Dale Chihuly, glass sculptor

My first impressions of the Seattle-based glass sculptor Dale Chihuly were from a visit to the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas. I was awestruck by the sheer beauty of the hand-blown glass blossoms clustered onto the ceiling of the grand hotel lobby. There were more than 1,000 pieces of these delicate flowers forming waves after waves of majestic chandeliers.

When he showcased his sculpture exhibition in New York a few years later, I was eager to catch more of his creations. I was not disappointed. I came away inspired and dazzled by the palette of colors and complex designs reflected in the glass sculptures.

The exhibition was held at the New York Botanical Park in the borough of Bronx. It featured both interior and exterior glass installations. At the entrance to the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the visitor was greeted by his 20 foot Rose Tower sculpture. It reminded me of a tall pink lollipop.

My favorite pieces were those from the Tropical Pool theme. With the iconic white Victorian conservatory forming the backdrop, the delicate bluish-hued glass sculptures resembled herons and finely tipped onions gliding through the pool filled with water lilies and gold fishes.

 

There was also another exterior exhibition themed "Hardy Pool".  It showcased a boat filled with "hardy" food such as glass sculptured pumpkins, melons and gourds. They were really realistic looking.

Other pieces resembled weeds of different colors while others were smaller "plants" that have been integrated seamlessly into the surrounding flora and landscape.

One of the biggest sculpture pieces was The Sun positioned outdoor. It was a giant ball of yellow spiral entanglement which befit the title by its golden yellow color.

All the glass sculptures harmonized so brilliantly with nature that one wished that they were permanent accents of the landscape. They have also withstood the weather elements so hardily.