The Chihuly exhibit at the Seattle Center includes a number of smaller blown glass pieces including these shown above.
While I normally picture large glass sculptures when I think of Chihuly, he also has a number of smaller pieces on display at the Seattle Center exhibit. The gift shop actually has several for sale. Had I had an extra six or seven thousand dollars lying around, I would have brought one home.
This photo of a younger Chihuly at the Seattle Center, shows Chihuly working on one of his larger pieces. The paddles are used to shape the still fluid glass while his assistant turns the sculpture that is affixed to the pipe used to blow the glass. The expression on the face of the assistant suggests the weight of the sculpture.
Peggy really liked the nesting glass sculptures.
Another example.
And another. The pine shelving really served to emphasize the beauty of these pieces. This was my favorite among this type of nesting bowls.
Several more nesting bowls of a different type were for sale in the gift shop.
Chihuly had a fascination with Native American crafts including baskets and blankets. A number of pieces were shown with Indian baskets including the three below.
Chihuly’s interest in ocean creatures led to a realistic depiction of sea creatures in glass.
Squid…
Sea turtles…
An octopus…
Hermit crabs.
And eels.
I’ll conclude my Seattle Center Chihuly series with several more colorful and creative sculptures from the gift shop.
NEXT POST: It’s back to the Pacific Crest Trail with a hike through the Desolation Wilderness.
23 thoughts on “A Break from Hiking… The Magic of Chihuly: Part 3”
Almost Iowa
Curt, these photos are a pure delight.
Curt Mekemson
Thanks, Craig. My camera was busy the whole time. –Curt
Animalcouriers
A whole other aspect to his work. Must admit to liking these even more.
Curt Mekemson
I found the creativity shown in both the forms and colors quite impressive, AC.
GP Cox
I saw the Dali Museum and the James Western Museum today and do not think I have the wear-with-all to get back into St. Petersburg for the Glass Museum – I’ll count your post as a visit to it!! Plus, I don’t have a spare grand or two lying around either!! đŸ™‚
Curt Mekemson
Ha, you could come and visit Peggy and I. We are in Safe Harbor this week visiting with our son and his family. đŸ™‚
leggypeggy
I’ll never own a Chihuly, but I always enjoy seeing his work. Thanks.
Curt Mekemson
Me too. đŸ™‚
shoreacres
Believe it or not, the next-to-last photo of the gold-trimmed green bowl looks remarkably like one I gave my mother for Christmas in c. 1960. I bought it at Nollen’s Drugs and Gifts on the downtown square, and I’d still have it, had she not given it to one of her friends when she was dispersing ‘stuff.’ Granted, it wasn’t Chihuly-level glass, but the design and color were as pleasing to the eye.
I confess to not finding these pieces as appealing as some of his other work. I have no explanation for that, but some of my associations with specific pieces are wackier than usual. (Can you imagine what I see in the second piece shown with the baskets?) I do think the white and clear bowl with the teal edge is gorgeous. It could come and live in my house any time.
gallivance.net
Curt, I love Chihuly, and your photos of his work are wonderful. Like most people, I’m amazed at the color, creativity, and uniqueness of his glass. I’ve seen his pieces literally all over the globe. I’ve visited the St. Pete Museum, seen it in the mountains in West Virginia, as well as the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY. And I think that the first piece I saw was a massive chandelier in The Victoria and Albert in London. I must have taken 250 photos and I’ve had a post planned for probably 5 years. Eventually I’ll get it out there. In the meantime, I can enjoy your posts. ~James
Curt Mekemson
Thanks, James. We’ve seen Chihuly in several different locations as well. He gets around. (grin) Looking forward to your post! –Curt
Sue Slaght
Such beautiful pieces. I can’t believe you didn’t have several thousand dollars in your back pocket for one.As James says above it is always a wonder to see the pieces in other parts of the world. Almost always recognizable on first sighting. So unique.
Curt Mekemson
Grin… yes that several thousand dollars floating around, to the degree it does, will likely go to wandering. đŸ™‚ Would love to have one of those pieces, however. And right about recognizing Chihuly wherever he pops up! –Curt
Sartenada
Curt, those are incredibly beautiful art. Thank You presenting them.
Curt Mekemson
My pleasure, Sartenada, Taking photos always gives me time to linger. –Curt
Gunta
Being a bit of a klutz, I don’t think a Chihuly would be a great idea even if I had that thousand plus floating around. đŸ˜€
Curt Mekemson
It would have to be put out of reach at our house as well, Gunta! đŸ™‚ –Curt
Anne Clare
Gorgeous! If I ever strike it rich (ha!) there will be a Chihuly in the house, locked away where I can’t break it đŸ˜‰ Thanks for sharing these!
Curt Mekemson
You are welcome, Anne. I doubt you would break one, but a youngster fascinated by the prettiness or an excited dog. Crash! đŸ™‚ –Curt
Anne Clare
Agreed that those are the bigger risks, but don’t ask my hubby just how many dishes I’ve managed to break since we’ve been married đŸ˜‰
Curt Mekemson
Laughing, Anne.
Oh, the Places We See
Love these pieces and the “younger” Chihuly you included. Those seashell looking sculptures were blown of browns and golds and whites for an assemblage inside Biltmore House. Absolutely mind-blowing.
Curt Mekemson
I think there are two sides to Chihuly’s art, Rusha. One is the pieces he creates; the other is how he puts them together, rearranging them for different exhibitions. Thanks. —Curt