Where Glass Borders on Fantasy… The Work of Dale Chihuly

I had the feeling that this sculpture by Dale Chihuly, set off by a reflecting pool should be waving its tentacles.

I had the feeling that this sculpture by Dale Chihuly, set off by a reflecting pool, should be waving its tentacles. (This and the following photos are taken by Peggy Mekemson.)

When I closed my eyes and scrolled through my iPhoto collection to come up with today’s photo essay, I landed on a series of photos featuring Dale Chihuly’s imaginative glass sculptures.

It seems like Chihuly, the world’s most prolific creator of glass blown sculpture, is everywhere these days. His works are found worldwide. Peggy was in Tennessee with our daughter Natasha five years ago when a Chihuly exhibition was held at the Cheekwood Botanical Garden in Nashville. Fortunately, Peggy took lots of photos so I could enjoy the show as well. I found a flock of flamingos that Peggy captured on her camera at the botanical garden to be equally fascinating.

I thought of this creation as a fruit basket.

I thought of this creation as a fruit basket.

Chihuly is an expert at placing his work in natural settings.

Chihuly is an expert at designing his pieces to complement natural settings.

Another example how his work complements a natural setting.

Another example how his work complements a natural setting.

And how about this towering glass sculpture next to the tree?

And how about this towering glass sculpture next to a tall tree?

My grandson, who was two at the time, checks out one of Chihuly's sculptures. I wonder what was going through his mind?

My grandson, who was two at the time, checks out one of Chihuly’s sculptures. I wonder what was going through his mind?

A new take on a Zen garden?

A new take on a Zen garden?

I thought colorful garlic here.

These reminded me of colorful cloves of garlic.

These gracefull birdlike sculptures reminded me of Peggy's Flamingos.

These graceful birdlike sculptures with their interesting poses reminded me of Peggy’s Flamingos.

Flamingos can assume some interesting one legged positions but this one went above and beyond

Flamingos can assume some interesting one-legged positions but this one went above and beyond. Check out the shadow.

Another interesting pose.

Another interesting pose for both kids and adults.

A final contortion of Flamingos.

A final contortion of Flamingo parts.

I'll use this blue and green contrast by Chihuly to end this post. NEXT POST: On the way to He Grand Canyon and a two month break from blogging.

I’ll use this blue and green contrast by Chihuly to end this post. NEXT POST: A continuation of my Friday Essays. The Grand Canyon trip. Also, Friday marks the beginning of a two month break from blogging.

 

 

30 thoughts on “Where Glass Borders on Fantasy… The Work of Dale Chihuly

  1. Chihuly is one of my all-time favorite artists, and you’re right — his glass has inspired so many. Love these pictures! Didn’t even know there was an exhibit of his at Cheekwood. Would have tried to get there. Thank Peggy for the pics and inspiration!

    • Indeed, AC. And my apologies. You wished me a good vacation in your next comment and I started typing too soon, which always makes the comment disappear. So thanks much. And I will see you in September. –Curt

  2. It is not often that Curt is not with me on our travels. I had fun trying to see what Curt might see as I took photos so that I could share the exhibits and fascinating compositions with him. Fun way to approach photography!

  3. I love, love, love Chihuly Curt. If I were going to splurge on a piece of art it would be one of his works (but it would be a splurge.) Pass my compliments to Peggy for these great photos. We’ll miss your blogs posts but we certainly understand the need for a bit of downtime. Enjoy the time off and best of luck in the book promo. ~James

  4. I do so love his work. The blue bird-like pieces are particularly appealing — but what’s not to like about flamingos?

    Now I understand the absence of new posts from you! I was gone over the 4th weekend myself, and am just now getting caught up. I surely was glad to come back to see some Chihuly. Now, off to the essay!

  5. Curt, I wonder if you’ll ever know how much joy you bring to the rest of us hermits out in the blogosphere who would never have a chance of seeing incredible things like these. As artists, Inion & I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed this post & Peggy’s pics. We just shared them on Facebook so everyone can take pleasure in your wife’s brilliant artistic eye. Thank you again!!! 😉 xo

    • So many thanks… I will pass your good words on to Peggy. And thanks for sharing. Peggy and I just finished up with three weeks of five grandsons (age two to ten) and two sets of parents. It is seeming awfully quiet around here. (grin) –Curt

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