The Nature of Glass

Arguably one of the most famous glassblowers in the world, Seattleite Dale Chihuly is known for pushing the boundaries of glass with his unique style and incredible skill. From intricate sculptures of sea life to grandiose chandeliers, Chihuly Garden and Glass invites the public into Chihuly's world of glassblowing artistry in a truly beautiful and unique way.  

The journey through the museum was truly an adventure, in the way that each turn brought something completely new. Each exhibit had its own unique atmosphere, showcasing the glass art in a different way. The Sealife room centered a huge sculpture representing the Puget sound surrounded by smaller pieces of different underwater elements. The Chandelier room showcased detailed colorful sculptures hanging from the ceiling, each one different from the next. Winter Brilliance highlighted clear, spiky pieces manipulated by colorful lights, conjuring the image of icicles in the winter sun. The variety shown throughout really highlighted Chihuly's versatility as an artist, as well as the versatility of the medium. Glass is essentially a clear, blank canvas, but he brought it to life through shapes and color, conveying complex meaning and sparking emotion in every piece. 

Another thing that stuck out to me when walking through the exhibit was the connection of Chihuly’s art to the natural environment. Glass is first and foremost simply melted rocks and minerals- specifically silica, limestone, and soda ash- literally deriving from the raw materials of the Earth. In one of his exhibits, Mille Fiori, it was noted that he focused less on using tools to shape the glass and more on fire, gravity, and centrifugal force. This really stood out me because I feel that utilizing natural tools, such as literal forces from the Earth, rather than manmade ones preserves the naturality of the art form and highlights how something so simple can be transformed into something so beautifully complex. A lot of his finished art pieces also connect to the natural world as well, in different ways. Mille Fiori and his pieces in the Sealife room of the gallery took on the form of a colorful garden and an underwater tableau, respectively, while some of his creations interacted with and manipulated the sunlight streaming through large windows, and some were directly placed in a large outdoor garden as part of the local flora. In a time where so much of what's created is digital, it was incredibly refreshing to see art with such a strong connection to the physical world, and it only made the whole experience more captivating. 

The interactivity of the experience was also something to be highlighted, though it may be counterintuitive. Glassblowing is not inherently a very accessible form of art, as special tools, equipment, and knowledge of safety are required. Glass art itself is also not highly interactive, as one touch can shatter it. Regardless, Chihuly Garden and Glass turned it into something to be easily enjoyed and understood by everyone in multiple different ways. The glassblowing demonstration outside walked the audience through the process, producing a piece of art in real time. The layout of the pieces in the museum allowed for full observation on all sides, and the many information boards gave insight into the meaning behind them. The inclusion of Chihuly’s early concept sketches invited the viewer into his full process as an artist, something that is often hidden. Though these may seem like inconsequential additions, they went a long way in making the viewer feel more of a connection to the art form and Chihuly himself. 

Whether you’re a long-time Seattle resident looking to get to know your city’s art scene better or simply a passing tourist, Chihuly Garden and Glass is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss, highlighting the unique artistry of glassblowing in a beautiful way that will make you want to return again and again.  

Lead photo: Ikebana and Float Boats. Photo by Donovan Olsen.

This article was written by a TeenTix Newsroom member on special assignment through the TeenTix Press Corps.

The TeenTix Press Corps promotes critical thinking, communication, and information literacy through criticism and journalism practice for teens. For more information about the Press Corps program see HERE.