2. Glass has been used for over 2000 years
Has a transparent quality, material illuminates light
Has the unique ability to transmit and diffuse light
Mixture of infinite colors; Cobalt blue is the easiest color to
create in glass sculptures
Glass is extremely pliable and the only medium besides clay
that has flexibility unlike stone, metal and wood
Creates jewel-like shapes and forms
Glass takes 4 minutes to form shapes under intense heat
Speed is the key to technical formation
Each piece has precision and tension
3. Earlier Years
Born in Tacoma, Washington in 1941
Mother was a gardener and had a strong influence
on him in his youth
Was inspired by nature and flowers in the garden
4. 1965-1967 University of Washington
Studied interior design
1968 University of Wisconsin
Received MS in Sculpture
1969-1980 Taught at Haystack School in Maine
Chairperson of the glass department
1983 Rhode Island School of Design (Providence)
Established the glass department
5. Seashell-like formations
Flowers and plant forms that took on natural life forms
Organic abstract sculptures
Glass chandeliers
Three-dimensional architectural glass art installations
6. Facts about
Chihuly
Uses complimentary
colors in his art
work
Works are not
symmetrical
Begins ideas from
painting on large
canvases
Enjoys working in
nature and loves the
desert and ocean
8. Inspiration
Crystal Palace was built Chihuly purchased a
in 1851 in London, glass house in Chicago
England which was similar to a greenhouse
made of cast iron and which influenced his
glass garden and flower
Was built in 17 weeks structures
and was 19 acres
9. Produced environmental glass and produced major
architectural installations
Worked as an architect in Seattle, Washington in 1968
Became first American glassblower at the Venini factory in
Murano
Established Pilchuck Glass School in Starwood, Washington
in 1971
10. • Chihuly explored color, design and forms that characterized
his work
• His approach was too exploit the qualities of the glass
medium to evoke a wider range of psychological and
emotional responses of his audience
11. Chihuly was introduced to Venetian glass which is a
lightweight, colorful glass used in Venice since the 16th
Century
Had his first trip to London, England where his work was
displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum which is the
largest museum in Europe (11 acres)
Had his first trip to Israel
Used neon, argon and blown glass forms to create room sized
installations
12. Established Pilchuck Glass School in Starwood, Washington
Glass Forest – used agriculture and weaved glass structures
in a natural environment to produce exhibitions
Navajo Cylinders
Pilchuck Baskets
Seaforms Series
13. CYCAD CIRCLE LAVENDER HERONS, CYCAD CIRCLE LAVENDER HERONS & CYCAD CIRCLE FIDDLEHEADS,
2005 GREEN HORNETS, 2005 2006
"CHIHULY AT FAIRCHILD" "CHIHULY AT FAIRCHILD" "CHIHULY AT FAIRCHILD"
DECEMBER 3, 2005 – MAY 31, 2006 DECEMBER 3, 2005 – MAY 31, 2006 DECEMBER 9, 2006 – MAY 31, 2007
FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC
GARDEN GARDEN GARDEN
CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA
14. Chihuly lost his left eye in a car accident in 1976 where he lost
his depth perception
Began working with a group of artists, crafts people and
master glassblowers that produced massive glass structures
that could not be attainable by working alone
Dislocated his left shoulder while bodysurfing where he was
no longer able to hold the glass blowing pipe
Gave up his job as a master glassblower position to William
Morris
15. • Created the “Seaform series” consisting of shell-like forms
• Created the “Soft Cylinder” series which combined elements of the
earlier “Basket and Cylinder” series.
• Developed the new “Persian series” with former RISD student
Martin Blank as gaffer which included biomorphic shapes
• Developed large scale, multicolored forms known as the “Macchia
Series”
• Created “Venetian Series” with master Italian glassblower Lino
Tuglia Pietra as gaffer
25. • In the early 1990’s, Chihuly’s workshops was housed in a
factory on the waterfront of Seattle
• “Chihuly Over Venice” was a two-year project which
included hanging over 14 chandelieurs in Finland, Ireland,
Mexico and Venice
• Designed sets & lighting for a production of Peleas et
Melisandre by the Seattle Opera Company and commissions
for public space including his most awarding project in 1999
“Light of Jerusalem” in Israel
26. • Waterford Crystal in Waterford County, Ireland
• River of Glass in Finland
27. 1996
Vitro Factory in Monterrey,
Mexico
Sleeping Lady Conference
Retreat in Leavenworth,
Washington
Icicle Creek Chandelier
A 4-5 foot long icicle chandelier
outside structure designed for
100 mph winds and stood 10-feet
tall
• Flare at the top and was built
loose to allow wind to be able to
blow through the structure
Over 6 feet of snow fell and none
of the glass broke while it
remained outside for weeks
28. Traveled to Israel five (5) times before starting inspired work
Inspired by ice blocks and received a creative vision to design
an ice sculpture
Shipped 15 massive blocks of ice from Alaska to Israel
Stated that ideas came from his gut and it was the most
rewarding piece of work completed
Over 1 million people visited the exhibit
30. International exhibit at the Victorian & Albert Museum in
London
Chihuly Gardens & Glass located at the Garfield Park
Conservatory in Chicago, IL
Potatoes & Bamboo Project
Crystal Tree of Lights for the White House
Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, UT
Begins Silvered Series
32. Chihuly’s installations have been featured in
large indoor & outdoor venues at botanical gardens in:
Chicago
Columbus
Atlanta
Miami
Phoenix
Works found in over 150 major museums
33. What’s Next?
Chihuly Garden and Glass Groundbreaking Ceremony
August 23, 2011. Seattle, Washington
Opens Spring 2012
34. • His career expands over four decades
• Chihuly has transformed the industry of glass artwork
through his creative vision
• Recognized as an international premier glass artist where he
is featured in books, essays and PBS specials
• Collaborated with a team of artists, designers and staff
35. Books
The Art of Glass from Galle to Chihuly Highlights from the Lowenbach Collection, Copyright 2007
Newark Museum Association p. 11-15, p 24-26, p 34-38
Videos
Chihuly Gardens & Glass
Directed by Peter West
Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem
Directed by Peter West
Chihuly Short Cuts
Directed by Peter West, Michael Barnard, Ken Samuelson
Photos
www.Chihuly.com
Websites
Holstengalleries.com/artists/show/chihuly-7