Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Venetians
Medium: Wax Pastel on Paper
Paper Size: 30" x 22 1/2"
Frame Size: 35" x 27 1/2"
Date: Circa 1990-2000
Documentation: Comes with a gallery certificate of authenticity
This original pastel drawing on paper by Dale Chihuly offers a vivid exploration of his Venetian series. Celebrated for his groundbreaking work in glass, Chihuly uses his drawings as an extension of his creative process. While initially a means to communicate his visions to his glass-blowing team, these works have grown to embody his artistic energy and spontaneity in their own right.
The Venetians series originated from a collaboration between Chihuly and Italian glass maestro Lino Tagliapietra in 1988. Rooted in classical vessel forms, the series celebrates unrestrained exuberance with its dynamic embellishments—twisting coils, snaky handles, and flowing ribbons of glass. This drawing reflects Chihuly's conceptual process for the Venetians, with a free-flowing form marked by bold strokes, layered colors, and gestural energy.
The composition juxtaposes the elegance of classical design with the uninhibited spirit of contemporary expression. The playful crosshatched marks in vibrant shades of green, orange, purple, and red contrast against the soft translucence of the paper, evoking the dynamic interplay of color and light that defines Chihuly's glassworks.
Purchase of this artwork is accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity. While currently unframed, framing options are available to suit your aesthetic preferences.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is one of the most celebrated contemporary glass artists, renowned for his groundbreaking sculptures and installations. His iconic works include the breathtaking ceiling at the Bellagio's flower garden in Las Vegas and the Rotunda Chandelier at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Today, his glass creations are highly sought after by collectors and decorative arts enthusiasts worldwide.
Chihuly's journey into the art of glass began with an early interest in interior design and craft, but it was his passion for glassblowing that defined his career. A Fulbright Fellow in the late 1960s, Chihuly honed his craft as an apprentice at the Venini Glass Factory in Venice, mastering the ancient art of Murano glassmaking. His experiments pushed the boundaries of the medium, helping to reintroduce glassblowing as a revered art form on the global stage.
Chihuly's work has been featured in over 200 of the world's most prestigious collections. He is celebrated for transformative series such as Cylinders and Baskets from the 1970s; Macchia, Venetians, and Persians from the 1980s; and Niijima Floats and Chandeliers from the 1990s. More recently, his Fiori series has continued to captivate audiences.
Despite losing sight in one eye and the ability to physically blow glass due to accidents in the 1970s, Chihuly embraced a new role as the artistic director of his studio team. This shift allowed him to focus on conceptualizing and orchestrating large-scale installations while preserving his visionary style. With twelve honorary doctorates and a legacy that spans decades, Chihuly remains a pioneering force in contemporary art.