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A Wonderland Through the Looking Glass: The Art of Dale Chihuly

Submitted by Elaine Magliaro, Guest Blogger

While Jonathan is off gallivanting around in France for a few weeks, he’s left us guest bloggers to do the majority of postings here at the Turley blog. While I’ve remained stateside, I did have an opportunity earlier today to travel to a beautiful otherworld–one created in the imagination of glass artist Dale Chihuly. Chihuly’s “Through the Looking Glass” exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is breathtaking! Fortunately, I was able to take pictures without a flash. Maybe you’d like to come along on a tour of his glass art exhibit.

Chihuly: Through the Looking Glass

Dale Chihuly @ MFA

CBS Early Show: Erica Hill Takes a Lesson in Glass Blowing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TolHuumh7w

Dale Chihuly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETJhw9_B_X4&feature=fvst

66 thoughts on “A Wonderland Through the Looking Glass: The Art of Dale Chihuly”

  1. Thanks for a beautiful respite, Elaine. I saw a Chihuly exhibit here in Orlando several years ago and found much of it magnificently moving and powerful.

  2. Blouise,

    I’m going to be a nanny granny. I’ve volunteered to provide daycare for my first grandchild three days a week when my daughter returns to work. I hope I have the stamina.

  3. Rich,

    I didn’t have the opportunity to view any of Chihuly’s exhibits decades ago. I can say this though–I believe he took glass art to a different place. I have never seen any like what I viewed at the MFA today.

    *****

    Blouise,

    I have a small glass art collection. I have a number of Josh Simpson pieces, some pieces that I picked up at glass art studios in Vermont, and others that I got when I was vacationing in North Carolina in 1993.

  4. Elaine,

    I’m in the midst of “potty training” … welcome to G’ama club!

  5. “Chihuly’s work is a lot less interesting than it was 20-30 years ago. “(Rich)

    I have to agree, in part, with that statement. I have an early Chihuly piece that is literally indescribable. However, I have not been as disappointed in his later works as you seem to be.

  6. Elaine M, Thank you for the lovely pictures. I got to see his St. Louis exhibit at the Art Museum (not the one at the botanical garden though) and his work was amazing! I went back a couple of times, it was a marvelous experience. You are so lucky to see his newer work. There was nothing on the scale of his green ‘tree’ when I saw his work nor any of the small chandeliers. There were chandeliers but these extremes of size are amazing.

    Congratulations on the upcoming grand-baby!

  8. Elaine,

    Glass, both as art and functional, is my passion. Thank you for the wonderful pictures.

  9. i’ve been interested in glass art for many years. Chihuly’s work is a lot less interesting than it was 20-30 years ago. It’s now largely mass produced with the same forms over and over. His initial works are much more interesting and show really attempts to find interest in color, shape, etc.I saw this exhibit a few weeks ago and thought it was the worst example of overkill.

  13. Very nice,but IMHO even nicer photos as you said with “no flash”.

    I,ll keep eyes my open for this exhibit.

  15. Otteray,

    “Something inspirational to get away from the dismal political and economic scene for a few minutes is like a breath of fresh air.”

    That’s exactly what I was thinking. I get depressed listening to and reading the news. I’m sick of all the petty politics and bickering in Washington. I needed to enjoy something beautiful and uplifting.

    *****

    rafflaw,

    I hope you have an opportunity to see a Chihuly exhibit one day. I felt bad that my daughter didn’t get the chance. I bought her a DVD and a book. She had wanted to come with us but she was feeling a bit tired and uncomfortable. Her baby is due any day now.

  16. Mike S.,

    I’ve been dying to see this exhibit. It ends on August 8th. I’ve been fascinated with blown glass art since I saw a glassblower at a country fair when I was a kid. A few years ago, my husband and I visited a couple of art studios in Vermont and watched glass artists in action.

    My daughter and son-in-law went to the MFA when the exhibit first open in the spring but the waiting line was so long they never got in to see the exhibit.

    I’d say Chihuly definitely thinks outside the box.

  17. Chihuly? that sounds like a new taco at Taco Bel!!?
    Great pics Elaine! It was a real eye opener for a non-artsy guy.

  18. That is magnificent work. World class glass art. Good photos too.

    We have a master glass artist locally. His studio is in an old store front in a little nearly-abandoned railroad town nestled in the mountains. Judson Guerard made all our Christmas tree ornaments and several wonderful pieces we have sitting around. My daughter loves to visit him and play with his cats. We often give a set of his frolic stem goblets for wedding presents. Hardly something you will find in your local department store.

    http://guerardglass.com/art.html

    Something inspirational to get away from the dismal political and economic scene for a few minutes is like a breath of fresh air.

  19. Elaine,

    I’ve been to a Chihuly exhibit, I think in Chicago. He is a great artist whose work is a treat for the eye.

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