Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Green Seaform Set
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Large Seaform: 5" x 13" x 11"
Small Seaform: 2.5" x 6" x 4.75"
Year: 1981
Inscription: Signed and Dated “Chihuly 1981"
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
A masterful expression of fluidity and organic form, this Green Seaform set by Dale Chihuly captures the essence of the ocean in delicately blown glass. Created in 1981, this two-piece composition features Chihuly's signature undulating, translucent shapes that appear to ebb and flow like the gentle movement of water.
The larger element, measuring 5" x 13" x 11", is a soft mint-green basket with subtle hints of teal, its thin, rippling edges reminiscent of a seashell worn smooth by the tides. Nestled within, the smaller form (2.5" x 6" x 4.75") is a deep teal, contrasting beautifully against the lighter outer shell, enhancing the sense of depth and organic harmony. The interplay between these two forms, both in color and structure, echoes Chihuly's fascination with the delicate, yet powerful, forces of nature.
Signed and dated “Chihuly 1981", this work is an exquisite example of the artist's pioneering Seaform series, which explores the spontaneous and asymmetrical beauty found in marine life. The fluidity of the glass, accentuated by Chihuly's innovative freehand techniques, invites the viewer to appreciate the balance between fragility and movement.
Complete with a gallery certificate of authenticity, Seafoam Seaform Set is a stunning representation of Chihuly's ability to transform glass into living, breathing forms—an elegant tribute to the mysterious and boundless nature of the sea.
Dale Chihuly: A Visionary in Glass
Dale Chihuly (b. 1941) is an American artist renowned for revolutionizing the world of contemporary glass art. With his innovative techniques, bold use of color, and organic, free-flowing forms, Chihuly has transformed glassblowing into a sculptural art form that transcends traditional craft. His works, ranging from intimate vessel-like forms to monumental architectural installations, are celebrated worldwide for their vibrancy, movement, and sheer visual impact.
Early Life and Education
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly developed an early appreciation for design and texture. After enrolling at the University of Washington to study interior design, he was introduced to glass as an artistic medium, igniting a lifelong passion. His artistic journey took him to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1968. During this time, he was also awarded a Fulbright Fellowship, allowing him to study at the Venini glass factory in Murano, Italy—a pivotal experience that exposed him to traditional Venetian glassblowing techniques.
Innovations and the Studio Glass Movement
Upon returning to the United States, Chihuly co-founded the influential Pilchuck Glass School in Washington in 1971, establishing a creative hub for artists to experiment with glass in new and groundbreaking ways. His early works explored symmetry and functionality, but a personal turning point in 1976 changed the trajectory of his career—an automobile accident left him blind in one eye, and he was no longer able to physically blow glass. Instead of stepping away from the medium, Chihuly embraced a collaborative approach, directing a team of skilled glassblowers to bring his large-scale visions to life.
Signature Works and Series
Chihuly's work is instantly recognizable for its organic, fluid forms and bold colors, often inspired by nature. Some of his most iconic series include:
Seaforms (1980s-Present): Delicate, undulating shapes that evoke the beauty of marine life, capturing the ethereal quality of water in glass.
Macchia (1981-Present): Vibrant, spotted vessels that push the limits of color and translucency.
Persians (1986-Present): Exotic, swirling forms inspired by ancient Middle Eastern glasswork.
Chandeliers and Installations (1990s-Present): Monumental, gravity-defying compositions that redefine architectural spaces.
Major Exhibitions and Legacy
Chihuly's installations have been exhibited in prestigious museums and public spaces worldwide, from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London to the de Young Museum in San Francisco. His site-specific commissions, such as the stunning Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle and the immersive Fiori di Como ceiling installation at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, demonstrate his ability to transform environments with light, color, and form.
His work has pushed the boundaries of what glass can achieve, elevating it from functional craft to fine art. His legacy is one of innovation, accessibility, and sheer artistic spectacle—ensuring that his influence on the contemporary art world endures for generations to come.