Dale Chihuly 2006 Signed Roman Red Seaform with Black Lip Wrap Portland Press Edition

Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Chinese Red Seaform with Black Lip Wraps
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Size: 4" x 10" x 8.5"
Inscription: Signed and inscribed with "PP06" for Portland Press Edition 2006
Year: 2006
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity

Dale Chihuly's Roman Red Seaform with Black Lip Wraps captures the artist's signature mastery of glass work, combining bold color with organic form. The large seaform measures 10” across and features a rich, deep red hue of the glass evokes a sense of timeless elegance. The glass sculpture is accented with a contrasting black lip wrap that adds a striking element of definition to the flowing shapes.

Inspired by the natural forms of the sea, Chihuly's Seaform series is known for its undulating edges and fluid designs that mimic the movement of ocean life. The Roman Red pieces, with their translucent surfaces and delicate scalloped edges, appear as if they've been shaped by the water itself. The bold color palette, combined with the soft, organic forms, creates a beautiful balance of energy and serenity.

This Roman Red Seaform is a perfect example of Chihuly's ability to transform molten glass into expressive, sculptural works of art. It's an extraordinary addition to any collection, celebrating the beauty of nature through the lens of contemporary glass artistry.

The Seaform is signed by Chihuly and inscribed with "PP06", marking it as part of the exclusive 2006 Portland Press Edition. Purchase includes a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity from Modern Artifact.

About Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly (b. 1941, Tacoma, Washington) is a pioneering American glass artist, widely recognized for revolutionizing the studio glass movement. His innovative techniques, use of color, and large-scale installations have transformed glass from a traditional craft into an expressive medium of fine art. With a career spanning over five decades, Chihuly's work has become iconic, featuring in major museums, galleries, and public spaces worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Chihuly's path to glass art began in an unexpected way. While studying interior design at the University of Washington, he was introduced to glass as an artistic material. After graduating in 1965, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied glassblowing under Harvey Littleton, a key figure in the American studio glass movement. His education continued at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he earned his MFA and later became a teacher.

A turning point in Chihuly's artistic development came in 1968 when he received a Fulbright Fellowship to study at the Venini glass factory in Venice, Italy. There, he learned the importance of teamwork in glassblowing, a technique that would shape his own collaborative process throughout his career. This experience helped him break from the tradition of glassblowers working alone and led him to create large, complex works that required a team of assistants.

Artistic Innovations

Chihuly is best known for his organic, flowing forms and bold use of color. Early in his career, he created a series of small vessels, but over time, his work grew in scale and ambition. His pieces range from delicate hand-blown bowls and vases to massive, immersive installations that transform entire spaces.

One of his most celebrated series is the Seaform collection, which explores the fluidity of ocean life. These pieces, with their undulating forms and vibrant colors, appear as if they were shaped by the sea itself. Another hallmark of his work is the Macchia series, known for its swirling colors and organic patterns. These works demonstrate Chihuly's masterful control of both form and color, using intricate layering techniques to achieve depth and texture.

His large-scale, site-specific installations have garnered international attention. Projects such as Chihuly Over Venice (1995-96), where he suspended glass sculptures over the canals of Venice, and Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem (1999), where his installations illuminated the ancient city, exemplify his ability to fuse art with architecture. His work has been exhibited in renowned institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overcoming Challenges

In 1976, a car accident left Chihuly blind in one eye, forcing him to adapt his approach to art. No longer able to blow glass himself, he began directing teams of glassblowers to execute his vision. This collaborative process, born of necessity, became one of the hallmarks of his creative practice and allowed him to continue creating ambitious works on an even larger scale.

Legacy

Dale Chihuly's impact on the world of art is profound. He has not only redefined the possibilities of glass as a medium but also brought it to the forefront of contemporary art. His works are in the permanent collections of major museums, and his exhibitions continue to draw large audiences. The Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle stands as a permanent exhibition of his work, a testament to his lasting influence.

Chihuly's fusion of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation has cemented his place as one of the most important glass artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. His ability to turn molten glass into stunning, organic forms has captivated art lovers worldwide, ensuring his legacy as a transformative figure in modern art.