Glassmaker Dale Chihuly's Handcrafted Bowls Are Works of Art That Never Cease to Surprise

During a recent trip to Seattle, WA, I stopped bythe Chihuly Garden and Glass. As I walked through the exhibition halls, I felt awe at the beautiful pieces created by famed glassmaker Dale Chihuly and his team. I learned a lot about his design process and how he uses glass to teach us about art and creativity. The last gallery (and there are eight), however, left the biggest impression on me. Let's walk through it together.

The museum offers a comprehensive collection of Chihuly's work and showcases how he pushed the boundaries in glass blowing from inspiration to execution to presentation. One of his most notable achievements is a series ouf oversized glass bowls. 

The gallery is dark; the light comes from the bowls. Chihuly used all 300 colors (the number of different colored glass rods he works with) with the goal to use as many possible variations and combinations. This idea appeals to me as a textile designer: there is a constant drive to test color and texture and to come up with combinations that are innovative and visually appealing. 

Aren't these color combinations lovely? They are unexpected and daring, yet incredibly attractive. I love the fluid shapes of the bowls; there is a strong organic element to them. And while they may be cast in glass and hold their shape, they are also ever-changing with every spec of light that illuminates them.

I highly recommend you visit the exhibition. It's magical and in addition to the bowls, you will see many other striking glassworks by Dale Chihuly. The visit is well worth it.