Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Oxblood Seaform with Turquoise Lip Wrap
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Large Basket: 5.5" x 9.5" x 5.5"
Small Element: 2.5" x 2.5" x 2.5"
Year: Circa 1986
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Dale Chihuly's Oxblood Seaform with Turquoise Lip Wrap is a masterful expression of organic form and dynamic color, epitomizing the artist's unparalleled innovation in the medium of glass. This hand-blown sculpture features a rich oxblood hue that flows seamlessly into delicate, translucent ripples. The piece is accented by a vibrant turquoise lip wrap, providing a striking contrast and highlighting the fluidity of the edges. The sculpture exudes a sense of movement, as though it were a living organism captured mid-motion.
The Seaform series, introduced in the early 1980s, reflects Chihuly's fascination with the natural world, particularly the undulating forms and intricate details of marine life. The series marked a significant departure from more structured glassblowing techniques, embracing spontaneity and the interplay of light, color, and form. The oxblood tones in this piece evoke the earthy richness of coral reefs, while the vibrant turquoise lip wrap adds a luminous quality, mimicking the ocean's interplay of light and water.
This work comes with a gallery certificate of authenticity, further attesting to its significance within the artist's oeuvre. The Oxblood Seaform with Turquoise Lip Wrap is a testament to Chihuly's enduring legacy, showcasing his ability to transform glass into an ethereal medium that captures the beauty and fluidity of nature. Whether displayed as a standalone piece or as part of a larger collection, this sculpture commands attention and admiration, embodying the genius of one of the world's most celebrated glass artists.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is a pioneer in the world of contemporary glass art, celebrated for his innovative techniques, monumental installations, and vibrant creations that have redefined the boundaries of the medium. Born on September 20, 1941, in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's early fascination with the transformative properties of glass laid the foundation for a career that would revolutionize the art form. His works have transcended traditional notions of glassblowing, elevating the craft to a celebrated art form embraced by museums, collectors, and audiences around the globe.
Chihuly's educational journey was both eclectic and formative. He earned a degree in interior design from the University of Washington, where his initial exploration of glass began. Later, he studied sculpture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under Harvey Littleton, the founder of the American Studio Glass Movement. Chihuly completed his graduate studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later taught and established a glassblowing program. A Fulbright Fellowship allowed him to study at the renowned Venini glass factory in Murano, Italy, where he was deeply inspired by the collaborative nature of traditional glassblowing.
In the 1970s, Chihuly began developing his signature style, marked by organic forms, vibrant colors, and technical innovation. Early series like Cylinders and Baskets demonstrated his ability to combine intricate glassblowing techniques with artistic expression. The Baskets, in particular, were inspired by Native American textiles and pottery, showcasing Chihuly's fascination with cultural history and natural aesthetics. By the 1980s, Chihuly's work evolved further with series like Persians, Seaforms, and Macchia, which featured bold colors and undulating forms that defied traditional constraints of glass artistry.
A life-altering car accident in 1976 left Chihuly blind in one eye and unable to physically blow glass. This challenge prompted him to embrace a collaborative approach to creation, serving as the visionary director of a team of skilled artisans. This model of teamwork not only enabled him to execute his ambitious projects but also reflected his belief in the power of collective artistry, a philosophy he had first encountered in Murano.
Chihuly's work is celebrated for its monumental scale and site-specific installations. His installations, such as the Fiori di Como ceiling at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and the Rotunda Chandelier at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, have become cultural landmarks. His Chihuly Over Venice project (1996) brought his creations to the canals and piazzas of Venice, while his Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem 2000 installation drew over one million visitors to the historic Tower of David Museum. His solo exhibitions have been hosted by major institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the de Young Museum, San Francisco; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Chihuly's works are included in more than 200 museum collections globally, and he has received numerous accolades, including twelve honorary doctorates and the Seattle Center's Artist of the Year award. He continues to explore new frontiers in glass, painting, and drawing, with a dedication to innovation that has defined his six-decade-long career.
Today, Chihuly's legacy is firmly established as one of the most influential figures in modern glass art. His creative vision, marked by a profound appreciation for the natural world and the endless possibilities of glass, continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences worldwide. Whether through his shimmering sculptures, ethereal installations, or collaborative artistry, Dale Chihuly has redefined the role of glass in contemporary art and left an indelible mark on the global art scene.