drawings and his personal vision, Chihuly guides and drives his colleagues. He says: “I very often push a series to its maximum size. I do it to keep the glassblowers at the very edge of their technical ability, to keep the tension high and exciting. I push them. They push me.” I won’t go on and on, but the colors are fantastic, the designs amazing and if you’ve not seen his work, and there is some of it in your area, don’t miss it.
Adding on to this: I went to the Chilhuly exhibit in St. Pete, paid $17.00 and saw not that much more than the “free” exhibit. If you have been to any other shows, feel free to miss this one. It’s about 10 minutes worth.
Here’s a picture of me in front of the Phil.
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