“Glass is the most magical of all material. It transmits light in a special way.” – Dale Chihuly

A few weeks ago while in Seattle, I had the opportunity to visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass. Dale Chihuly is one of the most renowned glassmakers of our time. His art has been installed and exhibited all over the world. His style is easily recognizable due to its beauty, bold colors, and design. He’s famous for his bright glass discs and plates that are attached to walls and ceilings. He is equally known for his large tree-like pieces which have glass panes sprouting out like leaves or branches. His work is often shown in gardens in public and commercial spaces.

Seattle’s Chihuly Garden and Glass collection is so fitting to display his work. As you walk through the dimly-lit galleries, the art alone is the focus. The vases, quilts, the Persian Ceiling, glass panes look majestic and often times sacred. That was the case particularly in the two photos above and the ones below. The glass bowls, reminiscent of baskets, were described as early works of Chihuly and show the immense influence of Indigenous people. It should be noted that Chihuly was born in Washington, a state inhabited by a significant number of Native American people.

I loved seeing the walls of both handmade quilts and Native American portraits. I could have lingered in that gallery alone for hours, feeling the connection of America’s Indigenous People, the art, and the spirit.

The collection was one of the highlights of our stay in Seattle. It was a joy to meander through the galleries immersed in thoughts of how beautiful the pieces were. I thought of the creative ingenuity of Chihuly, his life, his influences as well as his human frailties. He has shared publicly his struggle with mental health. Chihuly has discussed how he lost sight in his eye in a car accident, resulting in him wearing an eye patch. The following year in a boating accident, Chihuly injured his shoulder, limiting his ability to do the heavy work involved in glassmaking. Despite these challenges, he continues to excel creatively. I think of the man, the artist and the legend, and I am inspired. I think of the wonder and possibilities of creating beauty.

For more, go to Chihuly Garden and Glass.