Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Indigo Macchia
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Size: 5.25" x 10.5" x 7.25"
Inscription: Inscribed on bottom "Chihuly PP 05"
Year: 2005
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
"Indigo Macchia" exemplifies Dale Chihuly's mastery of color, form, and glassblowing technique in the early 21st century. Created in 2005, this work demonstrates Chihuly's innovative approach to hand-blown glass, combining organic form with bold, contrasting color schemes. The exterior surface of the piece is rendered in a deep indigo, providing a striking visual counterpoint to the vibrant yellow of the interior and the lip wrap. This interplay of color draws attention to the fluidity and depth characteristic of Chihuly's sculptural language, emphasizing both surface and internal space within the glass.
The form of "Indigo Macchia" is dynamic, with sinuous curves and a balanced asymmetry that suggest natural growth or movement, a hallmark of Chihuly's Macchia series. The artist's signature technique is visible in the layered textures and delicate shaping, reflecting his decades-long engagement with the possibilities of color, light, and form in glass. The work's dimensions, 5.25" x 10.5" x 7.25", make it an intimate yet commanding example of Chihuly's exploration of scale and proportion.
As a piece inscribed "Chihuly PP 05", this work represents a Portland Press edition, part of Chihuly's carefully limited and documented production process. With its inclusion of a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity, "Indigo Macchia" is an exemplary example of Chihuly's technical prowess and enduring influence on contemporary glass art, highlighting his ability to combine aesthetic innovation with masterful craftsmanship.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly (b. 1941, Tacoma, Washington) is a preeminent figure in contemporary glass art, recognized for his transformative contributions to the medium and his pioneering approach to large-scale sculpture and installation. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Chihuly has expanded the boundaries of glass from functional craft to monumental artistic expression, creating works that engage space, light, and architecture in innovative ways.
Chihuly studied interior design at the University of Washington, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1965, and pursued a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1967. His early training in ceramics and interior design informed his understanding of form, color, and spatial composition, laying the foundation for his future explorations in glass. In 1968, Chihuly received a Fulbright Scholarship to study Venetian glassblowing in Murano, Italy, immersing himself in centuries-old techniques while developing his distinctive approach to color, texture, and collaborative studio practice.
Renowned for his experimental techniques, Chihuly developed team-based glassblowing methods that enable the creation of complex, large-scale installations, including the iconic Persian Ceiling series, chandeliers, and garden sculptures. His work is characterized by organic forms, vibrant palettes, and dynamic compositions that transform architectural spaces and interact with natural light. While primarily known for glass, Chihuly has also produced works on paper, prints, and mixed media, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to exploring the possibilities of his artistic vision.
Chihuly's monumental installations are held in major public and private collections worldwide, including the Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including honors from the American Craft Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Dale Chihuly remains a central figure in the evolution of contemporary glass art, inspiring generations of artists and collectors through his inventive use of form, color, and space.
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